Technology

How It Works

When a control valve is activated, the high volume self priming diaphram pumps pull in filtered fluid from the supply tank through the blue suction hose and push fluid through the yellow hose to the 3 way control valves. The 3 way control valves when in the off position or set to ZERO flow rate will be sending all the pumped fluid and any trapped air back to the supply tank through the red return line. This will purge the system of air and help mix and agitate the fluid. When the control valve is activated with a set flow rate the 3 way valve will begin diverting fluid through the flow meters and through the green hose and into an irrigation line, tank, or directly to a product. The 3 way divert valve is what determines how much fluid goes back to the supply tank and how much is sent out to be used. The 3 way control valve can be set by hand manually and the system will go to that set point when activated remotely. The 3 way control valve can also continously modulate with computer control to react to changing flow rates or pressures of the main water source as well as filter restriction or changes in supply tank head pressure.

Construction

All weather quality construction to survive the sun, rain, and dust. Rigid stainless steel frame with removeable side panels for easy access to components while protecting from UV rays and physical damage.

Materials

Corrosion resistant to withstand harsh chemicals both inside and out. Stainless steel frame. Teflon, Viton, and PVC control valves. Polypropylene pump heads with santoprene diaphragms and Viton valves. Polypropylene fittings, flowmeters, and PVC hoses.

Pumps & Valves

High pressure and high flow diaphragm pumps are self priming and can run dry. A cooling fan allows for continuous duty cycle in hot climates. The pumps and valves have quick change fluid and electrical connections so line flushes and replacements are quick and easy. No need to cut lines or change fittings.

Analog Flowmeters

Analog sight tube flowmeters are a simple to use economical option for when a digital flowmeter is not necessary.

Ag Craft Injector Machine with digital or analog flowmeters

Digital Flowmeters

Digital paddlewheel flowmeters have proven to be accurate and trouble free with varying chemical properties and mixtures. The spinning wheel flow rate can visually be verified through the sight window on the meter. Live rate and totalized volume can be viewed and adjusted to unit of choice.

Analog or Digital Control

Intuitive flow control dial can be adjusted to desired rate while watching the flowmeter. A Hand/Auto switch allows for instant testing and dispensing in Hand mode. In Auto the system is ready for remote startup with any automation system, timer, pressure switch, or controller of your choice.

Ag Craft Injector Machine with PLC output meters
Ag Craft Injector Machine

Modulating Control

An industrial PLC and touchscreen allows for advanced control by modulating flow rate for a proportional % of water to material concentration. The rates are set on the controller and ready for remote startup with any automation system, timer, pressure switch, or controller of your choice.

Data Output

Both Digital and Modulating control systems output a pulsed signal from the flowmeters which are prewired for an automation system for remote monitoring and datalogging.

Ag Craft Injector Machine with PLC output meters
Ag Craft Injector Machine in an ag field with 4 independent valves, pumps, and controls

Reliability

Double sealed electrical enclosures keep moisture and dust out and off the controls and screens. Simple circuit design and sealed wiring harnesses keep the electical system corrosion free. Power supplies are overload protected and auto resetting to maintain power to the control system. 4 isolated circuits in one unit allows materials to be swapped to a spare circuit if one fails.

Install & Startup

Electrical system runs on a standard 120V outlet pulling less than 12A with all 4 pumps running. Efficient enough to run on a small generator or solar in off grid applications. Quick connect cam locks on all ports with color coded lines makes connecting hoses simple. Install kits supply all the nessesary parts to connect the machine to the tanks and injection line. Intuitive control allows quick learning and startup.

Safety

The machine uses a closed system design so operators are not in contact with materials or having to disconnect and reconnect lines or containers filled with material. Auto close valves lock off flow when system is shutdown as well as in the event of a loss of control signal. A safety pressure switch prevents startup until the irrigation system is at operating pressure. The safety circuit can also be tied into any exsiting safety circuit. Side panels enclose the pumps, valves, and hoses so in the event of a leak, operators are sheilded from potential spray. Flow rate adjustments are made from a control panel so operators are not exposed to unshielded lines and pumps.