Smart system to prevent fatalities from slurry gas

In some countries where livestock production is intensive there is growing concerns about the number of farm fatalities caused by exposure to slurry gas.

Irish firm Dairypower Equipment says more and more farmers are contacting the company about its Smart Slurry aeration system that was first introduced to the market in 1998.

With so many farm fatalities caused by slurry gas more farmers are installing aeration systems in their tanks.

The company has installed over 600 systems in Ireland and numerous more worldwide on a number of large and small units.

Managing director Pat O’Donovan and technical manager Rick Crowley say they are installing new systems every week such is the demand.

Pat said: “Aerating the slurry prevents a crust forming on the surface that traps in the gas. It has also been proven to increase the nitrogen content of the slurry making it more valuable as a fertiliser.

“There is no need to mix slurry when an aeration system is in place as this is an environmentally friendly method of keeping slurry in a homogenous pumpable state that is always ready to spread.”

The company is going to install new systems in Iceland, in the Netherlands and are receiving a number of inquiries from farmers in the United States.

The system is relatively simple because it employs a low energy consumption electric motor and roots blower pump, electric rotary valves and self-closing neoprene non-return outlet valve.

The piping is 50mm class D uPVC which does not corrode or degrade. Working on a time switch, the system is fully automatic and would typically run for three to four periods each day without any need for human intervention.