Quantum Mist Tower Sprayers Product Information (2144 Kb) - Fatcow

HORTICULTURE BUYERS’ GUIDEQUANTUM MISTOVERVIEWIn 2003 the Quantum Mist fan was released to meet the demandsof horticulture producers for improved application of cropprotection products.Even from the early days of design and testing, it became clear that directed air axialfantechnology could provide increased efficiency for grape growers in terms of betterspray coverage, faster travel speeds, energy savings, outstanding reliability, and minimaldrift potential.The ability to spray large areas of vines economically and effectively was just what themarket needed. Growers seeking enhanced efficiency across increased acreages, optionsfor multi-row application, and technologies to reduce spray drift were impressed by theresults achieved with Quantum Mist.Croplands have continued to invest in improvements, and have seen the Quantum Mistapplication technology become the market leader in horticulture. Today, Croplands canoffer the widest range of sprayers of any manufacturer utilising multi-head axial fans.The simplicity and reliability of the Quantum Mist underpins the proven performance ofthe system in the field. Spray coverage has never been better than with this technology.Efficiency gains have been outstanding, and it’s no secret that the Quantum Mist has beena huge success for producers as a result.QUANTUM MIST TimelineAustralia and New Zealand see recordplantings of grapes, area under vinesin Australia goes from 61,000 hectaresin 1992 to 80,600 hectares in 1996,an increase of 32%. Large scaleproduction creates demand for efficientapplication of crop protection products.AUS Geoff Furness, a researcherwith the South Australian Researchand Development Institute (SARDI)starts work on improved chemicaldelivery by developing a low rpmbroad cord fan, called the Hydrasprayer. Involves collaboration withindustry and private entities.NZ George Eady, orchardist andinventor is developing a rotary cageatomiser type spray head, called theQuantum Mist. Discussions with GeoffFurness lead to the project movingtoward a low rpm broad cord fandesign with hydraulic hollow conenozzles. Croplands approached byGeorge to commercialise the design.Impact of corporatisationand large-scale farmingcontinues to drivedemand for efficiency.Newly developed Quantum Mistreleased in market, achievesmore effective coverage, at lowerfan rpm, giving rise to multi-rowsprayers able to cover much morearea then single-row machines.1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003Croplands recognised thepotential for directionalair application in grapesusing axial fan technology.Early version of QuantumMist launched inAustralia. Reduction inspray drift continues tobe focus of industry. Areaunder vines in Australiais now 98,600 hectares.Croplands begins manufactureof axial fan applicationmachinery to meet the demand.Independent evaluationundertaken to test performanceof the Quantum Mist technology.Development of the QuantumMist fan with SARDI. TheSARDI fan, a 5-blade onepiecedesign, was a major stepforward in the developmentof the Quantum Mist.4