NL2022041B1 - Assembly for cultivation of plants by nutrient film technique - Google Patents

Assembly for cultivation of plants by nutrient film technique Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2022041B1
NL2022041B1 NL2022041A NL2022041A NL2022041B1 NL 2022041 B1 NL2022041 B1 NL 2022041B1 NL 2022041 A NL2022041 A NL 2022041A NL 2022041 A NL2022041 A NL 2022041A NL 2022041 B1 NL2022041 B1 NL 2022041B1
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Netherlands
Prior art keywords
elongated
channel
assembly
cover member
walls
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NL2022041A
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Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Van Der Stoel Andries
Original Assignee
A Van Der Stoel Holding B V
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Priority to NL2022041A priority Critical patent/NL2022041B1/en
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Publication of NL2022041B1 publication Critical patent/NL2022041B1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/04—Flower-pot saucers
    • A01G9/047—Channels or gutters, e.g. for hydroponics
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly for cultivation of plants by Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), wherein the assembly is comprised of an elongated channel for guiding a flow of liquid, and an elongated cover member for covering said elongated channel. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning an NFT system using the assembly of present invention.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR CULTIVATION OF PLANTS BY NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE
Description
The present invention relates to an assembly for cultivation of plants by Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), wherein the assembly is comprised of an elongated channel for guiding a flow of liquid, and an elongated cover member for covering said elongated channel. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning an NFT system using the assembly of present invention.
Cultivation of plants and crops is traditionally done in soil. Another method of cultivation of crops is hydroponics. Hydroponics is a method for growing plants on the basis of a hydroculture, wherein use is made of mineral nutrients that are absorbed in water serving as the substrate. Plants can be grown with their roots in the solution of mineral nutrients or only in water or with a combination of mediums such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, expanded clay or coconut husk. Benefits of hydroponics (hydroculture) are the increased growth rate (up to 20%) of plants as compared to plants grown on soil and their increased yield (at least 25% more) than their soil counterparts. A downside of hydroponics is that it requires more knowledge and experience to successfully operate the system such that plant growth and yield are optimal. The environment, in comparison to soil cultivation, is more artificial where you provide the water, nutrients, light, etc. This means that close monitoring of these inputs are required to maintain the optimal balance for growth. Examples of hydroculture or hydroponics systems are vertical farming, deep-water culture, Deep Flow Technique (DFT) systems, Ebb & Flow system, and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT).
In the case of Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), a stream of water which contains the dissolved nutrients required for plant growth is guided past the bare roots of plants in a watertight tubular cultivation channels, often also referred to as “gully”. The cultivation channels are closed systems where plants are placed at mutual distances in apertures provided in the top side of the cultivation channel, such that the plant rests in the apertures of the channel and the roots are in contact with the stream of water provided in the cultivation channel. Both sides of the cultivation channel are open such that water is fed into the cultivation channel at one side, flows in one direction, and is guided past the roots, wherein the water leaves the cultivation channel at the other side. The cultivation channels are often positioned such that an incline is provided (generally about 1 cm per linear meter of channel) to allow the water to flow through the channel.
Drawback in the use of a hydroculture for plant cultivation, especially with NFT, the closed system is prone to pollution, accumulation of waste products and as a consequence more prone to the development of diseases. Because of the accumulation of waste products, algae and pollutants in the cultivation channels of the NFT system, the plant material becomes more susceptible to fungi and bacteria and growth is adversely affected. Therefore, these cultivation channels often need cleaning in between growth cycles to avoid these adverse affects. However, this cleaning process is a laborious and inefficient process. In addition, due to the above-mentioned drawbacks NFT systems are very suitable for the cultivation of crops that have a relative short growth cycle such as lettuce, celery, herbs etc., but less suitable for plants with longer growth cycles. Since the channels are only cleaned between growth cycles, thus when the channel is empty, i.e. free of plants, the NFT system is more suitable for plants that have a relative short growth cycle because cleaning is done more frequently.
The problem with the current cultivation channel systems in NFT is that the channels cannot be cleaned properly after a growth cycle and that cleaning is difficult. Although the channels are open at both ends, emptying the channel by spraying or hosing with water, cleaning agents, or blowing with air is practically impossible due to the length of the channels, which are in commercial applications often at least 10 meters. Also, when using high pressure cleaning techniques, the apertures in which the plants are provided into the channels result in that air or water pressure will escape and therefore the cleaning cannot provide sufficient force to reach the end of the channel or to provide sufficient cleaning of the inside of the cultivation channel. As a result, the cultivation channels are currently insufficiently cleaned, which leads to the development of diseases, fungi, accumulation of bacteria in a new cultivation cycle.
Considering the above, there is a need in the art for a cultivation channel suitable for NFT systems that can be cleaned more efficiently and easier, and provides sufficient cleaning to reduce the chances of development of disease and adverse affects on crop cultivation in a new cultivation cycle. In addition, there is a need in the art for a method for plant cultivation using NFT systems that is more suitable and effective to cultivate a broader variety of crops or plants, for example the cultivation of crops that have relative longer cultivation cycles using NFT systems in comparison to crops that have a relative short growth cycle such as lettuce and celery.
It is an object of the present invention, amongst other objects, to address the above need in the art. The object of present invention, amongst other objects, is met by the present invention as outlined in the appended claims.
Specifically, the above object, amongst other objects, is met, according to a first aspect, by the present invention by an assembly for cultivation of plants by Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), wherein the assembly is comprised of an elongated channel (2) for guiding a flow of liquid, and an elongated cover member (1) for covering said elongated channel, wherein the elongated channel (2) is formed by a base connected to two walls (8, 9), wherein the elongated cover member (1) comprises a plurality of apertures (7), each aperture being for receiving and holding a plant to be cultivated, and wherein the elongated cover member (1) is arranged to be detachably connected to the elongated channel (2). The liquid that is led into one side of the elongated channel (2) is preferably water comprising dissolved growth elements/factors to achieve optimal growth conditions for the plant that is being cultivated in the assembly. The assembly comprises two elements, i.e. the cultivation channel (elongated channel (2)) which is an open channel and a cover member (1) that fits on top of the channel to close the channel. The channel (2) is an open channel formed as a whole by a base and two substantially upright walls (8, 9) connected to the base. The apertures (7) present in the cover member (1) can have any shape, for instance having a round, squired or triangular circumference, depending on the shape of the clump of the plant or the plant container holding the plant. Furthermore, during NFT cultivation, the plants can be either positioned in the assembly such that the clump of the plant rests on the base of the channel (2) or that the clump is positioned slightly above the base of the channel (2).
According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly, wherein the elongated cover member (1) comprises along substantially the entire length of each of the longitudinal sides a gripping element (3) for engaging a connection with the two walls (8, 9) of the elongated channel (2), wherein the gripping element (3) is configured to engage with either of the two walls (8, 9), more specifically with engagement elements of the two walls (8, 9). The gripping element (3) on both sides of the elongated cover member (1) are identical on each longitudinal side, i.e. the gripping elements (3) are symmetrical (plane symmetry). Therefore, the elongated cover member (1) can be used in an identical manner when the elongated cover member (1) is rotated for 180 degrees. The benefit of such a cover is that the same cover can be used on the channel (2) of the assembly of present invention when the assembly is used in NFT cultivation and the channels are placed in miter configuration, which is often done to make optimal use of the area available for plant cultivation.
According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly, wherein a first wall (9) of the two walls (8, 9) comprises a first engagement element (4) at the top end opposite the base, and a second wall (8) of the two walls (8, 9) comprises a second engagement element (5) at the top end opposite the base, for engagement with both gripping element (3) of the elongated cover member (1).
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly wherein the first engagement element (4) is arranged to provide a hinge connection between the elongated channel (2) and elongated cover member (1). The cover member (1) is loosely connected to the channel (2) and can be fully disconnected, although preferred connected to the channel (2) via a hinge connection between the gripping element (3) of the cover member (1) and the engagement element (4) of the channel (2), such that the cover member will not detach from the channel (2) when the channel is tilted upwards to facilitate cleaning of the channel (2) after a growth cycle is finished. In this case the gripping element (3) of the elongated cover member (1) ensures that the elongated cover member (1) will not fall off when opening the elongated cover member (1) of the channel (2) but is secured on one side of the channel (2) by the hinge connection. The channel (2) can be opened and closed both manually and/or mechanically.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly, wherein the second engagement element (5) is arranged to provide a releasable locking connection between the elongated channel (2) and elongated cover member (1). Opening of the assembly, detaching the elongated cover member (1) from the channel, is done by first lifting up the elongated cover member (1), thereby positioning the gripping element (3) in an unlocking position in respect to the second engagement element (5). Subsequently a force or pressure is provided (e.g. a push) against the side wall or walls (8, 9) of the channel (2) that will result into a deformation of the w'all of the channel (2) (approximately 5 mm) so that the elongated cover member (1) pops out of its fixed position and is detached from the channel (2) at the releasable locking connection. The two-step opening, i.e. by first lifting the cover member (1) and subsequently providing a pressure to the side w'all (8) of the elongated channel (2), provides a safety mechanism that prevents accidental opening of the assembly. Furthermore, in this way the channel (2) can be opened and cleaned easily and effective over its entire length, wdthout the need of high pressure cleaning or multi-stage procedures cleaning only parts of the channel (2). The locking connection is comprised of the engagement element (5) of the channel (2) and the gripping element of the cover member (3), wherein the gripping elements “hooks” into the engagement element providing a releasable locking connection. Closing the cover member (1), i.e. the cover member (1) is returned in locking position on the channel (2), is done simply by pushing the elongated cover member (1) on top of the channel (2), thereby again deforming at least the second wall (8) of the channel (2) such that the elongated cover member (1) pops into the fixed position, i.e. the releasable locking connection.
According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly, wherein the elongated cover member (1) and the elongated channel (2) have substantially the same length. Apart from the apertures (7) present in the elongated cover member (1), the elongated cover member (1) covers the channel (2) over its entire length. When the assembly of present invention is in use, the cover member is positioned on top of the elongated channel (2), wherein one of the gripping elements (3) of the cover member is in releasable locking connection with the second engagement element (5) of the second wall (8) of the channel (2), and the other gripping element (3) is in hinge connection with the first engagement element (4) of the first wall (9) of the channel (2).
According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly, wherein the elongated channel (2) has a U shaped or V shaped cross section, preferably a U shaped cross section. Through the channel (2) a stream of w'ater comprising dissolved growth factors is provided for the cultivation of plants. The channels of the assembly used in NFT systems are often slightly tilted to provide a flow of water form one end of the channel (2) to the other end. The channels are preferably U or V shaped to obtain the most optimal flow of water along the roots of the plants present in the channel.
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly wherein the walls (8, 9) of the channel (2) are comprised of flexible material, such as plastic. The walls (8, 9) of the channel (2) each comprise an engagement element arranged to provide a connection with the elongated cover member (1). The second engagement element (5) provides a releasable locking connection. The elongated cover member (1) and channel (2) are in locked configuration, when the assembly is in use for plant cultivation, i.e. the elongated cover member (1) is in a fixed position on the channel (2). When the growth cycle is finished the channel (2) can be opened by lifting up the cover member and subsequently pressing the side wall or walls (8, 9) of the channel (2). Since the walls (8, 9) are comprised of flexible material (for example plastic, or thin metal such as aluminium), the wall will be temporary deformed and pushed out of place, resulting in that the elongated cover member (1) will pop out of the locking position and the cover member (1) and channel (2) are in an unlocked configuration. The elongated cover member (1) will remain in hinge connection with the channel (2), between the first engagement element (4) of the first wall (9) of the channel (2) and the gripping element (3) of the cover member (1).
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the assembly wherein the base of the elongated channel ( 2) comprises downward protrusions (6) protruding in a direction opposite the walls (8, 9) for attaching the elongated channel (2) to a holder suitable for holding multiple elongated channels. The protrusions (6) are used to fixate the channels onto a roster, scaffold or architecture for holding multiple channels that together form the NFT system. Often channels are placed in miter as preferred set up.
The present invention, according to a second aspect, relates to a method for cleaning a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system using the assembly of present invention, w'herein the method comprises the steps of, a) removing the cultivated plants from the assembly, b) lifting up of the elongated cover member (1) to position the gripping element (3) in an unlocking position in respect to the second engagement element (5), c) providing a temporary force to a side of at least the second w'all (8) resulting in a temporary displacement of the second engagement element (5) in respect to the gripping element (3), thereby unlocking and disengaging the elongated channel (2) from the elongated cover member (1), d) displacing the elongated cover member (1) by rotating the elongated cover member (1) around the hinge connection, while maintaining the connection between the first engagement element (4) of the elongated channel (2) and the gripping element (3) of the elongated cover member (1),
e) cleaning of the elongated channel (2).
The assembly is opened by tilting the cover member from the elongated channel (2). The assembly cannot be opened without the step of lifting up the cover member, because the gripping element (3) and the second engagement element (5) are held into locking position by each other. The elements are first positioned from this locking position to an unlocking position. The assembly of present invention is opened in two steps. Opening of the assembly is initiated by lifting up the elongated cover member (1), thereby positioning the gripping element (3) in an unlocking position in respect to the second engagement element (5). However, the gripping element (3) and second engagement element remain in contact/connection with each other. Subsequently a pressure against at least wall 8 is exerted, thereby deforming the wall (8) comprising the second engagement element (5) such that the elongated cover member (1) pops out of the locking position, i.e. the gripping element (3) and second engagement element (5) are not in contact with each other anymore, and the channel (2) is opened. This two step opening, i.e. by first lifting the elongated cover member (1) and subsequently providing a pressure to the side wall (8) of the elongated channel (2), provides a safety mechanism that prevents accidental opening of the assembly.
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method, wherein the second wall (8) is displaced in a substantially horizontal manner, by at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm. The second engagement element (5) provides a releasable locking connection between the channel (2) and elongated cover member (1) of the assembly. When the growth cycle is finished the channel (2) can be opened by pressing the side wall (i.e. at least the second wall (8)) or walls (8, 9) of the channel (2) and because the walls (8, 9) are comprised of flexible material, the wall will be temporary deformed and pushed out of place, resulting in that the cover member (1) will pop out of the locking position and the elongated cover member (1) and channel (2) are in an unlocked configuration. The elongated cover member (1) will remain in hinge connection with the channel (2), between the first engagement element (4) of the first wall (9) of the channel (2) and the gripping element (3) of the elongated cover member (1).
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method, wherein the elongated cover member (1) is rotated by at least 30 degrees, preferably by at least 70 degrees, more preferably at least 90 degrees, most preferably at least 120 degrees. The elongated cover member (1) can be opened when cleaning the channel (2) after a growth cycle is finished, simply by lifting up the cover member (1) and tilting it around the hinge connection, maintaining the connection of the channel (2) and cover member (1) of the assembly.
According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the
method, wherein the cleaning is performed by hosing the elongated channel (2) with water. Because the elongated cover member (1) of the elongated channel (2) can be opened over the full length of the elongated channel (2), the channel can easily be cleaned, simply by hosing down the inside of the channel over its entire length. Therefore, there is no need to use high pressure techniques (air and/or water) to achieve proper cleaning over the entire length of the channel (2) or that cleaning has to be performed in stages to achieve cleaning of the channel (2) over its entire length. Dirt and other pollutants located on the channel (2) as a result of the growth cycle are more accessible and can be removed more easily as compared to the known more closed cultivation channels used in NFT systems.
The present invention will be further detailed in the following and figures wherein:
Figure 1: shows the assembly of present invention in open configuration. The assembly is comprised of an elongated channel (2) for guiding a flow of liquid (e.g. water), and an elongated cover member (1) for covering the elongated channel (2). The elongated channel (2) is formed by a base connected to two upright walls (8, 9). Furthermore, the elongated cover member (1) comprises a plurality of apertures (7) for receiving and holding a plant to be cultivated in the assembly by NFT. The elongated cover member (1) is detachably connected to the elongated channel (2), via a hinge connection between the gripping element (3) of the cover member (1) and the engagement element (4) of the channel (2). The hinge connection between the gripping element (3) and the engagement element (4) prevents that the cover member will detach from the channel (2) when the channel is tilted upwards and the assembly is opened to facilitate cleaning of the channel (2) after a growth cycle is finished. Opening of the assembly, detaching the cover member (1) from the channel (2), is done by providing a force against the side wall (8) or both walls (8, 9) of the channel (2). This will result into a temporary deformation of the second wall (8) of the channel (2) so that the cover member (1) pops out of its releasable locking connection provided by the engagement element (5) of the second wall (8) of the channel (2) and the gripping element (3) of the cover member (1).
Figure 2: shows the assembly of present invention in closed configuration, wherein the cover member (1) is in locked connection with the channel (2), this in contrast to figure 1 and the open configuration. Closing of the cover member (1), i.e. the cover member (1) is returned in locking position on the channel (2), is done by pushing down the cover member (1) on top of the channel (2), thereby again deforming the
wall (8) of the channel (2) such that the cover member (1) pops into the fixed position.
Figure 3: shows a cross section of the elongated channel (2) and the cover member (1) as separate elements of the assembly of present invention. The cover member comprises on both ends a gripping element (3) which is identical (in plane symmetry) and further comprises apertures (7) for holding a plant when the assembly is being used in NFT cultivation. When the assembly is in use for plant cultivation, a plant (i.e. the clump of the plant) is positioned in the assembly such that the clump of the plant rests on the base of the elongated channel (2). The clump may also be positioned slightly above the base of the elongated channel (2). The first wall (9) and second wall (8) of the elongated channel (2) comprise respectively a first engagement element (4) and second engagement element (5) for engagement with the gripping element (3) of the cover member (2). The channel (2) can also be provided with protrusions (6) protruding in a direction opposite the walls (8, 9) for attaching the elongated channel (2) to a holder suitable for holding multiple elongated channels to form an elaborate NFT system.
Figure 4: shows the assembly of present invention used for the cultivation of plants (10) in an NFT system. A plant or plant in plant holder is positioned in the aperture (7) of the cover member (1). The cover member is positioned on top of the elongated channel (2), wherein one of the gripping elements (3) of the cover member is in releasable locking connection with the second engagement element (5) of the second wall (8) of the channel (2), and the other gripping element (3) is in hinge connection with the first engagement element (4) of the first wall (9) of the channel (2). Water (11) comprising dissolved components for plant cultivation flows through the channel.
Figure 5: shows the assembly of present invention when the cover member (1) is opened in two steps, first A and subsequently B. Step A) is lifting up of the cover member (1), thereby positioning the gripping element (3) in an unlocking position in respect to the second engagement element (5), although the gripping element (3) and second engagement element are still in contact with each other. Subsequently step B) is performed by providing a pressure against wall 8, thereby deforming the wall (8) comprising the second engagement element (5) such that the cover member (1) pops out of the locking position, i.e. the gripping element (3) and second engagement element (5) are not in contact w'ith each other anymore and the channel (2) is opened. Without the step A, the assembly cannot be opened since the
gripping element (3) and the second engagement element (5) are held into locking position by each other.
Figure 6: shows a cross section of the assembly of present invention in closed configuration of figure 1, wherein the cover member (1) is in a tilted position (C) in respect to the channel (2).
Clauses
1. An assembly for cultivation of plants by Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), wherein the assembly is comprised of an elongated channel (2) for guiding a flow of liquid, and an elongated cover member (1) for covering said elongated channel (2), wherein the elongated channel (2) is formed by a base connected to two walls (8, 9), wherein the elongated cover member (1) comprises a plurality of apertures (7), each aperture being for receiving and holding a plant to be cultivated, and wherein the elongated cover member (1) is arranged to be detachably connected to the elongated channel (2).
2. Assembly according to clause 1, wherein the elongated cover member (1) comprises along substantially the entire length of each of the longitudinal sides a gripping element (3) for engaging a connection with the two walls (8, 9) of the elongated channel (2), wherein the gripping element (3) is configured to engage with either of the two walls (8, 9).
3. Assembly according to clause 1 or 2, wherein a first wall (9) of the two walls (8, 9) comprises a first engagement element (4) at the top end opposite the base, and a second wall (8) of the two walls comprises a second engagement element (5) at the top end opposite the base, for engagement with both gripping elements (3) of the elongated cover member (1).
4. Assembly according to clause 3, wherein the first engagement element (4) is arranged to provide a hinge connection between the elongated channel (2) and elongated cover member (1).
5. Assembly according to clause 3, wherein the second engagement element (5) is arranged to provide a releasable locking connection between the elongated channel (2) and elongated cover member (1).
6. Assembly according to any of the clauses 1 to 5, wherein the elongated cover member (1), and the elongated channel (2) are of substantially the same length.
7. Assembly according to any of the clauses 1 to 6, wherein the elongated channel (2) has a U shaped or V shaped cross section, preferably a U shaped cross section.
8. Assembly according to any of the clauses 1 to 7, wherein the two walls (8, 9) of the elongated channel (2) are comprised of flexible material, such as plastic.
9. Assembly according to any of the clauses 1 to 8, wherein the base of the elongated channel (2) comprises downward protrusions (6) protruding in a direction opposite the walls (8, 9) for attaching the elongated channel (2) to a holder suitable for holding multiple elongated channels.
10. A method for cleaning a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system using the assembly according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises the steps of, a. removing plants that have been cultivated (10) from the assembly, b. lifting up of the elongated cover member (1) to position the gripping element (3) in an unlocking position in respect to the second engagement element (5),
c. providing a temporary force to a side of at least the second wall (8), or to both of the walls (8, 9), resulting in a temporary displacement of the second engagement element (5) in respect to the gripping element (3), thereby unlocking and disengaging the elongated channel (2) from the elongated cover member (1),
d. displacing the elongated cover member (1) by rotating the cover member (1) around the hinge connection, while maintaining the connection between the first engagement element (4) of the elongated channel (2) and the gripping element (3) of the elongated cover member (1),
e. cleaning of the elongated channel (2).
11. Method according to clause 10, wherein the second wall (8) is displaced in a substantially horizontal manner, by at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm.
12. Method according to clause 10 or 11, wherein the elongated cover member (1) is rotated by at least 30 degrees, preferably by at least 70 degrees, more preferably at least 90 degrees, most preferably 120 degrees.
13. Method according any of the clauses 10 to 12, wherein the cleaning is performed by hosing down the elongated channel (2) with water.

Claims (13)

1. Een samenstel voor het kweken van planten middels Nutriënt Film Techniek (NFT), waarbij het samenstel omvat een langwerpig kanaal (2) voor het geleiden van een stroom vloeistof, en een langwerpig afdekelement (1) voor het bedekken van genoemd langwerpig kanaal (2), waarbij het langwerpige kanaal (2) dat wordt gevormd door een basis die is verbonden met twee wanden (8, 9), waarbij het langwerpige afdekelement (1) een aantal openingen (7) omvat, waarbij elke opening is voor het ontvangen en vasthouden van een plant om te worden gekweekt, en waarbij het langwerpige afdekelement (1) is ingericht om losneembaar te worden verbonden met het langwerpige kanaal (2).An assembly for growing plants by Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), the assembly comprising an elongated channel (2) for guiding a flow of liquid, and an elongated cover element (1) for covering said elongated channel ( 2), wherein the elongated channel (2) formed by a base connected to two walls (8, 9), the elongated cover element (1) comprising a number of openings (7), each opening being for receiving and holding a plant for cultivation, and wherein the elongated cover member (1) is arranged to be releasably connected to the elongated channel (2). 2. Samenstel volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het langwerpige afdekelement (1) langs in hoofdzaak de gehele lengte van elk van de langszijden een grijpelement (3) omvat voor het aangaan van een verbinding met de twee wanden (8, 9) van het langwerpige kanaal (2), waarbij het grijpelement (3) is geconfigureerd om aan te grijpen met elk van de twee wanden (8, 9).Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elongated cover element (1) comprises a gripping element (3) along substantially the entire length of each of the longitudinal sides for connecting to the two walls (8, 9) of the elongate channel (2), the gripping element (3) being configured to engage with each of the two walls (8, 9). 3. Samenstel volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij een eerste wand (9) van de twee wanden (8, 9) een eerste aangrijpelement (4) omvat aan het bovenste einde tegenover de basis, en een tweede wand (8) van de twee wanden omvat een tweede aangrijpelement (5) aan het bovenste einde tegenover de basis, voor aangrijping op beide grijpelementen (3) van het langwerpige afdekelement (1).Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first wall (9) of the two walls (8, 9) comprises a first engaging element (4) at the top end opposite the base, and a second wall (8) of the two walls includes a second engaging element (5) at the upper end opposite the base, for engaging both gripping elements (3) of the elongated cover element (1). 4. Samenstel volgens conclusie 3, waarbij het eerste aangrijpelement (4) is ingericht voor het verschaffen van een scharnierverbinding tussen het langwerpige kanaal (2) en het langwerpige afdekelement (1).Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first engaging element (4) is arranged to provide a hinge connection between the elongated channel (2) and the elongated cover element (1). 5. Samenstel volgens conclusie 3, waarbij het tweede aangrijpelement (5) is ingericht voor het verschaffen van een losmaakbare vergrendelverbinding tussen het langwerpige kanaal (2) en het langwerpige afdekelement (1).Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second engaging element (5) is arranged to provide a releasable locking connection between the elongated channel (2) and the elongated cover element (1). 6. Samenstel volgens één van de conclusies 1 tot en met 5, waarbij het langwerpige afdekelement (1) en het langwerpige kanaal (2) in hoofdzaak dezelfde lengte hebben.Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated cover element (1) and the elongated channel (2) are of substantially the same length. 7. Samenstel volgens één van de conclusies 1 tot en met 6, waarbij het langwerpige kanaal (2) een U-vormige of V-vormige dwarsdoorsnede heeft, bij voorkeur een U-vormige dwarsdoorsnede.Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongated channel (2) has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section, preferably a U-shaped cross section. 8. Samenstel volgens één van de conclusies 1 tot en met 7, waarbij de twee wanden (8, 9) van het langwerpige kanaal (2) bestaan uit flexibel materiaal, zoals kunststof.Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the two walls (8, 9) of the elongated channel (2) consist of flexible material, such as plastic. 9. Samenstel volgens één van de conclusies 1 tot en met 8, waarbij de basis van het langwerpige kanaal (2) naar beneden gerichte uitsteeksels (6) omvat die zich uitstrekken in een richting tegenover de wanden (8, 9) voor het bevestigen van het langwerpige kanaal (2) aan een houder geschikt voor het vasthouden van meerdere langwerpige kanalen.Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base of the elongated channel (2) comprises downwardly projecting projections (6) extending in a direction opposite the walls (8, 9) for securing the elongated channel (2) on a holder suitable for holding a plurality of elongated channels. 10. Een werkwijze voor het reinigen van een Nutriënt Film Techniek (NFT) systeem die gebruik maakt van het samenstel volgens één van de conclusies 1 tot en met 9, waarbij de werkwijze de stappen omvat vanA method of cleaning a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system using the assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the steps of a) het verwijderen van planten die zijn gekweekt (10) uit het samenstel,a) removing plants grown (10) from the assembly, b) het optillen van het langwerpige afdekelement (1) om het grijpelement (3) in een ontgrendelpositie ten opzichte van het tweede aangrijpelement (5) te positioneren,b) lifting the elongated cover element (1) to position the gripping element (3) in an unlocking position relative to the second engaging element (5), c) het verschaffen van een tijdelijke kracht op een zijde van ten minste de tweede wand (8), of op beide wanden (8, 9), resulterend in een tijdelijke verplaatsing van het tweede aangrijpelement (5) ten opzichte van het grijpelement (3), waardoor het langwerpige kanaal (2) van het langwerpige afdekelement (1) wordt ontgrendeld en ontkoppeld,c) providing a temporary force on one side of at least the second wall (8), or on both walls (8, 9), resulting in a temporary displacement of the second engaging element (5) relative to the gripping element (3 ), whereby the elongated channel (2) of the elongated cover element (1) is unlocked and uncoupled, d) het verplaatsen van het langwerpige afdekelement (1) door het langwerpige afdekelement (1) rond de scharnierverbinding te draaien, terwijl de verbinding tussen het eerste aangrijpelement (4) van het langwerpige kanaal (2) en het grijpelement (3) van het langwerpige afdekelement (1) behouden blijft,d) moving the elongated cover element (1) by rotating the elongated cover element (1) around the hinge joint, while the connection between the first engaging element (4) of the elongate channel (2) and the gripping element (3) of the elongated cover element (1) is retained, e) het reinigen van het langwerpige kanaal (2).e) cleaning the elongated channel (2). 11. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 10, waarbij de tweede wand (8) in hoofdzaak horizontaal wordt verplaatst met ten hoogste 1 cm, bij voorkeur ten hoogste 0,5 cm.The method of claim 10, wherein the second wall (8) is displaced substantially horizontally by at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm. 12. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 10 of 11, waarbij het langwerpige afdekelement (1) ten minste 30 graden wordt gedraaid, bij voorkeur met ten minste 70 graden, met meer voorkeur ten minste 90 graden, met de meeste voorkeur 120 graden.The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the elongated cover member (1) is rotated at least 30 degrees, preferably at least 70 degrees, more preferably at least 90 degrees, most preferably 120 degrees. 13. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 10 tot en met 12, waarbij het reinigen wordt uitgevoerd door het langwerpige kanaal (2) met water af te spuiten.A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein cleaning is performed by spraying the elongated channel (2) with water.
NL2022041A 2018-11-21 2018-11-21 Assembly for cultivation of plants by nutrient film technique NL2022041B1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2007100823A4 (en) * 2006-08-29 2007-10-18 Luigi Gagliardi Modular irrigation trough
US20080302010A1 (en) * 2007-06-07 2008-12-11 Cordon Joan Repiso Channeling for Hydroponic or Similar Cultivations
US8714876B2 (en) * 2012-02-07 2014-05-06 Colin Archipley Gully assembly
US20180007850A1 (en) * 2016-07-08 2018-01-11 Stephen A. Dufresne Multilevel mobile gutter system for growing indoor vegetation
CN207626289U (en) * 2017-11-14 2018-07-20 北京三润泰克国际农业科技有限公司 A kind of NFT leaf vegetables cultivating facility

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2007100823A4 (en) * 2006-08-29 2007-10-18 Luigi Gagliardi Modular irrigation trough
US20080302010A1 (en) * 2007-06-07 2008-12-11 Cordon Joan Repiso Channeling for Hydroponic or Similar Cultivations
US8714876B2 (en) * 2012-02-07 2014-05-06 Colin Archipley Gully assembly
US20180007850A1 (en) * 2016-07-08 2018-01-11 Stephen A. Dufresne Multilevel mobile gutter system for growing indoor vegetation
CN207626289U (en) * 2017-11-14 2018-07-20 北京三润泰克国际农业科技有限公司 A kind of NFT leaf vegetables cultivating facility

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