NL
Plant cultivator Gipmans is a proud user of the in-line Aqualine ozone system and Hortizone Eco.
Although the UV systems at Gipmans were performing their disinfecting function well, the quality of the irrigation water was not improving. Ozone systems are capable of improving the quality of water, which was the deciding factor for the purchase.
Aqualine systems are designed to treat water on an ongoing basis. This can be done either in-line or on a recirculation basis through a storage tank or silo. The Aqualine system is a complete and ready-to-use ozone system which is equipped with everything that’s needed to ensure a safe and efficient process. Ozone (O3) is a natural gas which reverts to oxygen (O2) during the decomposition of organic compounds. This process increases the oxygen content in the water by as much as 300%. This is reflected in the silo, where the purified water is collected just before use. It has also been measurably demonstrated by Gipmans on the cultivation floor during irrigation.
Additional oxygen offers a number of benefits – it promotes root development and nutrient absorption, which results in fuller and stronger vegetable plants for customers. Gipmans says that it has taken a great leap forward in terms of plant quality. With this in mind, it also passes clean spring water through the system. Treating spring water is not a necessity, but additional oxygen in the water certainly adds value. This differs from the routine used by a standard UV drain water decontaminator where only the drain water is decontaminated and not the supply water.
A second advantage is the low growth of biofilm in the water system. Preventively, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is dosed against this at all locations. At the nursery with the ozone installation, this does not seem to be necessary. To be sure, Gipmans still doses something, but it is substantially considerably less and that saves money.
By consciously opting for an in-line ozone system, the purified water is used directly keeping it beautifully clean. Purified water that has been stored for some time can see the redevelopment of organisms.
In addition to the Aqualine (capacity 100 m3/h), Gipmans also uses a smaller Hortizone Eco for BZG purification of discharge water. This purification step is carried out several times a year for a limited volume of water. The business has plans to start operating a second Eco system shortly.
‘Additional oxygen offers a number of benefits. It promotes root development and nutrient absorption, which results in fuller and stronger vegetable plants for customers. We have taken a great leap forward in terms of plant quality’, Gipmans explains. ‘That’s why we also run clean spring water through the system. There is no need to decontaminate this water, but the additional oxygen certainly adds value. A second benefit is the lower biofilm growth in the water system. As a preventive measure to guard against this growth, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is also dosed at all locations. This would no longer appear to be necessary at the nursery operating the ozone system.’
What to do before 2023 & 2027?
Do you have questions and challenges relating to improving your business? Ask our advisers for your industry!
.svg)
