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LOADING AND MIXING BFM, FGM, SMM AND
OTHER HIGHLY VISCOUS SLURRIES (CONTINUED)
7. Start loading dry material, loading the lightest materials first. Agitator control should be in
full REVERSE for mixing.
Seed - Cut open the seed bag and dump contents into slurry tank. (When using inoculant,
add it in the tank along with the seed.) When using quick-swelling seeds, load them just
prior to application.
BFM, FGM, SMM, and other highly viscous slurries - When the water level is above the
top of the agitator blades, begin adding the entire bag of material into the tank. It may
become necessary to slow the rate of water being added to the tank. Add all bales before
the tank is 3/4 full. If agitator stalls or a high-pitch squeal comes from the hydraulic
system, reverse agitation to FORWARD for a moment to clear obstruction, then return
agitator to REVERSE.
NOTE:
BFM, FGM, and other viscous slurries will entrain air if proper mixing
procedures are not followed. Ensure that the agitator blades are
completely submerged prior to the addition of this material. This will
prevent air from entering the slurry. Follow manufacturers suggested rates
of materials as indicated on the packaging. Generally, this recommendation
is 50 pounds of material to 125 gallons of water.
Fertilizer – Cut open the fertilizer bag and dump contents into slurry tank.
All other additives - Consult with manufacturer for proper loading technique.
8. When all materials are loaded and in suspension, and the tank is full, move the agitator to
NEUTRAL then full speed FORWARD to ensure all material is mixed. It may be necessary
to change the agitator direction more than once to ensure a thorough mixture.
9. Agitate per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, the agitation time is
10 minutes to allow the proper viscosity to be generated. Follow manufacturer’s
recommendations.
10. Once material is thoroughly mixed, place the agitator in FORWARD direction to
1/4 speed, or just enough to create movement in all corners of the tank. DO NOT OVER-
AGITATE the slurry. Always discharge the material with the agitator control in FORWARD
and at a slow speed.
NOTE:
As the application process commences and the slurry level is decreased,
which will expose the agitator blades, it is extremely important to ensure
that the speed of the agitators is slow.
NOTE:
Use of recirculation should be kept to a minimum.
NOTE:
If foaming occurs, reduce agitator speed.
NOTE:
When mixing multiple loads of BFM, FGM, SMM, and other viscous
slurries, make sure to purge the lines with clear water before mixing the
next load.
