Plant husbandry – Plant surface contact material applicator
Patent
1997-06-20
1999-09-07
Lavinder, Jack W.
Plant husbandry
Plant surface contact material applicator
47 17, 47 485, A01M 2100
Patent
active
059468513
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention comprises a weed killing method and apparatus.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally weeds are controlled by pulling out the weeds or by use of chemical sprays. Chemical sprays are extensively used in various areas and applications. For example chemical sprays are frequently used by municipal bodies such as city councils for controlling weeds along road sides, and in public areas such as parks and sports grounds and so forth. There is a growing awareness however of the side effects which may arise from use of chemical sprays.
The invention provides an improved or at least alternative form of weed killing method and apparatus.
In broad terms in one aspect the invention comprises outlet, volume flow rate of at least 600 litres/minute, and chamber so that the air exits the outlet end of the chamber as a blast of heated air.
In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a method of killing or controlling weeds comprising blowing onto the weeds hot air containing or mixed with sufficient moisture to wet the foliage of the weeds.
By "wet" is meant that the previously dry foliage of the weeds becomes wetted with water visible to the naked eye.
In broad terms in a further aspect the invention comprises a weed killing apparatus comprising outlet, chamber so that the air exits the outlet end of the chamber as a blast of heated air, and heated air.
The moisture may be introduced into the airflow as a spray of free water which mixes with and is heated by the hot air blast. The hot water spray/air mixture may also contain steam if the water becomes heated sufficiently. A stream of water may be injected from a nozzle for example, into the chamber near the air inlet or intermediate along the length of the chamber, and be heated sufficiently to exit the apparatus outlet as a mist of hot water or high humidity air. Alternatively the moisture may be introduced into the air flow as a fine mist of water droplets which is heated by the hot air flow and/or heating means within the chamber so that the moisture exits the outlet of the apparatus as a mist of hot water or steam mixed with the air flow, or alternatively as predominantly hot water vapour or steam or high humidity air.
Alternatively the moisture may be introduced into the airflow as a spray of free water in sufficient quantity that a proportion of the water exits the outlet of the apparatus as substantially cool or low heated water. The cool or low heated water is deposited on the foliage of the weed and is then heated or further heated by the hot air stream. The water initially prevents burning or flaming of the weeds foliage and, following heating, results in a residual heat mass being present on the foliage. Alternatively a spray of free water may be introduced into the air flow from a water outlet such as a nozzle positioned immediately beyond the hot air outlet of the apparatus to mix with the heated air leaving the hot air outlet.
It has been found that in use the moisture wets the foliage of the weeds which are simultaneously heated by the hot air blast. A saline solution may be added to the water, steam or moisture, and high humidity air tends to condense onto the foliage to wet the weeds. Wetting of the weeds foliage inhibits burning or flaming which could otherwise occur from a blast of hot air once the weed has initially dried out after being subjected to the hot air, and can increase the speed of kill relative to the use of hot air alone. The rate of decay of the dead weeds over days or weeks subsequently may also be increased relative to hot air alone.
Preferably the flow rate of air through the chamber is at least 600 litres/minute, more preferably 800 litres/minute, and most preferably in the range 1000 to 5000 litres/minute.
Preferably the air is heated such that it exits the outlet end of the apparatus at a temperature in the range of about 100.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. and most preferably in the range 450.degree. C. to 650.degree. C.
Preferably the means for passing air through the chamber comprises a compressed
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Adey Darren C.
Fahey John P.
Sutcliffe Brian M.
Abbott Yvonne
Lavinder Jack W.
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