AU2019204014A1 - An injector and injector system for introducing an agrochemical into a liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

AN INJECTOR AND INJECTOR SYSTEM FOR INTRODUCING AN AGROCHEMICAL INTO A LIQUID ABSTRACT 5 The present invention is directed to an injector for introducing an agrochemical into a liquid, wherein the injector includes the following: an input for receiving the agrochemical; a connection means for sealably securing the injector to a mixing chamber; an output for introducing the agrochemical into the mixing chamber; and a body through which the agrochemical can travel, the body located between the input and the output; wherein the 10 output includes a sintered diffuser for introducing the agrochemical into the liquid within the mixing chamber. The invention is also directed to an injector system for introducing an agrochemical into a liquid, wherein the injector system includes an agrochemical source, an injector and a mixing chamber, the injector having: an input for receiving the agrochemical from the agrochemical source; a connection means for sealably securing the injector to the is mixing chamber; an output for introducing the agrochemical into the mixing chamber; and a body through which the agrochemical can travel, the body located between the input and the output; wherein the output includes a sintered diffuser for introducing the agrochemical into the liquid within the mixing chamber. 1 1/3 10 6 - 4 5 13 2 12 1 FIG1

Description

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AN INJECTOR AND INJECTOR SYSTEM FOR INTRODUCING AN AGROCHEMICAL INTO A LIQUID TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The invention relates to an injector and injector system for introducing an

agrochemical into a liquid, and in particular the invention relates to an injector and

injector system for introducing cyanogen (C2N2) into water (H20).

BACKGROUND ART

[2] Fumigants, or gaseous pesticides, are traditionally used to suffocate or poison pests

within an area. Mixing of fumigants with liquid is therefore less common in the prior

art, as the fumigant is usually applied in its gaseous state to occupy a sealed area.

Where an agrochemical (e.g. pesticide) is in liquid form and it is desired to mix that

liquid form agrochemical with a separate liquid, this is commonly done in a simple

fashion by adding the liquid agrochemical and other liquid together (e.g. pouring the

agrochemical liquid into a repository or conduit containing the other liquid).

Furthermore, such mixing of liquid agrochemicals and other liquids is generally done

in an agricultural context where access to more sophisticated mixing mechanisms is

limited. Some mixing arrangements are referred to as chemigation, which can be

understood as the delivery of a chemical into a pipeline carrying water so that the

chemical water mixture can be distributed to the land using an irrigation system.

[3] However, some gaseous pesticides are very effective when mixed with a liquid (i.e. a

gas pesticide infused liquid). In particular, cyanogen, a relatively recently developed

gaseous pesticide, is particularly efficacious in the context of soil disinfestation where

it is able to penetrate into the soil in the form of a gas pesticide infused liquid.

[4] Where agrochemicals are used in an agricultural setting, it is also advantageous to rely

on an existing irrigation system to distribute the agrochemical.

[5] Cyanogen (or Ethanedinitrile) is an alternative to other fumigants like Methyl

Bromide, which have been used in the past for soil fumigation but have a number of

disadvantages. Cyanogen is an environmentally safe fumigant for the control of

pathogens, weeds and insects in soil, as well as controlling timber pests in logs and timber etc. Cyanogen however is unique in that it has a boiling point of approximately

-21°C. The difference in boiling points between cyanogen and water, for instance,

means that mixing with water is a different process for cyanogen compared to existing

conventional mixing technologies seen in the market. This results from the cyanogen

being somewhere between a gas and liquid phase during the mixing process.

[6] Further, it is understood that when Cyanogen is exposed to water, it decomposes to

hydrogen cyanide (HCN). There is also some endogenous presence of HCN in

commercially available cyanogen which results from the manufacturing process such

that this fumigant may include approximately 1% HCN. Since HCN has the capacity to

polymerise when exposed to water and under certain physical conditions such as high

temperate or pressure environments. Such polymerisation can lead to blockages in

flow paths of apparatus used for mixing cyanogen and water. Polymerisation of other

agrochemicals may also be problematic.

[7] Given the traditional methods of mixing liquid pesticides with other liquids may be

cumbersome due to the requirement for large mixing chambers in the context of a

sizable (e.g. farming) operation, and/or problematic due to the need to manage

mixing of large volumes of liquids, and noting that pesticides may be more readily

transported in a gaseous form, there is a need for an injector for introducing a

fumigant into a liquid. This need may be particularly present in an agricultural context

where the fumigant liquid is to be used for irrigation. Furthermore, there is a

particular need for the management of cyanogen when exposed to water to limit the

polymerisation of the decomposed HCN in certain environments.

[8] Further, it is common for mixtures of fumigants or other agrochemicals with flowing

liquids (i.e. water) to include emulsifiers to assist with the mixing. One reason for this

is because mixing an agrochemical with flowing liquids can, in the absence of

emulsifiers or other means, require excessive use of water as the optimum mixing

ratios can be very low to achieve the desired mixing. However, adding emulsifiers can

increase the cost of the mixture, for example due to the costs of the emulsifier itself as

a separate component or due to the costs associated with administering the emulsifier

in the mixture

[9] Given the traditional methods of introducing agrochemicals with other liquids may be

cumbersome due to the requirement for large mixing apparatus in the context of a

sizable farming operation, and/or problematic due to the need to manage mixing of

large volumes of material, noting that particular problems such as polymerisation may

impact the successful mixing of some agrochemicals, and noting the benefits that flow

from minimising the use of emulsifiers, there is a need for an injector for improved

mixing of an agrochemical (and in particular a fumigant) and a liquid. This need may

be particularly present in an agricultural context where the liquid is to be used for

irrigation. In particular, there may be advantages in providing an injector able to

effectively introduce gaseous agrochemicals (such as Cyanogen) with liquid (such as

water) to create a gas pesticide infused liquid, as such mixtures can be more

efficacious in delivering a pesticide into soil.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

is [10] The present invention arises from a recognition that improvements in an injector for

introducing an agrochemical into a liquid can be achieved by improving the process of

introducing the agrochemical into the liquid, controlling the flow of the agrochemical

through the injector and/or permitting easy inspection of parts of the injector to

manage blockages or other disruptions to flow of flow control within the injector. The

present invention further arises from a recognition that improvements in an injector

system for introducing an agrochemical into a liquid can be achieved by use of an

improved injector as described above in a system which permits flexibility as to the

number of injectors and/or the number of agrochemical sources from which the

agrochemical is released.

Technical problem

[11] The technical problem resides in creating an injector or injector system, which

desirably has of one or more of the followings advantages, or at least provides a useful

alternative to the prior art in:

a) mixing of an agrochemical with a liquid so that more agrochemical can be

introduced into the liquid flowing through a mixing chamber; and/or b) inspection of the injector for sources of blockages or other disruption to agrochemical flow through an injector or injector system; and/or c) flexibility in system set-up to permit improved mixing and/or more consistent or reliable flow of agrochemical into the liquid.

Solution to problem

[12] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an injector for introducing

an agrochemical into a liquid, wherein the injector includes the following: an input for

receiving the agrochemical; a connection means for sealably securing the injector to a

mixing chamber; an output for introducing the agrochemical into the mixing chamber;

and a body through which the agrochemical can travel, the body located between the

input and the output; wherein the output includes a sintered diffuser for introducing

the agrochemical into the liquid within the mixing chamber.

[13] Preferably, the injector is adapted to disperse or diffuse the agrochemical in the liquid

in a sparging process.

1s [14] The injector may be adapted to introduce the agrochemical into liquid flowing through

the mixing chamber.

[15] In operation it is preferred that the sintered diffuser extends sufficiently within the

mixing chamber to be substantially submerged in the liquid as it flows through the

mixing chamber; and as the liquid flows through the mixing chamber, the

agrochemical is dispersed or diffused into the liquid in a sparging process.

[16] Preferably, the sintered diffuser is adapted to produce agrochemical bubbles in the

liquid of approximately 0.1 to 50 micrometres (lm) in diameter. In a particularly

preferred embodiment, the sintered diffuser is adapted to produce bubbles being

approximately ... Im in diameter. Sintered diffusers adapted to produce bubbles

having a diameter smaller than 0.1 Im or larger than 50 Im may alternatively be

applied. The bubble diameter is preferably chosen to obtain maximum dispersion at

the preferred agrochemical and liquid flow rates.

[17] The injector is preferably adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical into the

liquid at a controlled rate.

[18] The injector is preferably adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical into the

liquid where the liquid is flowing a controlled rate.

[19] The sintered diffuser may be about 1/4 inches to about 3/8 inches in length.

[20] The diffuser if preferably thimble-shaped; alternatively it may be cylindrical, conical,

frusto-conical, or take the form of another shape suitable for dispersing or diffusing a

gas into a liquid.

[21] The sintered diffuser preferably has a media grading of about 0.1 Im to about 200

Im. In preferred from, the sintered diffuser preferably has a media grading of about 1

Im to about 80 Im. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sintered diffuser has a media grading of approximately 40 Im.

[22] Preferably, the sintered diffuser is made of stainless steel. In a particularly preferred

form, the sintered diffuser is made from SS316 or SS304 stainless steel.

[23] The body may include a check valve. Preferably, the body includes a first shut-off valve

and the check valve is located downstream of the first shut-off valve. The first shutoff

valve may be a needle valve. Alternatively, the first shut-off valve may be a ball valve,

or another shut-off valve as known to the skilled addressee.

1s [24] Preferably, the body includes a second shut-off valve and the check valve is located

upstream of the second shut-off valve. The second shut-off valve may be a ball valve.

Alternatively, the second shut-off valve may be a needle valve, or another shut-off

valve as known to the skilled addressee.

[25] The check valve is preferably located proximate to the first shut-off valve.

[26] The check valve may be located proximate to the input.

[27] The check valve is preferably able to be isolated from the agrochemical and/or the

liquid. The check valve is preferably able to be isolated from the agrochemical and/or

the liquid by engaging the first and/or second shut-off valves, respectively.

[28] The body may include a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge is preferably located

between the second shut-off valve and the output.

[29] The connection means preferably provides for screwable securing of the injector to

the mixing chamber. The connection means may comprise a threaded hex connector.

Alternatively, the connection means may comprise another connector known to the

skilled addressee.

[30] The connection means preferably provides for removable securing of the injector to

the mixing chamber.

[31] The body may comprise a plurality of modular body parts, each body part adapted to

sealably connect to another body part. One or more of the plurality of modular body

parts may comprise a braided hose. One or more of the plurality of modular body

parts may have NPT thread fittings. Other fittings which may be used include an M5

thread with O-ring grooves, 10-32 UNF threads, hose barb, and/or butt weld ends.

One or more of the plurality of modular body parts may be screwably connectable to

another body part.

[32] Preferably, one or more of each of the following are located on, or comprise, a

separate modular body part:

a. the first shut-off valve;

b. the second shut-off valve;

c. the check valve;

d. the pressure gauge;

e. the output;

1s f. the input; and/or

g. a connecting member for connecting two or more of the plurality of modular

body parts.

[33] The connecting member may comprise a braided hose. The connecting member may

comprise a multi-port adaptor for connecting two or more braided hoses, or one or

more braided hose(s) and one or more other modular body part(s).

[34] Preferably, the length of the body may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the

number of connected modular body parts.

[35] One or more of the plurality of modular body parts are preferably formed of stainless

steel.

[36] The agrochemical preferably includes EDN. The agrochemical may include a nitrogen

gas component. Alternatively, other gases may be included in the agrochemical and in

particular other inert gases such as argon and C02. Preferably, the agrochemical

comprises a combination of EDN and nitrogen, or another inert gas.

[37] Preferably the body is able to receive the agrochemical from a single source. The

single source may comprise a cylinder.

[38] The body may receive the agrochemical from a plurality of sources. The plurality of

sources may include a plurality of cylinders.

[39] A flow meter may be locatable downstream of one or more of the cylinders.

[40] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an injector system for

introducing an agrochemical into a liquid, wherein the injector system includes an

agrochemical source, an injector and a mixing chamber, the injector having: an input

for receiving the agrochemical from the agrochemical source; a connection means for

sealably securing the injector to the mixing chamber; an output for introducing the

agrochemical into the mixing chamber; and a body through which the agrochemical

can travel, the body located between the input and the output; wherein the output

includes a sintered diffuser for introducing the agrochemical into the liquid within the

mixing chamber.

[41] The injector system is preferably adapted to disperse or diffuse the agrochemical into

the liquid in a sparging process.

1s [42] The injector system is preferably adapted to introduce the agrochemical into liquid

flowing through the mixing chamber.

[43] The injector system is preferably adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical

into the liquid at a controlled rate.

[44] Preferably, the injector system is adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical

into the liquid where the liquid is flowing a controlled rate.

[45] Preferably, the injector system includes a check valve. The system may include a first

shut-off valve and the check valve may be located downstream of the first shut-off

valve. The first shutoff valve may be a needle valve.

[46] Preferably, the injector system includes a second shut-off valve and the check valve is

located upstream of the second shut-off valve. The second shut-off valve may be a ball

valve.

[47] The injector system may include a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge is preferably

located between the second shut-off valve and the output.

[48] The injector system may include one or more of the following:

a. shut-off valve;

b. checkvalve; c. pressuregauge; d. injector output; e. injector input; and/or f. connecting member for connecting two or more of the above.

[49] The injector system may include a plurality of injectors. Each of the plurality of

injectors are preferably sealably securable to a single mixing chamber. Each of the

plurality of injectors may alternatively be sealably securable to the same mixing

chamber.

[50] Preferably, each of the plurality of injectors are connectable to a single agrochemical

source. Alternatively, each of the plurality of injectors are connectable to a plurality of

agrochemical sources.

[51] The abovementioned preferments in relation to the first aspect of the invention (ie. an

injector) which are not repeated in respect of the second aspect of the present

invention (ie. an injector system) may be applied in relation to the second aspect of

is the invention, and vice-versa.

Advantageous effects of invention

[52] Manifold advantages are achieved by the present invention, many of which will be

well appreciated by a skilled person - and some of which are outlined below. The use

of a sintered diffuser as an injector output and/or controllability of the location of that

output within the mixing chamber the can provide a much smaller bubble size into the

mixing chamber, and therefore intimate contact of the water with the agrochemical

by increasing the amount of surface area contact for a given amount of agrochemical.

This may in turn enable a high rate of dispersion or diffusion of the agrochemical in

the liquid (e.g. water) - and hence efficiently provide a homogenous mixture.

Advantages of an injector or injector system comprising a plurality of modular parts

include flexibility in the location of one part relative to another. This may assist in the

inspection of party by isolation of the part to be inspected. Flexibility as to the location

of a check valve, and in particular as to the location of a check valve relative to other

body parts can decrease blockages by limiting water/agrochemical mixing outside of

the mixing chamber, and/or provide for easy inspection of blockages in the injector or injector system. The invention lends itself especially well to use in the form of a system to achieve one or more of the abovementioned advantages and/or permitting flexibility as to the number of injectors and/or the number of agrochemical sources from which the agrochemical is released.

[53] There are also many manufacturing and economic advantages. As an example, an

injector body of adjustable length permits adaptability for use with mixing chambers

of different dimensions, where those dimensions are determined by the water flow

parameters of an existing liquid distribution network (e.g. irrigation system) into which

the injector is to be integrated but over which the user of the injector has little or no

control. In other words, users of the injector may be relieved from carrying a number

of differently sized injectors, rather, they may only require one injector and a number

of small extender or spacer modular body parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

1s [54] FIG 1 is a schematic drawing of an injector according to a preferred embodiment of

the present invention.

[55] FIG 2 is a schematic drawing of an injector system including twin injectors according to

a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[56] FIG 3 is a schematic drawing of an injector system including a single and twin injector

set up and one cylinder agrochemical (i.e. fumigant) source, according to a preferred

embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An injector and injector system as described and depicted herein in connection with

illustrative but non-limiting preferred embodiments for a particular application.

[57] The structure, principle and operation of the described injector and injector system, as

will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[58] FIGS 1to 3 depict a single injector, a system of twin injectors, and a system of twin

injectors and cylinder fumigant source, respectively, in accordance with a preferred

embodiment of the invention.

[59] FIG 1 depicts a single injector 10 including an input 11for receiving the fumigant (not

shown) and an output 12 for introducing the fumigant into the mixing chamber 2. The

body 9 of the injector is located between input 11 and the output 12 and fumigant is

able to pass through the body 9. The liquid (also not shown) substantially fills the

mixing chamber 2, and the sintered diffuser 1is thereby submerged in the liquid and

the fumigant exits the sintered diffuser 1 within the mixing chamber 2 in a sparging

process as the liquid flows through the chamber 2. The mixing chamber 2 of FIG 1is

sized to permit a large volume of liquid flow (i.e. about 250 litres per minute). Other

suitable mixing chambers may permit different flow rates (ie. about 50 to about 200

litres per minute). The amount of fumigant which exits the sintered diffuser is able to

be controlled to ensure an appropriate fumigant to water ratio is attained (generally

with the goal of maximising the efficacy of the fumigant infused water). The sintered

diffuser is made of stainless steel and has a media grading of approximately 40Im.

The sintered diffuser produces a small fumigant bubble size in the mixing chamber of

1s 40 Im in diameter.

[60] The injector 10 in FIG 1further includes check valve 3 for limiting the flow of the

fumigant through the body 9 in one direction (i.e. towards the output). This check

valve 3 is deliberately located close to the input 11 of the injector 10 in order to limit

the likelihood of fumigant/water interaction in or around the check valve which may

cause blockages due to polymerisation when the fumigant (cyanogen) mixes with

water. The check valve 3 is located downstream of a first shut-off valve 4 (a needle

valve) and upstream of a second shut-off valve 5 (a ball valve) so that the check valve

3 can be isolated from the fumigant and/or liquid. Also included in the injector 10 is a

threaded hex connector 7 which provides a connection means for sealably securing

the injector 10 to the mixing chamber 2 by screwing the connector 7 into the mixing

chamber2 such that the external thread 13 ofthe hex connector7insertsinto a

complementary internal thread (not shown) of the mixing chamber 2.

[61] Another component included in the injector 10 of FIG 1 is an optional pressure gauge

8 located proximate to the output 12 for reading the pressure of the fumigant

immediately prior to introduction into the mixing chamber 2. A section of braided hose 6 (for connecting to the fumigant source) is also located upstream of the input

11.

[62] FIG 2 depicts two injectors 10a and 10b. The two injectors 10a, 10b includes the

majority of the same components as injector 10, namely the check valve 3a, 3b, shut

off valve (ball valve) 5a, 5b, optional pressure gauge 8a, 8b, threaded hex connector

7a, 7b and sintered infuser la,lb such components being in the same arrangement as

the equivalent components of the injector 10. The injectors 10a, 10b themselves do

not include a needle valve. Hex connector 7a, 7b is sealably secured to the same

mixing chamber 2 to which injector 10 is sealably connected, each at a different

section of said mixing chamber. FIG 2 further includes a needle valve 4a (separate

from the injectors 10a, 10b) and a connecting member 20 which is a four-way

connector having four separate connection points for connection to braided hosing 6

or another connectable element (in the case of FIG 2, the needle valve 4a). The

connecting member 20 in FIG 2 is able to connect multiple injectors to the fumigant

source (not shown). In the configuration illustrated in FIG 2 there are three separate

injectors connected to the fumigant source (only two of which injectors are shown,

namely injectors 10a and 10b); each of injectors 10a and 10b (and the third injector,

not shown) are connected to the same mixing chamber 2. Where a plurality of

injectors are connected to one mixing chamber in the system, there may be provided

a 'back-up' injector so that even if one of the injectors fails (e.g. due to blockage of

one of the check valves 3a, 3b or sintered diffusers la, 1b), continuous (or at least less

disrupted) fumigant flow into a mixing chamber is enabled.

[63] Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown) the connecting member may

connect a plurality of fumigant sources, or a plurality of injectors and a plurality of

fumigant sources. Where a plurality of fumigant sources are used in the system, this

may provide a 'back-up' of fumigant supply to ensure continuous (or at least less

disrupted) fumigant flow.

[64] FIG 3 is an illustration of a system for introducing a gaseous agrochemical (EDN

FumigasT M) into a liquid (water), including an agrochemical source 14 and the two

injectors 10a and 10b depicted in FIG 2, plus the needle valve 4a and connecting

member 20. The agrochemical source comprises a cylinder containing cyanogen (such as the 73 litre capacity EDN FumigasT M cylinder), which is connected to an industrial grade nitrogen supply 15 having pressure of 8-12 bar (g). The agrochemical is propelled by the nitrogen supply 15 through the t-valve 16 and into a flow meter 17

(e.g. variable area flow meter such as ABB metal cone variety; or alternatively an oval

gear flow meter, a swirl meter or a thermal mass flow meter) so that the rate of

fumigant flow can be controlled. The flow meter 17 is connected to the stainless steel

braided hose element 6a which is connected to the needle valve 4a, which is in turn

connected to liking element 20 and the injectors 10a and 10b as per the arrangement

in FIG 2.

[65] The agrochemical (EDN FumigasT M ) evaporates if pressure inside the system drops

below a pre-determined high pressure value; said pressure is dependent on the

ambient temperature which influences the temperature of the system. This particular

agrochemical will remain in a liquid state at a temperature of about 20 degrees at a

pressure of about or above 4 bar(g), and at a temperature of about 40 degrees at a

pressure of about or above 8 bar(g). The nitrogen added into the system has a role in

keeping the agrochemical in the system under high pressure during application, which

is important for phase regulation of the agrochemical. Vaporising of the agrochemical

usually occurs between the needle valve 4a (which provides the first big restriction to

agrochemical flow) and the sintered diffuser la, 1b. The most significant evaporation

of the agrochemical occurs when it contacts the liquid (i.e. water) because water

passes energy (particularly in the form of heat) to the agrochemical as it enters into an

area with lower pressure (i.e. downstream of the check valve). The check valves 3a,

3b, are important in being located close to the inputs 11a, 11b of the injectors 10a,

10b in order to limit the likelihood of agrochemical/water interaction upstream of the

check valve which may cause blockages due to polymerisation when the agrochemical

(cyanogen) mixes with water. Given the modular nature of the injectors 10a, 10b they

can be easily removed from the mixing chamber 2 and separated into their

component parts for cleaning.

[66] FIG 3 includes padding valve 18 and purge valve 19. The padding valve 18 is a shut off

valve which provides nitrogen from the nitrogen supply 15 into the cylinder containing

the agrochemical source 14; providing a consistent supply of nitrogen to the cylinder

14 keeps a substantially constant pressure in the cylinder as the agrochemical is

released from the cylinder. The purge valve 18 is a shut off valve which provides for

nitrogen from the nitrogen supply 15 to enter the flow meter 17 to assist in the

removal of liquid and vapour residues of the agrochemical from the connected

elements.

[67] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), where there are only two injectors 10a

and 10b, and no third injector, then the upper and right connection points of the

connecting member 20 may be blocked by a cap; and where there is only one injector

10, then just one of the upper or right connection points of the connecting member 20

may be blocked by a cap.

[68] Each of the injectors represented in the FIGS 1to 3 depict injectors which principally

include the same components (i.e. diffuser, check valve, ball valve) and a generally

similar arrangement of those components. However, several components are optional

in the injector and injector system the present invention, and the arrangement of

components may take a variety of forms. For example, the injector may simply

comprise the sintered infuser, hex connector, body, input and output, where the body

is located between the input and the output and comprises a straight section of

stainless steel piping (in place of the first shut-off valve 4, check valve 3, second shut

off valve 5 and pressure gauge 8 of the injector 10 depicted in FIG 1). The piping body

of this relatively simple injector arrangement (not shown) would be connected to the

hex connector (which is in turn connected to the sintered infuser), and where the

input is the upper section of the piping member. Alternative embodiments of the

injector and injector system are also contemplated by the disclosure in this

application.

GENERAL STATEMENTS

[69] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations

may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit

and scope of the invention.

[70] Throughout the specification and claims, the word "comprise" and its derivatives are

intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features, that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[71] In the present specification, terms such as "part", "component", "means", "section",

"segment", "element" or "body" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms

intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one

or more items having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where a "part",

"component", "means", "section", "segment", "element", "body" or similar term is

described as consisting of a single item, then a functionally equivalent object

consisting of multiple items is considered to fall within the scope of the term; and

similarly, where a "part", "component", "means", "section", "segment", "element",

"body" or similar term is described as consisting of multiple items, a functionally

equivalent object consisting of a single item is considered to fall within the scope of

the term. The intended interpretation of such terms described in this paragraph

should apply unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[72] The term "connected" or a similar term, should not be interpreted as being limitative

to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to

a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A

is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path

between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices

or means. "Connected", or a similar term, may mean that two or more elements are

either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in

direct contact with each other yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[73] The dimensions provided in relation to the illustrative embodiments are not intended

to be prescriptive of all embodiments falling within the scope of the invention. The

dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed

otherwise.

[74] The mere disclosure of a product or system element in the specification should not be

construed as being essential to the invention claimed herein, except where it is either

expressly stated to be so or expressly recited in a claim.

[75] The terms in the claims have the broadest scope of meaning they would have been

given by a person of ordinary skill in the art as of the relevant date.

[76] The terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[77] Neither the title nor any abstract of the present application should be taken as limiting

in any way the scope of the claimed invention.

[78] Where the preamble of a claim recites a purpose, benefit or possible use of the

claimed invention, it does not limit the claimed invention to having only that purpose,

benefit or possible use.

Claims (89)

1. An injector for introducing an agrochemical into a liquid, wherein the injector includes

the following:

a. an input for receiving the agrochemical;

b. a connection means for sealably securing the injector to a mixing chamber;

c. an output for introducing the agrochemical into the mixing chamber; and

d. a body through which the agrochemical can travel, the body located between the

input and the output;

wherein the output includes a sintered diffuser for introducing the agrochemical into the

liquid within the mixing chamber.

2. The injector according to claim 1, wherein the injector is adapted to disperse or diffuse

the agrochemical into the liquid in a sparging process.

3. The injector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the injector is adapted to

introduce the agrochemical into liquid flowing through the mixing chamber.

4. The injector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in operation:

the sintered diffuser extends sufficiently within the mixing chamber to be

substantially submerged in the liquid as it flows through the mixing chamber; and

as the liquid flows through the mixing chamber, the agrochemical is dispersed or

diffused into the liquid in a sparging process.

5. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sintered diffuser

is adapted to produce agrochemical bubbles in the liquid of about 1 pm to about 80 pm

in diameter.

6. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injector is

adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical into the liquid at a controlled rate.

7. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injector is

adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical into the liquid where the liquid is

flowing a controlled rate.

8. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sintered diffuser

is about 1/4 inches to 3/8 inches in length.

9. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sintered diffuser

has a media grading of about 1pm to about 80pm.

10. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sintered diffuser

is made of stainless steel.

11. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a

is check valve.

12. The injector according to claim 11, wherein the body includes a first shut-off valve and

the check valve is located downstream of the first shut-off valve.

13. The injector according to claim 12, wherein the first shutoff valve is a needle valve.

14. The injector according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the body includes a

second shut-off valve and the check valve is located upstream of the second shut-off

valve.

15. The injector according to claim 14, wherein the second shut-off valve is a ball valve.

16. The injector according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the check valve is located

proximate to the first shut-off valve.

17. The injector according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the check valve is located

proximate to the input.

18. The injector according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the check valve can be

isolated from the agrochemical and/or the liquid.

19. The injector according to any one of claims 14 to 18, when dependent on claim 12 or

claim 13, wherein the check valve can be isolated from the agrochemical and/or the

liquid by engaging the first and/or second shut-off valves, respectively.

20. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a

pressure gauge.

21. The injector according to claim 20, wherein the pressure gauge is located between the

is second shut-off valve and the output.

22. The injector according to any one of claims 11 to 19, or claim 20 or 21, when dependent

on any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein when the injector is secured to mixing chamber,

the check valve is located proximate to an outer casing of the mixing chamber.

23. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection

means provides for screwable securing of the injector to the mixing chamber.

24. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection

means comprises a threaded hex connector.

25. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection

means provides for removable securing of the injector to the mixing chamber.

26. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises

a plurality of modular body parts, each body part adapted to sealably connect to

another body part.

27. The injector according to claim 26, wherein one or more of the plurality of modular

body parts comprises a braided hose.

28. The injector according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein one or more of the plurality of

modular body parts have NPT thread fittings.

29. The injector according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein one or more of the

plurality of modular body parts is screwably connectable to another body part.

30. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of each

is of the following are located on, or comprise, a separate modular body part:

a. the first shut-off valve;

b. the second shut-off valve;

c. the check valve;

d. the pressure gauge;

e. the output;

f. the input; and/or

g. a connecting member for connecting two or more of the plurality of modular

body parts.

31. The injector according to claim 30, wherein the connecting member comprises a

braided hose.

32. The injector according to claim 30, wherein the connecting member comprises a multi

port adaptor for connecting one or more braided hose(s) and/or one or more other

modular body part(s).

33. The injector according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the length of the body

may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of connected modular body

parts.

34. The injector according to any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein one or more of the

plurality of modular body parts are formed of stainless steel.

35. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agrochemical

includes EDN.

36. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agrochemical

includes a nitrogen gas component.

37. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agrochemical

comprises a combination of EDN and nitrogen.

38. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is able to

receive the agrochemical from a single source.

39. The injector according to claim 38, wherein the single source comprises a cylinder.

40. The injector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is able to

receive the agrochemical from a plurality of sources.

41. The injector according to claim 40, wherein the plurality of sources include a plurality of

cylinders.

42. The injector according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein a flow meter is locatable

downstream of one or more of the cylinders.

43. An injector system for introducing an agrochemical into a liquid, wherein the injector

system includes an agrochemical source, an injector and a mixing chamber, the injector

having:

a. an input for receiving the agrochemical from the agrochemical source;

s b. a connection means for sealably securing the injector to the mixing chamber;

c. an output for introducing the agrochemical into the mixing chamber; and

d. a body through which the agrochemical can travel, the body located between the

input and the output;

wherein the output includes a sintered diffuser for introducing the agrochemical into the

liquid within the mixing chamber.

44. An injector system according to claim 43, wherein the injector system is adapted to

disperse or diffuse the agrochemical into the liquid in a sparging process.

45. An injector system according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the injector system is adapted

to introduce the agrochemical into liquid flowing through the mixing chamber.

46. An injector system according to claim 45, wherein in operation:

the sintered infuser extends sufficiently within the mixing chamber to be

substantially submerged in the liquid as it flows through the mixing chamber; and

as the liquid flows through the mixing chamber, the agrochemical is dispersed or

diffused into the liquid in a sparging process.

47. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein the sintered

diffuser is adapted to produce agrochemical bubbles in the liquid of approximately 0.1

to 50 pm in diameter.

48. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein the injector system

is adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical into the liquid at a controlled

rate.

49. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 48, wherein the injector system

is adapted to permit introduction of the agrochemical into the liquid where the liquid is

flowing a controlled rate.

50. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein the sintered

diffuser is approximately 1/4 inches to 3/8 inches in length.

51. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 50, wherein the sintered

diffuser has a media grading of 0.lpm to 50pm.

52. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 51, wherein the sintered

diffuser is made of stainless steel.

53. An injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 52, wherein the body includes a

is check valve.

54. An injector system according claim 53, wherein the body includes a first shut-off valve

and the check valve is located downstream of the first shut-off valve.

55. An injector system according claim 54, wherein the first shutoff valve is a needle valve.

56. The injector system according to any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein the body includes

a second shut-off valve and the check valve is located upstream of the second shut-off

valve.

57. The injector system according to claim 56, wherein the second shut-off valve is a ball

valve.

58. The injector system according to any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein the check valve is

located proximate to the first shut-off valve.

59. The injector system according to any one of claims 53 to 58, wherein the check valve is

located proximate to the injector input.

60. The injector system according to any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the check valve

can be isolated from the agrochemical and/or the liquid.

61. The injector system according to any one of claims 56 to 60, when dependent on claim

54 or claim 55, wherein the check valve can be isolated from the agrochemical and/or

the liquid by engaging the first and/or second shut-off valves, respectively.

62. The injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 61, wherein the body includes

a pressure gauge.

63. The injector system according to claim 62, wherein the pressure gauge is located

between the second shut-off valve and the output.

64. The injector system according to any one of claims 53 to 61, or claim 62 or 63, when

dependent on any one of claims 53 to 61, wherein when the injector is secured to

mixing chamber, the check valve is located proximate to an outer casing of the mixing

chamber.

65. The injector system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

connection means provides for screwable securing of the injector to the mixing

chamber.

66. The injector system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

connection means comprises a threaded hex connector.

67. The injector system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

connection means provides for removable securing of the injector to the mixing

chamber.

68. The injector system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injector

body comprises a plurality of modular body parts, each body part adapted to sealably

connect to another body part.

69. The injector system according to claim 68, wherein one or more of the plurality of

modular body parts comprises a braided hose.

70. The injector system according to claim 68 or 69, wherein one or more of the plurality of

modular body parts have NPT thread fittings.

71. The injector system according to any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein one or more of the

plurality of modular body parts is screwably connectable to another body part.

72. The injector system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more

of each of the following are located on, or comprise, a separate modular body part:

a. the first shut-off valve;

b. the second shut-off valve;

c. the check valve;

d. the pressure gauge;

e. the output;

f. the input; and/or

g. a connecting member for connecting two or more of the plurality of modular

body parts.

73. The injector system according to claim 72, wherein the connecting member comprises a

braided hose.

74. The injector system according to claim 72, wherein the connecting member comprises a

multi-port adaptor for connecting two or more braided hoses, or one or more braided

hose(s) and one or more other modular body part(s).

75. The injector system according to any one of claims 68 to 74, wherein the length of the

body may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of connected modular

body parts.

76. The injector system according to any one of claims 68 to 75, wherein one or more of the

plurality of modular body parts are formed of stainless steel.

77. The injector system according to any one of claim 43 to 76, wherein the agrochemical

includes EDN.

78. The injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 77, wherein the agrochemical

includes a nitrogen gas component.

79. The injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 78, wherein the agrochemical

comprises a combination of EDN and nitrogen.

80. The injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 79, wherein the body is able to

receive the agrochemical from a single source.

81. The injector system according to claim 80, wherein the single source includes a cylinder.

82. The injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 81, wherein the body is able to

receive the agrochemical from a plurality of sources.

83. The injector system according to claim 82, wherein the plurality of sources include a

plurality of cylinders.

84. The injector system according to any one of claims 80 to 83, wherein a flow meter is

locatable downstream of the one or more cylinder(s).

85. The injector system according to any one of claims 43 to 84, wherein the injector

system includes a plurality of injectors.

86. The injector system according to claims 85, wherein each of the plurality of injectors are

sealably securable to a single mixing chamber.

87. The injector system according to claims 85, wherein each of the plurality of injectors are

sealably securable to the same mixing chamber.

88. The injector system according to any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein each of the

plurality of injectors are connectable to a single agrochemical source.

89. The injector system according to any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein each of the

plurality of injectors are connectable to a plurality of agrochemical sources.