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Below are suggestions
for dealing with stubborn problems with the measuring units (see
also: Frequently asked questions).
- The first time you
use Aquanex the reservoir must be
as clean as possible. If the measuring unit's reservoir feels
slippery or looks furred you can clean it by filling with a bleaching
solution (1:5). Leave to stand for 20 minutes, then empty completely
and rinse out at least 4 times with clean tap water. Do this thoroughly
because any chlorine left behind may affect the measurements.
Note: Do not use thick bleach or other special
bleaching products! If in doubt call the helpdesk (+31
10 288 7415).
If the measuring unit still feels slippery or looks furred, try
wiping clean with a piece of kitchen towel. If necessary repeat
the bleach treatment. Remember, if it is not really clean, any
impurities left behind can only be removed one way; via the wick.
The wick will then be blocked and dry out. You will notice this
when your computer shows a reading of 100% RH. It is therefore
of utmost importance that you start out with a clean measuring
unit.
- Always try to keep
the wick free from grease. Washing your hands before handling
the wick will help.
- Once the wick is in
place, soak it with Aquanex Measuring Unit
Fluid.
- The first time the
wick is used it can be blocked by old impurities. If this happens,
change the wick and the fluid (see above).
Note:
Aquanex is used instead of demineralised
water. It has been developed to provide precise and reliable humidity
measurements. In order to maintain these properties Aquanex
must not be mixed with demineralised water or other fluids and materials.
We are here to help you
solve your problems and answer your questions. Call our helpdesk
on +31 10 288 7415 for free advice
without obligation.
Some
frequently asked questions about the use of Aquanex.
Question:
Sometimes the wick feels slimy and smooth. Why is this?
Answer: This problem
often occurs after 2 or 3 weeks. This is usually discovered when
deviations in the humidity measurements occur. It is caused by a
strong growth of micro-organisms. Using Aquanex
will eliminate this problem.
Question: The
wick dries out after 2 to 4 weeks. Why is this?
Answer: The measuring
unit is so dirty that any impurities from the reservoir block the
wick (see below for possible causes). This is usually discovered
when the humidity measurement reads 100%. Using Aquanex
will eliminate this problem.
Question: Sometimes
the wick is dried out or slimy. What can cause this?
Answer: Problems
arise due to contamination (micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi,
algae, etc.). This can block the transport of the fluid into the
wick which causes it to dry out. That is why it is important to
start out with the cleanest measuring unit possible. The following
causes may be present:
- When Aquanex
is first used in dirty measuring units, the remains of micro-organisms
are present. In a new or well cleaned unit this is normally not
the case.
- Remove the black rubber
tule
Some measuring units have a black rubber tule on the liquid container.
The wick passes through this. This black rubber tule can age and
contain micro-organisme. You must remove this black rubber tule.
Removal does not change the measurement.
- The wick is turned
over.
The dirty side of the wick, (which has been exposed to the fan
air stream) where most of the micro-organisms are present, is
placed into the reservoir.
If enough of the active ingredient is already present in the reservoir
to kill the micro-organisms, then large amounts of dead tissue
material are deposited into the fluid. This can quickly reduce
the transport of fluid, which takes place on the inner side of
the wick, resulting in the wick rapidly drying out.
Also, using this approach places an extra heavy organic burden
on the system, which can render Aquanex
Measuring Unit Fluid inactive.
- Aquanex
is thinned (with demineralised water)
The reliability of the measurement can be affected because the
composition has been modified.
- Alternating fluids
(demineralised / Aquanex / demineralised
/ Aquanex etc.)
During the period when demineralised water is used, a rapid growth
of micro-organisms will take place. During the period when Aquanex
is used, they are killed off. See above for further consequences
of contaminated measuring units.
- The measuring unit
is dry or nearly dried out (less than 5% fluid left). If the unit
becomes dry or almost dry then no more active materials are present.
This will result in a substantial growth of micro-organisms.
- The part of the wick
that is dried out is cut off and the remainder is re-used.
See above: The wick is turned over.
- During crop spraying
switch the fan of the measuring unit off.
The wick is exposed to the air stream. It may be affected by crop
protection agents or by salts that build up within the wick. This
may affect humidity measurements.
- If an older formulation
of Aquanex is used.
Aquanex products are regularly modified,
due to changing circumstances and increasing demands for quality.
Question: Does
the colour of the wick influence the measurements?
Answer: Yes. Colouring
used in a wick may affect its evaporative properties.
That is why Aquanex Wicks have no colour.
If the wick has been in the measuring unit for some time, it may
have been affected by the air stream (by misting, spraying, crop
protection, airborne impurities, etc.).
With a colourless Aquanex Wick this
is easily noticed.
Question: Does
the wick material influence measurements?
Answer: Yes. The
material affects measurements as it too affects the evaporative
property. Different evaporative properties result in different humidity
measurements. With Aquanex Wicks the
evaporative property matches the value expected by your computer
program.
Question: The
evaporation of Aquanex appears to be
the same as demineralized water. Is that true?
Answer: Yes. Aquanex
has exactly the same evaporative properties as demineralised water.
The different additives to Aquanex
are such that these basic properties are not affected. This is of
utmost importance for the reliable operation of your computer, which
calculates your venting positions and heating temperatures.
Question: In
which humidity measuring units can Aquanex
be used in?
Answer: For the
measuring units to function well, the manufacturers of units demand
high quality wicks and fluid. Aquanex
products satisfy the demands of all well known manufacturers.
Aquanex
products are used
in the computers of:
| Brinkman |
| Gicom |
| Hoogendoorn |
| HortiMaX |
| Indal |
| P.
v.d. Berg |
| Priva |
| Van
der Burg |
| Van
Vliet |
Question: How
reliable is humidity measuring with Aquanex?
Answer: Aquanex
has been researched over a long period of time by the Institute
of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering/Agricultural Research
Centre (IMAG/DLO) in Wageningen and is completely reliable.
Question: When
should the wick be changed?
Answer: If Aquanex
is always present in the reservoir, the wick stays in good condition
until at least 5 litres (one can) of Aquanex
has evaporated through the wick. As soon as the wick has dried out,
it must be replaced with a new one.
A wick can also be damaged or contaminated on the outside. In such
cases it will still be damp, but very dirty. The Aquanex
Wicks are white so that a dirty wick can easily be noticed.
Therefore, the need to change the wick depends on how dirty it is
in the glasshouse and rate of spraying, crop protection and other
pollutants that are present in the air.
A large number of growers change the wicks at predetermined times.
For example, when starting a new crop, once a quarter, every even
or odd month, or any other easily remembered date.
Vraag: Why
Aquanex ?
Antwoord: It is
developed specially for use in measuring units. With demi water
or other 'domestic means' the correct functioning of the measuring
unit is not garanteed. The humidity measurement can deviate. The
professional uses Aquanex as an insurance
for the correct measurement of the humidity.
Question: Sometimes
I'm doubting the humidity measurement. What should I do?
Answer: Incorrect
humidity measurement will probably cost you a lot of money (e.g.
incorrect heating and/or ventilation).
If you doubt the correctness of the measurement, you should get
in touch with us. We are specialists in the field of humidity measurement
and can help you solve your problems. Our help is free and without
obligation (tel: +31 10 288 7415).
Question: What
costs are associated with using Aquanex
?
Answer: The use
of fluid depends on the culture, humidity and temperature. If Aquanex
is used throughout the year, annual costs per measuring unit are
between € 18 and € 36.
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Do
you want to try Aquanex ?
Call for your free 2 litre trial pack
on +31.10.288.74.15
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