Automation of nutrient and acid delivery is a big attraction in injector use. Users make up a single batch of concentrated fertilizer or pH adjuster, and injectors automatically dose irrigation water until stock has been depleted. Use of a stock solution is often a big space saver, as it can replace the need for large bulk tanks. For example, a 1:100 ratio injector treats 2000 gallons of irrigation water from the water supply using a 20-gallon stock tank rather than housing a 2000-gallon bulk tank on site. Use of injectors also simplifies solution prep, minimizing worker errors. Some products are suitable for direct-injection: the injector intake tube drops right into the product container. Sanitizers and some pesticides can also be applied through injectors, bringing great efficiencies to your operation. .
|
Ratio |
Percentage |
mL/L |
mL/Gal |
Oz/Gal |
|
1:50 |
2% |
20 |
76 |
2.56 |
|
1:100 |
1% |
10 |
38 |
1.28 |
|
1:200 |
0.5% |
5 |
19 |
0.64 |
|
1:500 |
0.2% |
2 |
7.6 |
0.26 |
|
1:1000 |
0.1% |
1 |
3.8 |
0.13 |
Different types of injectors present their injection capabilities using many different units; it is useful to be able to see how these unit compare to each other. Whether injecting based off of a ratio, a percentage, or a volume per volume, injectors can be relied upon to consistently deliver a predictable volume of product. The above table lists some common units and equivalencies.
Injector capabilities range from large to incredibly small injection amounts. Dosatron injectors typically have adjustable injection ratios, with common options being 1:50 to 1:500, and 1:333-1:3000. Higher injection amounts are used for things like fertilizer or nematodes, normally applied at a 1:50 down to 1:200 ratio. Very small injection amounts are often used for acids, bases, and sanitizers utilizing injector ratios down to 1:3000 ratio.
Different injectors and dosers work in different ways. Dosatron injectors are simple workhorses, requiring no electricity, making them a great choice for many applications, including field, portable, and in-zone use for CEA growers. Dosatron injectors rely on “positive displacement”, meaning injections ratios are consistent within acceptable flow rates and water pressure; the injection action is powered by the flow of water through the injector. Dosatron injectors are available in low flow rate and high flow rate models – growers should be aware of the gallons per minute (gpm) provided by their water pumps and the downstream need. From there, the equipment specialists at Griffin can help with specification.
This relatively simple equipment is a great base for a consistent nutrient delivery. . Depending on the plumbing strategy, these injectors can be “always on” when connected to flowing water. One pro tip we like to share is to plumb a bypass loop with a manual valve into the system ahead of the injector. This will provide the ability to “turn off” an injector unit. Contact your Griffin rep for more info!