Clean-Out

Cleaning crop sprayers will also prevent corrosion and extend the life and effective operation of the unit. Exposure to even small amounts of some chemicals can damage sprayer components, including stainless steel tips and fiberglass tanks.

CLEAN-OUT is a powerful superior grade, spray tank cleaner. It will clean, rinse and emulsify pesticide and adjuvant residues and bond them to the rinse solution to allow for complete rinsing and system purging with ordinary water. CLEAN-OUT is tolerant to hard water which causes spray tanks to accumulate high levels of residue. It is totally soluble and compatible with all spray tank materials while also containing corrosion inhibitors. It neutralizes acid residues of pesticides, preparing the spray tank for the use of other products. Neutralization of residue spray materials will prevent damage from occurring to non-target plants.

Recent tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of CLEAN-OUT as a spray tank cleaner. Trifluralin herbicide was selected for this test since the chemical leaves highly visible yellow residues. Similar effect will be experienced with other chemicals.

Objective

Determine the efficacy of CLEAN-OUT in removing residues of trifluralin herbicide from a polyethylene tank.

Materials and method

Equipment - polyethylene spray tank; hand held spray bottle; permanent marker pen.
Herbicide - trifluralin 60 DF.
Cleaner - Clean-Out tank cleaner.
Paper towels
Water

Procedure:

A circle was made to the polyethylene tank with permanent marker pen. Concentrated trifluralin herbicide was applied inside the circle and allowed to set for 5 minutes. Excess material was wiped off and 1.5 mL of Clean-Out 0.25% concentrated solution was sprayed on the treated area; (dilution rate of 1:400). The surface was then rinsed with 3 mL of water and observations were made.

The same procedure was repeated.

Observations:

After the first treatment with CLEAN-OUT, trifluralin was observed running off the tank. and a faint yellow colour remained following rinsing. After the second application of CLEAN-OUT no traces of yellow colour were observed.

Conclusions:

CLEAN-OUT effectively removed herbicide residues from spray tank after two applications.

Recommendations:

CLEAN-OUT is effective at dilution rates up to 1:400. 250 mL of CLEAN-OUT will treat up to 100 L of water. 4 L will treat up to 1600 L. Adjust the dilution rate as needed for individual conditions. Each cleaning situation will vary and adjustments will be necessary. Circulate CLEAN-OUT treated solution through the spray system for 5-10 minutes. Use a high pressure sprayer or hose to rinse all interior areas and spray tank walls. Purge hoses, spray lines and nozzles for approximately one minute. Repeat the procedure as necessary. After cleaning, drain system and rinse all tank and spray areas.

NOTE: The use of CLEAN-OUT or other tank cleaners does not guarantee removal and/or neutralization of all residues. Some pesticides, such as 2, 4D and dicamba, may leave persistent or hard-to-remove residues. Many variables exist which make consistent tank cleaning difficult (i.e. water quality, use of cleaning equipment, quantity and type of residue, age and condition of spray tank, spray lines, nozzles, etc.). To ensure that all residues have been removed, apply a sample of the rinse water to sensitive plants (tomato, cotton, ornamentals, etc.) and after sufficient time, observe for wilting or severe stress. If stress occurs, repeat cleaning process and retest as above.