Why is my chemical going in slowly?

Why is my chemical going in slowly?

FAQ: Why is my chemical going in slowly?

Thicker products, such as Atrazine, have a higher viscosity and do not flow as easily as thinner products like crop oil or water. While some slowdown is normal for "heavy" chemicals, you can check the following to ensure you are getting the best possible flow rate.

1. Product Agitation

If a product is prone to settling or separating, it becomes significantly thicker at the bottom of the tank or tote.

  • Action: Ensure the product is agitated thoroughly before starting the mix. Uniform consistency ensures the pump and meter aren't struggling with "slugs" of settled concentrate.

2. Inspect Screens and Filters

Every gear meter in the Mixmate system is protected by an upstream filter. These are designed to catch large debris or "chunks" that could jam or damage the internal gears.

  • Action: Clean the filter screens regularly. A partially clogged screen will significantly restrict flow, especially with high-viscosity chemicals.

3. Check the Carrier Valve Position (Suction)

The Starting Valve Position specifically controls the Carrier Valve. This is the key to creating the vacuum needed to pull chemicals into the stream.

  • How it works: The more closed the carrier valve is, the more suction the pump directs toward the chemical lines. If the carrier valve is too wide open, the pump will take the "path of least resistance" (the water/carrier) and won't pull the thick chemicals efficiently.

  • Adjustment: On the Mix Preview page, try decreasing the starting position of the carrier valve to increase the suction on your chemical inductors.

4. Verify "Auto" Settings

Check that Auto is turned ON in your Mixmate settings (found on the Mix Preview page). This allows the system to automatically throttle the carrier valve to maintain the best balance between carrier flow and chemical induction.

5. Add a Booster Pump

If you are consistently dealing with high volumes of thick product, you may need to add a dedicated pump to that specific product line to assist the flow.

  • Flow Limit Warning: If you add a pump, monitor your flow rate carefully. Do not exceed 35 gallons per minute (GPM), as this is the maximum rated capacity of the Mixmate gear meters. Exceeding this can cause inaccurate readings or mechanical failure.