Ecolab has replaced their blue drum with a solid-block chemical system that removes the handling risk from dairy shed hygiene routines.

The system launched at Fieldays at Mystery Creek last year and is now operating across the country. Darren Stenning, Business Development Lead at Ecolab, says the early response has been driven by the case for safety.

“There’s quite an intense level of interest around the early adoption of it just due to the health and safety aspect that it brings to people’s businesses,” he says.

The NextGen Solids system uses a three-kilogram acid block or 3.5-kilogram alkali block loaded into a wall-mounted dispensing unit. The unit titrates the block down to liquid and pumps 20 litres of solution directly to the wash tub.

An Ecolab territory manager pre-programs the machine before it goes on farm. Farmers then choose from three buttons — vat one, vat two or plant washing — and the unit does the rest.

“It’s as simple as that.”

Stenning says that fixed dosing removes the variability that comes when relief staff or anyone unfamiliar with the system measures by hand.

Historically, moving full drums of concentrated chemicals created real risk of direct contact through spills and splashes.

“Safety is our first and foremost concern about handling our dangerous goods chemicals on farms.

“This is a way that we’re able to mitigate the handling of these chemicals.”

The solid format removes a familiar shed fixture; Ecolab’s 200-litre drums have been a constant on New Zealand dairy farms for decades. Stenning says their drum recycling programme will now run alongside the new system.

“They might still take up a bay in a hay barn until you get round to arranging that to be collected on farm.”

Through Agrecovery, farmers can recycle the solid capsules at their local retail store.

“This just alleviates that — it’s our way of just trying to get ourselves around that sustainable operation.”

Stenning says the product is the result of a wide team effort across Ecolab’s regulatory affairs, innovation and marketing departments.

Imagine eliminating hazardous chemical handling and saving time with a simple, innovative solution — no more heavy lifting, spills, or accidents.

No Drums = No Drama! Interested in moving to Next Gen Solids by Ecolab in your dairy shed in New Zealand? Contact your Ecolab Rep today or enquire here

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