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Use and Application
Varrox Eddy has been developed for the evaporation of Oxalic acid
dihydrate to treat bees against Varroa mites. The crucible is designed to
hold the solid oxalic acid dihydrate and is inserted from top into the base.
Put on personal protective equipment, acid resistant gloves, protective
goggles and a protective mask of at least type FFP2, KN95, P95 or
equivalent before filling the crucible with oxalic acid dihydrate.
With a short press of the start button, you can test the battery charge. To
prevent premature ageing of the battery, always recharge the battery
when one light is shown on the battery pack display.
1 Push and hold down the start button for 3 seconds to put the device into
ready mode, the start button and display for crucible will shine
permanently green.
2 Fill crucible with oxalic acid dihydrate, insert it in the device and place
the device into the bee hive. For high efficacy of treatment, ensure all
openings like open mesh floors and any gaps in the bee hive are closed
with suitable material such as cloth or sponge strips.
3 Push down the start button to start the treatment. Device should not be
moved during treatment. The start button shines green and the display
for the crucible shines orange until the treatment has been finished. The
treatment may be stopped manually at any time by pushing and holding
down the start button. The cooling phase begins after the treatment
ends. In the cooling phase the start button will blink blue and the display
for the crucible is white. When the crucible display turns to violet the
device may be removed from the hive. Keep the opening of the hive
closed for at least 10 minutes to prevent the bees from exiting.
4 After removing the device from the hive, remove the crucible from the
device and place the crucible into a container with some water for
cooling. Once cool any residual treatment can be cleaned. CAUTION:
Risk of burns when violet display is blinking, do not touch crucible or
support ring as both are very hot. Do not dip the tip of Varrox Eddy with
or without crucible directly in water. The device will be destroyed by the
thermal shock and water entering the device.
5 The device may now be equipped with a prepared crucible and be
placed in the next hive. Droplets of water on the crucible do not
influence the evaporation process. As soon as the display for the
crucible and the start button shine permanently green the next
treatment may be started with a push of the start button. The device can
be switched off by pushing and holding down the start button for 3
seconds.
Personal Protection Equipment and Safety
Instructions
CAUTION
: Risk of burns. Do not touch crucible during and after treatment.
Wear protective glasses, breathing mask of at least FFP2, KN95, P95 or
equivalent, long sleeved garments and acid resistant gloves during
treatment and cleaning of the equipment. Do not dip into liquids. Danger of
short circuits.
Restrictions of Use
Not suited for the evaporation of substances other than oxalic acid
dihydrate. Treatment should be applied during a period when the colony
does not have any sealed brood to have the best impact on the varroa
population in the hive. Do not use during heavy bee traffic as the treatment
will not be effective.
Do not apply treatment with honey supers on the hive. Precipitation of
oxalic acid on honey frames may lead to residues in honey.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Residues of oxalic acid dihydrate should be cleaned with a damp piece of
cloth or sponge after each treatment to prevent a build up. Clean and dry
with a cloth or paper towel before storing the device in its case. Do not use
abrasive cleaning materials for cleaning the base as they can scratch the
surface and leave residues.
Do not clean under running or in standing water.
To clean the battery pack, only use a dry or slightly moist piece of cloth.
The crucible is made from stainless steel and will discolour with use. Residues
or burnt on materials can be removed with steel wool or abrasive cleaning
sponges. To remove severely burnt on residue from the crucible, the use of
an oven cleaner is recommended.
The device has a useful life of 5 years, and does not need any other
maintenance besides cleaning. To charge the battery, please refer to initial
setup section. Do not open and/or modify the device.
