The Bayer Crop Science Division, based in Monheim, Germany, is one of the world's leading companies in the agricultural industry and specialises in the areas of seeds and plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection and digitalisation. The company views seed processing as a comprehensive process that goes far beyond pure product expertise. Also on the agenda: the constant further development of processes in production through practical experience, continuous research and a constant look at innovative solutions from other industries.
In order to produce sufficient food, animal feed, fibres and renewable raw materials for a constantly growing world population, the processing of seeds is essential in agriculture. One method that has been used since ancient times is the Staining, today also Seed treatment called. The dressing is applied directly to the seed. It facilitates mechanical processing and protects against fungal infestation and pests.
The pickling engineers from Bayer's SeedGrowth team became aware of the Schütz impeller during the interpack 2017 packaging trade fair. Because the directly One-way stirrer integrated in the IBC significantly simplifies the handling of the stain.
„These formulations often segregate, especially in large quantities. After long periods of standing, the dressing can settle. The seed dressing must therefore be mixed and homogenised before processing. This is a complex process in an IBC with a volume of 1,000 litres,“ says Norbert de Baey, pickling engineer at Bayer.
Previously, special pumps were used for this. The packaging always had to be opened and the pump inserted. This was physically strenuous for users in many respects. In addition, external contamination of the packaging could hardly be avoided - even with the utmost care. This meant that there was a risk of direct contact with the pickling liquid.
However, IBCs with the integrated impeller developed by Schütz can remain closed throughout the entire supply chain, from filling to removal, and still allow for Convenient and effective stirring of the filling products. The system is available for all 1,000 and 1,250 litre Ecobulk types with DN 150 and DN 225 filling openings. „This new development seemed perfect for our Seed Treatments - a simple, flexible and cost-effective principle,“ was de Baey's initial assessment after the trade fair. For a more detailed examination, Bayer and Schütz subjected the impeller to a test at the Klamroth-Börnecke seed treatment plant in Saxony-Anhalt in October 2017. Stir test.
The right twist - even for well dressed seeds
The disposable agitator is connected to the screw cap of the IBC and is already installed in the factory. The system is only removed briefly for filling or remains permanently installed - depending on the filling process and the respective configuration of the container. A conventional drive system can be connected for stirring without any major modifications or conversions.
To do this, the drive is placed over the screw cap and fixed to the grid cage with a frame. The drive shaft engages positively with the hub of the impeller through the opening of the plug, whereby the rotation is transmitted to the impeller inside the container. Its movable blades change their position due to the Centrifugal force. The speed is individually adjusted to the fill level. At reduced speed, they decrease and then ensure that even small residual quantities are Optimum stirring result.
Identical distribution: deposits are avoided
Already one Optical inspection in the practical test showed how the dressing was stirred homogeneously - without causing foaming. The experts then analysed the active ingredient content and its distribution. To do this, samples of the filling material were taken from the lower, middle and upper areas of the container. They compared these in the laboratory with samples taken before the stirring process. The result: the usual deposition of heavy active ingredients was no longer detectable after stirring with the integrated impeller. All substances were distributed identically at all levels in the pickling broth, meaning that the liquid was evenly distributed. Completely homogenised.
„We are extremely satisfied with this test. The impeller from Schütz ensures Uniform mixing and Concentration of active ingredients. The seed can therefore be optimally coated with the dressing agent. In addition, the possibility of the user coming into contact with the dressing agent is also reduced - an important contribution to the safety of our customers in everyday use,“ summarises de Baey. Based on this test result, Bayer switched to the IBC plus Impeller system from Schütz for the packaging of its premium grain seed dressings in Germany in 2018.
Further advantages - from costs to environmental protection
The use of the impeller as a disposable system also minimises the risk of Contamination of the stain by Residual adhesion of filling material minimised. This is because even the immersion of the pumps previously used poses a potential risk. Time-consuming cleaning and the associated costs are also eliminated. The entire impeller component is made entirely of HDPE. Empty IBCs, including the impeller, are collected by Schütz Ticket Service; the bladder and impeller are processed into HDPE recyclate as part of the reconditioning process. The recovered material is reused in an environmentally friendly way in Schütz products, for example in the form of plastic pallets.
