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How to use a Sulphur burner?

Sulphur burner is used to spread sulphur in a greenhouse in order to protect the crop against Powdery Mildew. The combination of a good distribution and the right amount of sulfur (evaporators) is important. In this article our specialist explains how to use a sulphur burner.
Sulpher Burner
Piet-Jan de Zeeuw
Product specialist Mechanisation | June 26, 2023 | 4 min. reading time

Sulphur burner

There are different types of sulphur. In sulphur evaporators we often use Sulpher tablets (we only have them available in the Netherlands) and Sulpher Granular. The Sulphur content in these products is ≥ 99,5%.

Use of a Sulphur burner

The sulphur burner uses heating in combination with airflow to spread the sulphur through the greenhouse. The Sulfur burner includes a 100W heating element, an aluminium tray for adding the sulphur, a dripping tray and a roof. By filling the Sulphur in the tray, the sulphur is heated with the heating element. Until the evaporation temperature is reached, a maximum amount of sulphur can be evaporated. Powerful air currents create chimney effect that distributes Sulfur evenly throughout the greenhouse. The roof of the burners protects the greenhouse glass or shading screen against pollution. 

Sulfur works by contact, so an even distribution is very important. This means it works when the Sulphur comes into contact with the leaves. Therefore, the better the spread, the more leaves will be covered and the better protection will be against powdery mildew.

The required amount of Sulphur Burners

The amount of Sulphur evaporators you need in a greenhouse and the amount Sulphur that needs to evaporate every week to control for powdery mildew depends on the crop and the disease pressure. The amount of hours you have to Sulphur the crop, depends on the pressure of mildew in the greenhouse. Our specialists will be happy to advise you on the number Sulphur burners you should use. 

Safety measures for burning sulphur

Sulfur can cause skin irritation and eye irritation. Therefore, it is important to take some safety precautions when filling and using a sulfur evaporator:
  • Always read the product's user manual and/or safety data sheet carefully in advance.
  • Always wear appropriate gloves, eye protection and protection clothing. The MSDS of the product states which personal protective equipment you should wear. 
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with sulfur. 
  • When you are finished, take off your clothes and wash them before wearing them again.
  • Wash thoroughly after working with Sulphur to remove any Sulphur from the skin.
  • Sulfur evaporators may only be used when there are no persons present in the greenhouse.  
  • There are only two ways to re-enter the greenhouse; 
    1. After ventilating the greenhouse for at least 1 hour. 
    2. At least four hours from after completing the application. 
For this you can use a warning sign

Optimizing plant growth with sulphur

Sulphur (S) is a vital element for plant development, influencing protein creation and root growth. Recognizing a sulphur deficiency, its causes, and consequences is crucial for maintaining robust plant growth and health. Common reasons for sulphur deficiency include high pH levels in the soil or substrate, requiring more effort for sulphur absorption, and elevated calcium concentrations that hinder sulphur uptake. Symptoms of sulphur deficiency include light green leaf discoloration, purple stem discoloration, reduced growth, and delayed root development. Understanding the role of sulphur and addressing potential deficiencies are essential for promoting healthy and vibrant plants.

Sulphur evaporator cleaning

Under normal circumstances, Just fill the Sulphur evaporator and no cleaning is required. If you still want to do this, clean the container thoroughly with a sponge and possibly a mild detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not scratch or dent the bottom. Damaged or fouled soil impairs heat transfer, reduces the quantitative and qualitative distribution of Sulphur, and ultimately produces less than desirable results.

Sulphur burner assortment

Royal Brinkman offers different kind of sulphur evaporators, the Nivola sulphur burner is one of them. The Nivola sulphur burner works with a balanced and safe evaporation temperature and is specialized in crop protection against Mildew. A different one is the Hotbox electrical sulphur burner. Made out of stainless steel, this sulphur burner evaporates sulphur for 150 hours when filled up to the marking and makes sure that the ideal temperature will be reached quickly.
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How to use a Sulphur burner?

Sulphur burner is used to spread sulphur in a greenhouse in order to protect the crop against Powdery Mildew. The combination of a good distribution and the right amount of sulfur (evaporators) is important. In this article our specialist explains how to use a sulphur burner.
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Piet-Jan de Zeeuw
Piet-Jan de Zeeuw
Product specialist Mechanisation | June 26, 2023 | 4 min. reading time
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Sulpher Burner
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Sulphur burner

There are different types of sulphur. In sulphur evaporators we often use Sulpher tablets (we only have them available in the Netherlands) and Sulpher Granular. The Sulphur content in these products is ≥ 99,5%.

Use of a Sulphur burner

The sulphur burner uses heating in combination with airflow to spread the sulphur through the greenhouse. The Sulfur burner includes a 100W heating element, an aluminium tray for adding the sulphur, a dripping tray and a roof. By filling the Sulphur in the tray, the sulphur is heated with the heating element. Until the evaporation temperature is reached, a maximum amount of sulphur can be evaporated. Powerful air currents create chimney effect that distributes Sulfur evenly throughout the greenhouse. The roof of the burners protects the greenhouse glass or shading screen against pollution. 

Sulfur works by contact, so an even distribution is very important. This means it works when the Sulphur comes into contact with the leaves. Therefore, the better the spread, the more leaves will be covered and the better protection will be against powdery mildew.

The required amount of Sulphur burners

The amount of Sulphur evaporators you need in a greenhouse and the amount Sulphur that needs to evaporate every week to control for powdery mildew depends on the crop and the disease pressure. The amount of hours you have to Sulphur the crop, depends on the pressure of mildew in the greenhouse. Our specialists will be happy to advise you on the number Sulphur burners you should use.

Safety measures for burning Sulphur

Sulphur can cause skin irritation and eye irritation. Therefore, it is important to take some safety precautions when filling and using a sulfur evaporator:
  • Always read the product's user manual and/or safety data sheet carefully in advance.
  • Always wear appropriate gloves, eye protection and protection clothing. The MSDS of the product states which personal protective equipment you should wear. 
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with sulfur. 
  • When you are finished, take off your clothes and wash them before wearing them again.
  • Wash thoroughly after working with Sulphur to remove any Sulphur from the skin.
  • Sulfur evaporators may only be used when there are no persons present in the greenhouse.  
  • There are only two ways to re-enter the greenhouse; 
    1. After ventilating the greenhouse for at least 1 hour. 
    2. At least four hours from after completing the application. 
For this you can use a warning sign.

Optimizing plant growth with Sulphur

Sulphur (S) is a vital element for plant development, influencing protein creation and root growth. Recognizing a sulphur deficiency, its causes, and consequences is crucial for maintaining robust plant growth and health. Common reasons for sulphur deficiency include high pH levels in the soil or substrate, requiring more effort for sulphur absorption, and elevated calcium concentrations that hinder sulphur uptake. Symptoms of sulphur deficiency include light green leaf discoloration, purple stem discoloration, reduced growth, and delayed root development. Understanding the role of sulphur and addressing potential deficiencies are essential for promoting healthy and vibrant plants.

Sulphur evaporator cleaning

Under normal circumstances, Just fill the Sulphur evaporator and no cleaning is required. If you still want to do this, clean the container thoroughly with a sponge and possibly a mild detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not scratch or dent the bottom. Damaged or fouled soil impairs heat transfer, reduces the quantitative and qualitative distribution of Sulphur, and ultimately produces less than desirable results.

Sulphur burner assortment

Royal Brinkman offers different kind of sulphur evaporators, the Nivola sulphur burner is one of them. The Nivola sulphur burner works with a balanced and safe evaporation temperature and is specialized in crop protection against Mildew. A different one is the Hotbox electrical sulphur burner. Made out of stainless steel, this sulphur burner evaporates sulphur for 150 hours when filled up to the marking and makes sure that the ideal temperature will be reached quickly.
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Piet-Jan de Zeeuw will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Piet-Jan de Zeeuw
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