Is there a standardized input hose clean-out procedure?

Is there a standardized input hose clean-out procedure?

Service: Product Input Hose Clean-Out Procedure

Under normal operating conditions, the product lines between your totes and valves remain primed with chemical. However, when switching to a different crop or preparing for winter storage, you must perform a standardized clean-out to remove all chemical residues.

Note: The only lines that should not be rinsed during a standard daily mix are the product lines between the totes and the product valves/singles. Use the following procedure only for deep cleaning.


Procedure for Stacks and Singles

The process for cleaning a product line is the same whether you are using a valve stack or a standalone "single."

  1. Switch to Clean Water: Disconnect the product end of the hose from the tote and connect it to a clean supply of water (or a dedicated rinse tank).

  2. Enter Manual Mode: Navigate to Manual Mode on your Mixmate tablet.

  3. Activate the Input: Tap the associated Card for the product input you wish to clean. This will open the valves and activate the flowmeter reading on your screen.

  4. Engage the Pump: Start your main carrier pump to begin pulling clean water through the product hose and into the system.

  5. The "Pulse" Technique: Cycle the input ON and OFF multiple times while the water is flowing.

    • Why? Cycling the valve forces water into the cavities of the ball valve housing, clearing out trapped chemicals that a steady stream might miss.

  6. Complete the Flush: Once you have pulled a sufficient volume of clean water through (and the sight glass or meter shows clear), turn off the pump and close the input on the tablet.


Why is this necessary?

  • Product Integrity: Prevents "hot" loads caused by leftover chemical from a previous crop.

  • Valve Longevity: Prevents sticky residues from hardening inside the valve balls, which can eventually lead to seized actuators or torn seals.