The Ventigel company in Bordeaux has introduced a larger capacity anti frost tool.
The Ventigel company in Bordeaux has introduced a larger capacity anti frost tool to complement the standard vineyard unit so that a larger area can be covered with an even greater warming effect.
The fan has a slightly higher air flow than the standard unit but instead of only one heater it has two. The area covered is typically two hectares to three hectares.
It works on the principle that dry vegetation resists freezing longer than wet and its powerful fan is thus used first to blow across the vines reducing humidity and then it has the option of turning on the burners should the temperature fall away.
Practice has shown that turning on the fan during the day to dry at risk areas is beneficial and then using the heaters at night when very cold and freezing.
The electric fan has an 11Kw motor with an air flow rate of 60,000m³/hr and the two heaters each provide 110Kw of heat with diesel fuel tank capacity to last the night long. With its narrow dimensions and tractor hitch points it can easily be positioned in vine rows to cover the most at risk areas. The Ventigel has proven to be a simple, pragmatic solution allowing effective protection against frost.
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