Bayer successfully tests the Schutz Impeller

The Schütz impeller impressed in the test with optimal guiding results.

To produce sufficient food, feed, fibers, and renewable raw materials for a constantly growing world population, seed treatment in agriculture is essential. An age-old method that has been used since antiquity is seed coating, today also called Seed Treatment. The coating is applied directly to the seed. It facilitates mechanical processing and protects against fungal infestation and pests. Bayer's Crop Science division, based in Monheim, is one of the world's leading companies in agriculture and specializes in seed and plant trait development, chemical and biological plant protection, as well as digitalization. Always keeping sustainable agriculture in mind: the company views seed processing as a comprehensive process that goes far beyond mere product know-how. Users are supported through training—from optimal setting of coating equipment to all relevant aspects of environmental protection. Also on the agenda: continuous process improvement through practical experience, ongoing research, and a constant eye on innovative solutions from other industries.

At the Interpack 2017 packaging trade fair, Bayer's SeedGrowth team’s coating engineers drew attention to the Schutz Impeller. Because: the single-use agitator integrated directly into the IBC significantly simplifies handling of the coating. "These formulations often become uneven, especially with large quantities. After longer storage, the coating can settle. Before processing, the seed coating must be mixed and homogenized. In an IBC with a volume of 1,000 liters, this is a complex process," explains Norbert de Baey, Bayer's coating engineer. Until now, special pumps were used for this purpose. The packaging had to be opened and the pump inserted each time. This was physically demanding for users in many ways. Additionally, it was almost impossible to avoid external contamination of the packaging— even with the greatest care. There was also a risk of direct contact with the coating liquid.

IBC containers with the integrated impeller developed by Schütz can remain sealed from filling to dispensing across the entire supply chain, enabling convenient and effective stirring of the filling products. The system is available for all 1,000 and 1,250-liter Ecobulk types with fill openings DN 150 and DN 225. "This new development seemed tailor-made for our seed treatments—a simple, flexible, and cost-effective principle," said de Baey after the trade fair. For further testing, Bayer, together with Schütz, conducted a stirring test on-site at the seed processor Klamroth-Börnecke in Saxony-Anhalt in October 2017.

The right twist – also for well-coated seed

The single-use agitator is connected to the screw cap of the IBC and is already installed at the factory. Only during filling is the system either briefly removed or remains permanently installed—depending on the filling process and the container configuration. A conventional drive system can be connected for stirring without major modifications or conversions. The drive is placed over the screw cap and fixed with a frame to the cage. The drive shaft engages snugly through the opening of the stopper into the impeller hub, transmitting rotation to the impeller inside the container. Its movable blades change position due to centrifugal force. The rotational speed is individually adjusted to the fill level. When rotation is reduced, the blades sink and ensure optimal stirring even with smaller residual quantities.

Uniform distribution: deposits are avoided

An optical examination during practical testing already showed how the coating was stirred homogeneously—without causing foam formation. Subsequently, experts examined the active ingredient content and its distribution. Samples of the fill material were taken from the lower, middle, and upper sections of the container. These were compared in the laboratory with samples taken before stirring. The result: the usual deposits of heavy active ingredients were no longer detectable after stirring with the integrated impeller. All substances were evenly distributed across all levels in the coating solution, making the liquid completely homogenized.

"We are extremely satisfied with this test. The Schütz impeller ensures uniform mixing and concentration of the active ingredients. This allows the seed to be optimally coated with the coating agent. Additionally, the risk of contact with the coating is reduced for the operator—a significant contribution to safety in everyday use," concludes de Baey positively. Based on this test result, Bayer switched to the Schütz IBC plus Impeller system for its premium cereal seed coatings in Germany in 2018.

Additional advantages – from cost savings to environmental protection

Using the impeller as a single-use system also minimizes the risk of contamination of the coating by residual residues of fill material. Because even immersing the previously used pumps posed a potential risk. Costly cleaning and associated expenses are eliminated. The entire impeller component is made entirely of HDPE. Empty IBCs, including the impeller, are collected by Schütz Ticket Service; the bladder and impeller are processed into HDPE recyclate during reconditioning. The recovered material is environmentally friendly and reused in Schütz products, such as plastic pallets.