8. MAINTENANCE
As with any silage inoculant applicator, the tank and tubing should be cleaned at frequent intervals to prevent
microorganisms (inoculant or contaminants) growing inside the tank or tubing. Ideally the whole system
should be washed with clean water between jobs, taking care to clean under the tank rim and flushing the
tubing well. If microbial growth does occur the tank should be scrubbed with hot, soapy water then the whole
system flushed thoroughly with clean water so there is no residual soap.
Draining inoculant from the tank for refrigeration
: Use ‘reverse cleaning mode’ to flush any inoculant in the system back
into the tank then drain the tank contents into suitable clean containers, eg original bottles.
Flushing the system:
Rinse the inside of the tank thoroughly with clean water and drain off, taking care to clean under
the rim. Close the drain tap and put some more clean water into tank, turn the 3-way valve to the tubing outlet and run
the pump in ‘forward cleaning mode’ to flush the system. You may need more than one cycle. Open the tank drain to
release any water remaining in the tank.
Pump
: Regularly check the pump and inside of the pump box are clean and dry.
Out of use:
If the pump is not to be used for a prolonged period, remove the rubber tube and holder from inside the pump
to prevent the tube becoming constricted due to prolonged compression at the contact points (see below). Alternatively,
once a week remove the clear pump cover and red disc and manually turn the central hub to a new position.
Removing the tube holder from the pump:
Remove the clear cover and the red disc then slide out the orange tube holder.
Turn the centre hub clockwise until it resembles the letter ‘D’. Gently ease the tube out at the left-hand side then rotate
the central hub clockwise to gradually release the rest.
Re-inserting the tube holder into the pump:
Turn the centre hub so it resembles the letter ‘D’ then slide in the orange
plastic holder. Press the tube down into place on the left-hand side then gently press the rest of the tube in place while
rotating the hub clockwise. Replace the red disc, taking note of the alignment underneath, and the plastic cover.
Replacing the pump tube:
Make sure the tube is not twisted – the two red marks on the tube should both be facing the
same way when attached.
End of season:
1) Wash the whole system thoroughly with clean water; 2) Leave tank drain open during storage;
3) Check the pump and inside of the pump box are clean and dry and remove the pump tube; 4) Check the condition of
the nozzle.
Start of season:
1) Check all tubing for damage; 2) We recommend you fit a new pump tube – a spare is supplied with
the kit; 3) Check the condition of the nozzle and make sure it is correctly positioned in the chute; 4) Run some water
through the system and test the control box and pump are both functioning correctly.
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