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How to use a Dosatron?

How to use a Dosatron?
Written by: Nanne Bentvelzen | Last update: 18-08-2022

Plant protection products and fertilizers are given to a crop via irrigation. It is important to administer these products in the right quantity and concentrate. By using a Dosatron dosing pump, or Dosatron injector, the right amount can be administered to the irrigation system. But how do you use such a dosing pump?


In this article, our specialists give answers to the following questions:

How does a Dosatron work?

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 watering system. But how does a dosing pump work?



Operation

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.

Application of the Dosatron dosing pump

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. 


How to set up a Dosatron?

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.


Deflating the Dosatron

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. 



Setting the dosage

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. 

How to maintain a Dosatron?

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.


Replacement and assembly of Dosatron parts

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.


Replacing seals in the dosing element

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.


Replacing the non-return valve gasket

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.
  

Cleaning spare parts

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.


Other maintenance of a Dosatron

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.


How to solve a malfunction of a Dosatron?

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 runReset the piston by hand
 The pump is not vented
Bleed the pump using the bleed button
 The maximum flow has been exceeded1. 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 damagedReturn 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


 Other failure of the Dosatron

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




Questions regarding Dosatron?
 Do you need help with Dosatron troubleshooting? Do you have questions about the Dosatron dosing pump, or would you like to get advice on the Dosatron injector? Please contact our product specialist Nanne Bentvelzen. You can also ask your question using the form below. We'll respond within 24 hours on working days.






Nanne BentvelzenAbout Nanne Bentvelzen
Nanne Bentvelzen has been working as a product specialist in mechanisation and disinfection at Royal Brinkman since 2014. In his role, he travels all over the world to advise growers on issues in the field of automation and solutions for industrial hygiene. "Every day is a surprise, because you never really know what to expect, but that's what's great about the job!"




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