Archive for Februar, 2017

NEW SEMI-AUTOMATIC STEAMING MACHINE IN OPERATION

Montag, Februar 20th, 2017

On the 15th of February 2017 a large seed breeding business focused on oilseed rape crops put the new semi-automatic steaming machine from MSD AG into operation.

The complete tractor-towed system has a steaming capacity of 800kg per hour. A special feature of its design is a large boom hood of more than 7 m length and a total area of approx. 18 sq. m. The system allows treatment of 180 – 200 sq. m soil surface per hour.

Semi-automatic steaming machine MSDA-800 towed by a tractor
Semi-automatic steaming machine MSDA-800 towed by a tractor

Video available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKMkzokNgF8

With this steaming system, propagation areas can be kept clean, in particular from the seeds of previous breeding strains, without using chemicals.  In this way, several hectares will be annually prepared for breeding of new seed varieties.

Semi-automatic steaming machine with a 7m long boom steaming hood
Semi-automatic steaming machine with a 7m long boom steaming hood

The system was directly commissioned by its manufacturer MSD Corp. in a day. From the very first day, the system was effectively operated. Its design is largely autonomous. In arranged tanks, fuel oil level supply is enough for a full day of operation. The water is continuously supplied through a hose pipe. During the operation, the minimum water pressure is maintained by an installed pump system. The semi-automatic machine also has its own water treatment unit to ensure optimal water hardness.

SANDWICH-TYPE DAMPING CONQUERS NEW ZEALAND

Freitag, Februar 3rd, 2017

A leading herb farm near Cambridge ordered a sandwich-type steam system from MSD Corp.  and started it at the beginning of February. The system is equipped with a large steam boiler of type S 1350. So more than 42 sq. m are covered  with up to four steam hoods. All steam hoods are equipped with special hollow pins that make it possible to reach a steaming depth of up to 25 cm below the steam hoods in max. 8 minutes.

Spiked steaming hoods in a tunnel
Spiked steaming hoods in a tunnel

The steam hoods are raised and lowered by a hydraulic system. A special winch pulls the raised steaming hoods over  the surface. Using this system, the farm can sanitise280 sq. m per hour and completely liberate the treated surface it from weeds, weed seeds, pests,  soil diseases and fatigue.

hollow pins under the steam hood with a length of up to 20cm
hollow pins under the steam hood with a length of up to 20cm

In sandwich-type steaming, soil preparation is still a key factor of success for good steaming results. The surface must not be too moist. It shall be well loosened to the desired depth of steaming effect, at least.

For more information on sandwich-type steaming, please visit:
http://www.moeschle.de/en/sandwich-type-steaming#