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Crop protection products and fertilizers are given to a crop via the irrigation. It is important to administer these products in the right quantity and concentrate. By using a Dosatron dosing pump, the correct amount can be administered to the wateringmultiboxes system. But how does a dosing pump work?

The Dosatron injector is a proportional dosing pump that is connected to a water supply system. The operation of the pump is as follows:

1. The water flow causes the piston of the pump to move; 
2. The crop protection products or fertilizers are sucked in by the piston and injected into the pump body; 
3. The water then mixes with the products; 
4. The water pressure pushes the solution out of the pump; 
5. Crop protection products and fertilizers are now given along with the watering system. 

Do you want to know how to adjust a Dosatron? The ratio of products to water can be easily adjusted, after which the pump operates completely autonomously. The dosage of the substances is always proportional to the quantity of water, regardless of the flow and pressure differences. Our specialist explains how to set the dosage of a Dosatron.

In greenhouses, various applications are possible with a Dosatron dosing pump. It is mostly used for irrigation, whereby fertilisers, fungicides and insecticides are given into the watering system. Another application is the dosing of detergents and disinfectants.  

When using a Dosatron for the first time, it is important to take a few steps regarding, for example, setting the dosage. In this way, the dosing pump works best. In this article, our specialist explains a Dosatron set up.

When connecting the Dosatron, the pump must be deflated before it is put into operation. Deflating can be done as follows:

1. Open the water supply partially; 
2. Then press the deflation button located at the top of the pump; 
3. Release the button when a constant stream of water flows past the deflate button; 
4. Open the water supply completely, the pump is self-priming; 
5. Allow the pump to operate until the injection solution has been sucked into the dosing tube; 
6. The pump is in operation when you hear a clicking noise. 

If you want to set the dosage of the pump, it is important that there is no pressure on the pump. It is also important not to use tools. Set the dosage as follows:

1. To remove the pressure from the Dosatron dosing pump, it is important to close the valve on the inlet side; 
2. Loosen the conical nut/blocking ring; 
3. Turn the dosing nut to the left or right so that the adjustment seam in the eye of the adjustment ring corresponds to the desired dosage; 
4. Tighten the locking ring again. 
5. The dosing principle is 1/100. This means that at a setting of 1%, 1-part concentrate is added to 100 parts waters. 

Regular maintenance is of great importance for the operation of a Dosatron installation. This extends the life of the dosing pump. Dried dirt and crystallised concentrate can have a negative effect on the operation of a dosing pump. In this article our specialist explains how to maintain a Dosatron dosing pump.

For optimal operation of the Dosatron dosing pump, replace the components (such as the non-return valve, seals in the dosing element and if necessary the suction hose) at least once a year. Always wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves during this work. It is important not to use any tools so that the pump cannot be damaged.

When replacing a seal, always make sure that there is no pressure on the Dosatron installation. Replacement of seals can be done as follows:

• Squeeze your finger and thumb into the sealing ring and push it to one side, or; 
• Increase the deformation of the ring even more until it protrudes and can be pulled out of its seat. 

Then clean the ring or replace it if necessary and put it back in place by hand. Make sure that the sealing ring is not twisted, otherwise it will not seal properly.

Replace the non-return valve gasket of the Dosatron at least once a year. Replace the gasket as follows:

1. Turn off the water supply and lower the pressure to zero; 
2. Release the suction hose and remove the non-return valve; 
3. Pull the dosing element down; 
4. Replace the gaskets, non-return valve and hose gland. 

Then replace the parts by hand in reverse order.

When using soluble powders, it is advisable to dismantle the entire dosing element periodically and clean it. Thoroughly rinse the parts with water and reassemble them. If the suction tube is difficult to mount, lubricate the seal with a silicone lubricant if necessary.

If you experience any other problems with a Dosatron or a Dosatron set up, consult your dealer or find out how to solve an interference of a dosing pump by watching a maintenance video.

If you experience any other problems with a Dosatron or a Dosatron set up, consult your dealer or find out how to solve an interference of a dosing pump by watching a maintenance video.

It is possible that a Dosatron has a fault, or that other problems occur. In that case it is important that you act as quickly as possible and solve the problem, so that as little water as possible is lost. In this article our specialist will list the most common malfunctions of a dosing pump and the associated solutions for you.

Interference	Possible cause	Solution
Piston motor
Dosatron does not start or stops	Piston motor does not run	Reset the piston by hand
	The pump is not vented	Bleed the pump using the bleed button
	The maximum flow has been exceeded	1. Reduce flow and restart pump 2. Loosen the screw cap. Remove the piston and check that the piston rings are still in place
	Piston motor is damaged	Return the pump to your service centre/dealer
Dosage
Water flows back into the concentrate tank	Contaminated, worn or missing non-return valve parts	Cleaning or replacing the non-return valve
	For IE model: membrane injection module and parasol valves are damaged or limed.	Replacing the diaphragm and valve seat
	For IE model: lip valve and parasol valves are damaged or limed	Descale or replace the lintel valve and valve seat
Water flows back into the concentrate tank	Piston motor has stopped	See piston engine
	Leaky suction hose	Replace the suction tube
	For IE model: External injection line clogged or limed	Descale or replace the external injection line
	Clogged intake hose or intake filter	Replace the suction tube
	Piston seal missing, incorrectly assembled or worn	Cleaning up or replacing the WL3000 version
	Worn suction tube	Replace
Dosage too low	Air is sucked in	1. Check that the nuts have been sucked in from the dosing element and that they are tightened 2. Check the suction hose and clean or replace it
	Contaminated or worn non-return valve gasket	Reduce the flow
	Exceedance of maximum flow (cavitation)	Reduce the flow
	Worn suction gasket	Replace
	Worn suction tube	Replace
	For the models IE, external injection module and T-piece injection limed or damaged	Check the condition of the parasol valves, the diaphragm and the lip valve. If necessary, decalcify or replace
Leaks
Leakage at the dosing tube connection (metal ring)	The dosing tube ring is damaged or incorrectly positioned	Replace
Leakage between dosing nut and washer	The dosing element ring is damaged, incorrectly positioned or missing	Replace
Leakage between screw cap and pump housing	Screw cover gasket is damaged, incorrectly positioned, or missing.	Unscrew the cover, clean the gasket setting, replace the new gasket or carefully replace the old one
Leakage between injection module and pump housing	Seal of the injection module is damaged, incorrectly installed, or absent	Position correctly, clean seat of seal or replace seal
External leakage in case of nut on the side of the injection module	Nut is not tightened properly, or diaphragm is damaged	Clean the diaphragm, replace it if necessary and tighten the nut
Leakage at T-piece Injection	Internal seals are damaged, incorrectly installed or absent	Replace

If the Dosatron shows a different fault, consult your dealer.

Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Rene mondt will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.