Bulk Seed Systems: Batch vs. Continuous Flow
Bulk Seed Systems: Batch vs. Continuous Flow
If you’re considering a bulk seed site, you’ll have to determine what kind of system is best for your situation: batch or continuous flow?
To make that decision, it helps to answer the question:
WHAT’S THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF SEED I’M GOING TO DELIVER IMMEDIATELY IN ONE BATCH TO A CUSTOMER?
Once you find out what your largest customer’s needs, and how often you’ll treat a batch of seed that size, you can make your decision. (UAS can help you make that determination too.)
The larger and more frequent the batch, the more likely you’ll need a continuous flow system. If your typical batches are smaller and more manageable, a batch system may be right for you.
Learn a little more about the differences of each below.
BATCH SYSTEM
Batch systems are typically seen in smaller bulk seed sites. A batch system involves a sequence of steps followed in a specific order:
You select how many pounds of seed you want treated
You fill the scale hopper with seed
Once full, the hopper’s gate will auto-open
An inlet conveyor delivers the seed to the treater
That specific amount of seed is treated
An outlet conveyor moves it to either a bin, semi, or tender
This equates to one batch. Even though the seed is treated in batches, the process is performed in a continuous flow. However, if you need to treat more seed, perhaps with a different treatment recipe for a different customer’s order, you must then restart the process for that next batch.
CONTINUOUS FLOW SYSTEM
Continuous flow systems are typically seen in larger bulk seed sites that have more volume. This process involves every piece of treating equipment operating in a steady state to perform their specific functions. As the name suggests, the flow of seed is continuous—you punch in any amount of seed you desire to treat and the system will start and continue running the entire time until the weight you entered has gone through the system.
Although a larger investment, when this process is properly implemented, a continuous flow system saves costs, energy and time. And it can reduce waste, increase productivity and adapt to the needs of customers more efficiently than batch processing too.