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WHAT’S THE STORY ON ANHYDROUS TANKS?

Almost every farmer who applies anhydrous has been slowed by cold weather in late Fall or early Spring. Equaply® systems compensate for the reduction in tank pressure with our Hypro booster pump. But we find that there are limits to the amount of flow even with the pump. The pump does not suck anhydrous out of the tank. It takes flow from the tank and increases its pressure.

While the pump can overcome restrictions downstream from the pump, it can’t do anything about restrictions before the pump. Restrictions to flow are listed below, starting at the tank:

1. The dip tube provides the path for anhydrous to leave the tank by a top opening. It is about the only item that can’t be economically updated. Fortunately, the dip tube is seldom a problem.

2. The shutoff valve at the top of the tank is attached to the feed hose. Most are 1” valves, left over from 1950’s technology. These valves are one of the main causes of flow restriction. Your anhydrous supplier can replace this valve with a 1¼“ valve for about $150 per tank. Put pressure on him or shop around for a supplier with 1¼“ shutoff valves on his tanks.

3. The Acme coupler-- part is attached to the shutoff valve and part is attached to the globe valve at the inlet of the feed hose. This coupler can be upsized but only for a fleet of tanks. While upsizing is a desirable improvement, it is not essential.

4. A globe valve is at the inlet of the feed hose. There are new globe valves which are 1¼“ and far less restrictive. Upgrading this valve will help greatly and at minor expense, get one!

5. The feed hose-- most feed hoses are 1¼” I.D. and difficult to improve on. The next size up, 1½“ hose, is very expensive since it is only available with stainless steel braid. If you chose to go to a larger size, 2” hose is less expensive than 1½“ hose. A larger hose may make sense for the rear tank in a dual tank configuration. One disadvantage is the awkward size.

6. The breakaway coupling is located where the feed hose attaches to the toolbar. There are new breakaways which are 1¼“ and far less restrictive. Upgrading will help greatly. Breakaways are required to be updated periodically. Do yourself a favor and update with the new design breakaway!

7. All piping between the breakaway and the pump- we make this as open as is practical.

8. The heat exchanger is before the pump (and flow sensor.) If the heat exchanger becomes a critical restriction at high flow, twin heat exchangers in parallel are needed. Our Custom Unit provides flow necessary for up to 50 gpm. It is worth noting that, after a few years, exchangers build up a layer of crud which greatly reduces their effectiveness. Cleaning them is not recommended.

9. At higher rates, you need to pull double tanks, both with 1¼” outlet valve and improved breakaways and globe valves. An alternative is a single tank with twin 1¼” outlets.

Regarding tanks with 2” bottom outlets, they are perfect. All anhydrous tanks should be so equipped. But don’t hold your breath.