Netafim Fertikit 3G User Manual
FERTIKIT
™ 3G
V 001.08 - MAY 2015
USER MANUAL
2 FERTIKIT USER MANUAL
© COPYRIGHT 2013, NETAFIM™
NO PARTS OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN AN AUTOMATED DATA FILE OR MADE PUBLIC IN
ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, WHETHER ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, BY PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR IN ANY
OTHER MANNER WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.
ALTHOUGH NETAFIM™ TAKES THE GRE ATEST POSSIBLE CARE IN DESIGNING AND PRODUCING BOTH ITS PRODUCTS
AND THE ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION, THEY MAY STILL INCLUDE FAULTS.
NETAFIM™ WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM USE OF NETAFIM'S PRODUCTS OR
USE OF THIS MANUAL.
NETAFIM™ RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS PRODUCTS AND/OR THE
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
In the event that you are reading this manual in a language other than the English language, you
acknowledge and agree that the English language version shall prevail in case of inconsistency or
contradiction in interpretation or translation.
FERTIKIT USER MANUAL 3
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing bodily injury or direct damage to the
FertiKit™ 3G and/or the infrastructure in the presence of electricity.
WARNING
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing bodily injury or direct damage to the
crops, the FertiKit™ 3G and/or the infrastructure.
CAUTION
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing unwanted system operation,
installation or conditions that, if not followed, might void the warranty.
ATTENTION
The following text contains instructions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of usage of the
instructions in the manual.
NOTE
The following text contains instructions aimed at emphasizing certain aspect of the operation of
the system or installation.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing foot injury.
TIP
The following text provides clarification, tips or useful information.
ACID HAZARD
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing bodily injury or direct damage to the
crops, the product and/or the infrastructure in the presence of acid.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing damage to health or bodily
injury in the presence of fertilizers, acid or other chemicals.
EXAMPLE
The following text provides an example to clarify the operation of the settings, method of
operation or installation.
The values used in the examples are hypothetical. Do not apply these values to your own
situation.
Use of symbols
The symbols used in this manual refer to the following:
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Safety
Safety instructions
When using acid/chemicals
Description
Introduction
Advantages
Basic functions
Operating principle
Modularity
Compatibility
Service
Maintenance
Typical installation overview
The 7 modes
PL modes (PL/PS/PR/RL)
PB mode
SP mode
MS mode (MS/RS)
IL mode
ST mode
PD mode
Operation and maintenance
Operation
Maintenance
Winterization
Troublehooting
Symptoms regarding more than one single dosing channel
Symptoms regarding a single dosing channel
Symptoms while idle
Switchboard warning
Warranty
Appendices
Appendix 1 - Calibration:
1. Calculation of dosing channels opening percentage
2. Simulation with a 10 liter (2 US gal) bucket of water
3. Calibration of the FertiKitTM while irrigating
CONTENTS
FERTIKIT USER MANUAL 5
SAFETY
Safety instructions
• All safety regulations must be applied.
• Ensure that the installation is carried out in a manner that prevents leaks from the FertiKitTM,
the fertilizer/acid tanks and lines, the peripherals and the accessories (contaminating the
environment, soil or ambient area).
• When using acid always observe the acid manufacturer's safety instructions.
• Electrical installation and troubleshooting should be performed by an authorized electrician only.
• The electrical installation must comply with the local safety standards and regulations.
• Installation should be performed by authorized technicians only.
• Protection provided by the equipment can be impaired if the equipment is used in a manner other than
that specified by the manufacturer.
CAUTION
Read the Safety instructions chapter before using, maintaining or troubleshooting the FertiKit™ 3G.
WARNING
In agricultural environment - always wear protective footwear.
CAUTION
When opening or closing any manual valve, always do it gradually, to prevent damage to the
system by water hammer.
WARNING
Always use protective equipment, gloves and goggles when handling fertilizers, acid and
other chemicals!
NOTE
The maximum sound level produced by the equipment does not exceed 70dB.
WARNING
Measures must be taken to prevent fertilizer infiltration of the water source, to avoid water pollution.
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SAFETY
When using acid/chemicals
ACID HAZARD
When using acid - always observe the acid manufacturer's safety instructions.
WARNING
Always use protective equipment, gloves and goggles when handling fertilizers, acid and
other chemicals!
WARNING
Exceeding the recommended acid concentrations will damage the dosing channels.
WARNING
Substances
such as chemicals for pest/disease control might be corrosive and damage the
FertiKit™ 3G. When using any substance
other than
fertilizers or acids not exceeding the
concentrations in the table above, always observe the manufacturer's instructions for corrosivity.
In case of any doubt, contact your Netafim™ local representative.
ATTENTION
When dosing acid, use a dosing channel fitted with the appropriate components according to
the type and concentration of the acid used*:
For pH correction For maintenance of drippers
Type of dosing channel
Diaphragm
and O-rings
Nitric
(HNO
3)
Phosphoric
(H
3PO4)
Sulfuric
(H
2SO4)
Hydrochloric
(HCl)
Hydrogen
peroxide
(H
2O2)
Chlorine (as
hypochloride)
For diluted acid EPDM <3% <85% <30% <10% <30% <1%
For concentrated acid Viton <40% <85% <90% <33% <50% <10%
% is by weight at 21oC (70oF)
*The table indicates the resistance of the dosing channel components to acid,
and is not a recommendation to use the acids mentioned.
CAUTION
There are fertilizer combinations that at high concentration might induce crystallization in the FertiKit's
lower manifold and cause clogging of the pipes.
Fertilizer combinations prone to induce crystallization:
•
Calcium Nitrate + Ammonium Sulfate => Calcium Sulfate
•
Calcium Nitrate + Potassium Sulfate => Calcium Sulfate
•
MKP + Calcium Nitrate => Calcium Phosphate
•
MAP + Calcium Nitrate => Calcium Phosphate
•
Phosphoric acid + Calcium Nitrate => Calcium Phosphate
When injecting these fertilizer combinations:
•
Make sure to dilute each fertilizers to the allowed concentration in the fertilizer tank prior to
injection through the FertiKit™.
•
Imediately after each injection of any of the fertilizer combination above, flush the FertiKit™ with
clean water for at least 2 minutes.
In case of doubt regarding the use of any
combination of
fertilizers, contact your Netafim™ local
representative.
FERTIKIT USER MANUAL 7
DESCRIPTION
Introduction
The FertiKitTM 3G is a fully configurable fertilizer/acid dosing unit - a highly cost-effective solution for
precise NutrigationTM.
Based on a standard platform, the FertiKitTM offers 7 different operation modes, selectable according
to the site conditions, in order to maximize usage of available water flow rate and pressure on the main
irrigation line, ensuring the highest efficiency with minimum investment.
The FertiKitTM can accommodate a variety of dosing channels, dosing boosters, controllers, peripherals and
accessories to meet a vast range of applications and infrastructure constraints.
Capacity range
The FertiKitTM ensures a satisfactory mixture in an extremely vast range of flow capacities.
It will accommodate a 0.1 Ha (0.25 Acres) nursery or a 400 Ha (1000 Acres) sugar cane plantation.
Main line pressure range: up to 8.5 bars (123.0 PSI).
Main line flow rate range: from 1.0 to 700.0 m3/h (from 4.4 to 3000.0 GPM).
Advantages
• A modular NutrigationTM system for soil or substrate applications with minimum investment
• Efficient usage of water, fertilizers and energy
• Unrivaled range of irrigation water capacities
• Designed for any application where quantitative or proportional NutrigationTM is required
• Highly profitable price/performance ratio
• Venturi operating principle - no moving parts
• Fits easily into any existing irrigation system
• Precise NutrigationTM based on high-accuracy dosing channels
• Quick action dosing valves
• Available with up to 6 fertilizer/acid dosing channels
• NutrigationTM recipes can be changed quickly and efficiently
• Can be operated manually or fully computerized
• NMC and other controllers can be assembled on the FertiKitTM for advanced NutrigationTM control
•
A wide variety of accessories and peripherals can be integrated into the FertiKitTM to enhance its functions
• High-quality components and PVC pipe work
• Aluminum, corrosion-resistant frame with adjustable legs
• Easy to install and to maintain
• Made by Netafim™
Basic functions
The FertiKitTM supports the following NutrigationTM functions:
• Fully controlled dosing and mixing of fertilizers/acid with source water into a homogenous nutrient
solution.
• EC/pH correction of the nutrient solution.
• Water pre-treatment
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DESCRIPTION
Operating principle
The FertiKitTM doses the various fertilizers and acid into a homogeneous solution and injects it into the
irrigation water main line. The suction of the fertilizers and acid in the dosing channels is based on the
Venturi principle. This requires a pressure differentiation - available on the main line or supplied by the main
line pump or the FertiKit's dosing booster.
Modularity
The modular FertiKitTM 3G concept is based upon an array of interchangeable components that enables
rapid assembly of a wide range of configurations.
Each FertiKitTM is delivered according to the precise customer’s order, either fully factory assembled or
assembled by the local dealer.
The dealer stocks the assortment of the FertiKitTM interchangeable components.
This concept enables the dealer to assemble any specific FertiKitTM according to the customer’s order,
saving
the need to stock a large quantity of fully assembled FertiKitTM units of various common configurations.
The modular FertiKitTM 3G concept ensures prompt delivery schedules without delays!
Stock selection option
Enables the dosing of multiple fertilizers through a single dosing channel (in cases where simultaneous
dosing is not required). Suits all modes of FertiKitTM. Available in a wide variety of configurations, from a
single dosing channel with 2 fertilizers to as many dosing channels and fertilizers as required. For further
information, contact Netafim™.
Compatibility
The FertiKitTM 3G can be incorporated in an existing or a planned project; in either case it offers a highly
cost-effective solution for NutrigationTM by taking maximum advantage of the infrastructure conditions.
Any available pressure surplus can be used for the FertiKit’s operation. In order to configure the most
cost-effective FertiKitTM, making the maximum use of available pressure.
ATTENTION
Calculations are either in metric or in US units - consistency in the type of units used is essential.
Service
Servicing the FertiKitTM 3G is a prompt and simple process. The dealer keeps a small quantity of
interchangeable components on hand, for replacement on site within a few minutes.
Maintenance
To prevent failures and extend the life cycle of the FertiKitTM, regular maintenance must be carried out
by the user, such as periodic rinsing of filters and calibration of the EC/pH sensors. For full maintenance
instructions, see Maintenance (page 18).
FERTIKIT USER MANUAL 9
DESCRIPTION
The 7 modes
Each one of the FertiKit™ 3G 7 modes depicted on the folowing pages fits a specific infrastructure configuration.
Typical installation overview
The drawing below represents the typical infrastructure suitable for the PL mode.
Each one of the FertiKit™
3G 7 modes fits a
different
infrastructure configuration.
(see the schematic diagrams in Modes, pages 10-16
).
Main parts of the FertiKit™ and its infrastructure
The list below presents the Main parts of the FertiKit™ and the parts of the infrastructure required for the
operation of the FertiKit™ various modes (see pages
10-16
).
Color code:
Supplied (part of the FertiKit™), Not supplied (part of infrastructure), Optional.
1
Dosing channel + Venturi
2
Upper manifold pressure gauge
3
Lower manifold presure gauge
4
Sampling outlet
5
Controller
6
EC sensor
7
pH sensor
8
EC/pH transducer
9
Dosing booster
10
Dosing booster switchbox
11
Check valve
12
Pressure switch
13
Fertilizer/acid stock tank
14
Manual valve (fertilizer)
15
Fertilizer/acid filter
16
Manual valve (isolation)
17
Main line
pressure sustaining valve (PSV)
18
Irrigation valve
19
Water meter
20
Main line filter
21
Main line pump
22
Main line
pressure reducing valve (PRV)
23
Sampling outlet
24
Saddle fitting
25
Command tube
26
Pressure sustaining valve (PSV)
27
Pressure reducing valve (PRV)
28
Water meter
29
Air release valve
FertiKitTM 3G
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