"Cleaning and disinfection with a foaming agent is more effective than with a liquid. There are various methods of making foam, from simple to advanced. The best foam is made with a system with active air support by means of a compressor", the team with Royal Brinkman says as they are introducing their new solution: the SMU mobile cleaning unit. "This makes it easy to optimally disinfect with the best quality foam at any location in the nursery."
Foam is nothing but a liquid into which air is introduced, says Dirk Timmers, disinfection specialist at Royal Brinkman. "Foam creeps into cracks and holes, so you get better coverage than with liquid. The foam also provides a longer contact time because the surface stays wet longer, which in turn ensures better disinfection. Moreover, the advantage of foam is the visual control of which part has been treated and which has not yet been treated."
SMU cleaning unit
Techniques
There are several techniques for turning a liquid into foam, from simple to advanced. The simplest tool is equipment that works via a venturi system, such as a Birchmeier Foam-Matic or a foam applicator connected to a garden hose. Alternatively, a foam gun coupled with an Empas spray truck can effectively create foam. Now, Royal Brinkman is introducing the SMU mobile cleaning unit that allows the top foam to be made easily and quickly anywhere in the growing location for 'on-demand' cleaning and disinfection.
Foam quality
Foam quality is determined by how much the volume (liquid) expands, or expansion. Dirk Timmers: "With a venturi system, you turn 1 liter of liquid into 3 liters of foam (1:3). With an air support system like the SMU unit, you can get to top foam with an expansion of 10 (1:10). Do not add a soapy product to a pesticide to make it foam, but when foaming, choose a pesticide specially designed for this purpose. The agents Menno Hortisept Clean (cleaning) and Menno florades (disinfection) are very suitable for foam application, and when applied, the greenhouse materials remain unaffected."
Foam disinfection
SMU mobile cleaning unit
The SMU cleaning unit can be used for rinsing, foaming, and disinfecting and is available in two variants: with and without a built-in compressor. In addition, you can choose a stationary or mobile installation. Rob Beerling, product specialist Mechanical Hygiene Equipment Royal Brinkman: "For use of the type SMU for foaming, compressed air should be available at the nursery, the type SMU-K has a built-in compressor. The mobile unit is mobile, making it easy to use anywhere in the nursery. The mobile cleaning unit is available with two chemical feeders that can be hung in the can of the cleaning and disinfection product. When the machine is in cleaning mode, it will mix the set dilution itself by mixing the concentrate from the can with water. The same applies if the machine is set to disinfection mode, where it will then incorporate the concentrate from the other can."
User experiences
Rob Beerling added: "The first user experiences from growers are very positive, and for this reason, we have added the SMU units to our range. The result is even better cleaning and disinfection through optimal foaming technology to prevent viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The SMU will not only be a welcome addition during crop rotation. Throughout the year, cleaning and disinfection of all kinds of equipment, products, and other greenhouse components remains quick and easy to apply with the SMU cleaning units."
For more information:
Royal Brinkman 
Postbus 2, 2690 AA
's-Gravenzande, the Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 - 446 100
Email: [email protected]
www.royalbrinkman.nl