CUSTOM-ENGINEERED BLOWERS HELP ACHIEVE EFFICIENT CROP PLANTING

The ‘Versadrill’ range of agricultural machines from SUMO UK Ltd offers farmers and contractors the ability to cope with most ground conditions to achieve fast and efficient seed drilling. They permit direct drilling into land with stubble, or that is ploughed or pressed, in just one pass with diverse types and sizes of seed. Helping to achieve this, the company uses custom-engineered, hydraulically driven blowers.

Features of the SUMO Versadrill include adjustable soil-loosening legs for depths up to 300mm, which relieve soil compaction and aerate in a V-shape. This V-shape then, uniquely, has two rows of seed placed accurately via disc coulters (vertical blade to cut soil) along each side to give the crop the best possible chance to both germinate and grow to maturity with free roots. The company’s research has shown that there is no need to deep loosen earth for every seed row, helping to save fuel.

Seed is delivered to the disc coulters via a blower system. Initially seed is accurately weighed as it leaves the 2700 litre bulk hopper mounted on the Versadrill. It is then drawn down to pass through a venturi valve from where it is blown along a feeder pipe to a multi-leg distribution hub that delivers seed to each coulter via dedicated feed hoses.

Using this technique, different models of the Versadrill can plant from 16 to 48 rows simultaneously. Seeds that can be handled by the SUMO machines range in size from oilseed rape up to broad beans.

The blowers employed by SUMO are supplied by Air Control Industries of Axminster and are powered by an hydraulic motor driven by the Versadrill’s hydraulic systems instead of the normal electric motor. In addition to being able to supply the blowers as impeller and housing assemblies, ACI has provided with SUMO a consultancy service combined with the ability to build units to match different requirements to promote high overall operating efficiency. This in turn is complemented by the fact ACI is a British manufacturer and can guarantee a rapid response support service when required.

“ACI has been very responsive to all our needs”, said Chris Byass, Product Development Manager. “The blowers are sized accurately to each Versadrill model following an analysis of performance requirements so energy consumption is minimised. Also, because we are a British company we are keen to buy British, particularly when we are confident that the supplier offers a product and service superior to the competition.”

MANUFACTURER OF SPECIALIST EXHAUSTS FOR DIESEL ENGINES USES ACI’S PURPOSE BUILT TEST FACILITIES

Western Tydens of Ivybridge, Devon is a specialist in designing and manufacturing exhaust systems for diesel engines employed for industrial applications and on/off-road vehicles. Products include spark arresters, exhaust gas cleaners/purifiers, silencers, pipework and accessories. The company can even supply ATEX approved exhaust systems for explosion hazard environments.

Because much of the company’s output is custom engineered, performance frequently has to be verified. In order to fulfil these ‘proof’ test requirements, the company contracts air handling specialist Air Control Industries to perform the appropriate tests.

ACI’s test facility, which complies with BS848, is specially engineered for measuring losses in airflow systems, be they at the feed or exit points of inline devices or at the end of ducting systems. It is ideal for configurations where air/gas flow lines incorporate elbows, filters or dampers. Test can be performed on ducting/pipework up to diameters of 35cm and to date, tests have been performed on systems with working pressures of up 2,500 mm.wg and flow rates of 7,000 m³/hr.

“The excellent test facilities at ACI have enabled us to carry out important tests and collect valuable data,” said Hugh Neep, General Manager for Western Tydens. “With new engines coming on stream, it is necessary to know, and show test data to our customers about how our exhaust systems perform under different gas flow rates. The ACI test facility enables us to show measured results and we intend to continue this service.”

The test facility was initially created to test ACI’s own fans and blowers but is now proving to be a valuable additional service that can be offered to potential users from different areas of industry.

Test

testing