Smaller Retailers Benefit from Better Blends, Capacity of Modified Blend Tower
Reliable, flexible and long-lasting GSI InterSystems tower blending systems are engineered to operational needs without sacrificing blend quality performance. The smaller scale of the modified tower requires less space and less maintenance yet offers better blend quality – faster – than floor-based blending systems.
For ag co-ops and retailers keeping an eye on the bottom line, GSI InterSystems offers a modified version of its high-speed, high-capacity fertilizer blend tower that saves about half the cost without compromising blend quality performance.
Nate Reznechek, GSI InterSystems fertilizer sales director, said the lower-cost, simple-to-operate configuration is gaining popularity, especially with smaller operators. “Most co-ops realize the value of blend towers, but like other sectors of the ag industry, they are very cost-conscious,” he said. “Our modified tower provides a very cost-effective way to upgrade their operation and be more productive by replacing an older tower or floor-based blending system.”
Achieving accurate fertilizer blend prescriptions begins with GSI InterSystems stainless steel Salem gates which include dual stage pneumatic cylinders. In the full open position, the gate rotates out of the product stream, allowing for near 100% unobstructed product flow from the major and/or minor storage bins above to a weigh hopper below. The second position allows the gates to partially open in a “trim” po¬sition, reducing flow when approaching the weigh hopper’s target weight. A “bump” feature allows a gate to open and close within milliseconds for very small product measurements.
The economical configuration can also be installed in new facilities and includes stairs as an option. It provides 100 to 250 tons of overhead fertilizer storage and blending speeds starting at 200 tons per hour, compatible with either one or two blenders. Compared to floor-based blending systems typically used in smaller operations, the modified tower takes up less space, requires less maintenance, provides better blend quality and has twice the life span, improving the ROI over the life of the equipment.
A new option for blend towers of all sizes is GSI InterSystems top-to-bottom, full-access stairs. Easy maintenance, easy climbing throughout the tower plus OSHA compliance. Grating and treads are FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer), structurally strong, non-slip, and non-corrosive.
Reznechek said in comparison, the high-output InterSystems tower – which is well-suited for higher volume locations that can supply multiple satellite locations and higher numbers of customers – provides up to 300 tons of overhead storage and blending speeds in excess of 300 tons per hour.
Both GSI InterSystems tower configurations utilize stainless steel and a galvanized structure in lieu of painted steel that can quickly show rust and requires costly maintenance.