The MAFEX Potato and Fruit fine spray unit is based on ULV (Ultra Low Volume)technology, through which the required output volume can be reduced significantly thanks to optimal dispersion of active ingredients with uniform size of droplets.It has been used for many years, in particular for the optimal protection of potato harvest yield with germ inhibitors and fungicides, as well as for fruits with wax and fungicides.

Working method of the MAFEX process

The all-round wetting of the nodular surface is indispensable for fighting pests. Individual active agent particles must cover the surface with the least possible separation gap. In order to achieve an equal distri-bution, the chemical agent available must be dispersed in a multitude of uniformly sized droplets.

On the MAFEX unit, this is accomplished by means of centrifugal force using a specially developed rotation disc that generates approx. 30 million droplets from 1 ml of liquid. The droplets are uniformly deposited on the surface through the vertical air steam generated by the rotation disc and gravity, as well as by the rotating and falling motion of the potatoes or fruit. In this manner, an optimal effectiveness is achieved.

Automatic priming of the system, meaning a check of all functions and the conveyance of liquid to the atomiser(s) prior to the start of application, is made possible by a modern control unit. Desired volumes can be set directly on the control unit. During operation, atomiser function is monitored and an alarm function is triggered in the event of a malfunction. A flow rate controller is also available as an option.

Deployment applications

In general, the MAFEX unit can be used to apply anyliquid. Its most common usage is for the liquid treatment

of potatoes with seed dressing agents, fungicides and anti-sprouting agents (e.g. Fungazil® 100 SL, GROSTOP® Basis, NeoNet® Start, MonCut®, Magnate® 100 SL and Cuprozin® Liquid), as well as for the treatment of citrus and other fruits with various types of wax and fungicides. It is possible to apply water with MAFEX for dust binding.

Mounting of the atomisers for use with potatoes, for example, can be made on de-earthers, box fillers or conveyor belts, with preferred positioning above a step-down drop. With fruits, atomisers can be mounted above the sorting table for example.