Models

There are currently two models of the Vortex insect trap:

        1. The standard Vortex insect trap is available as a 240V power supply outlet unit

        2. A solar powered, off-grid “stand alone” version is available and features a 150 W solar panel that charges two deep          cycle 12V batteries

The batteries will power the Vortex insect trap for 7 days during periods of continuous cloud cover whilst ensuring the battery depth of discharge is approximately 80% of capacity. The parallel battery configuration provides redundancy and will ensure the Vortex will continue to operate if one battery fails. Although the solar powered model is the more expensive option, the function and appearance is identical apart from the visual solar panel. Mains powered electricity can be used, but maximum environmental benefits are derived from the solar energy model.

Maintenance involves replacing lights and pumps on an annual basis and a service is offered to customers to deliver these replacements as required.

        - A self-levelling gimbaled stand is available as a levelling tool that supports the Vortex on uneven or sloping terrain.         The stand houses the battery and supports the 150W solar panel and keeps the unit clean as it is suspended above the         soil

        - The product has a comprehensive manual covering assembly, maintenance and operating instructions, as well as         safety considerations

        - Maintenance of adequate inventory of spare parts to ensure the minimization of time lost

Major Components and Their Function

        - An ultra-violet light, to attract non-beneficial flying insects at night

        - A large tank, filled with recyclable water. The water level in the tank is maintained either naturally through rainfall         and/or topped up as required by the farmers / users

        - A tank lid, covered with a water vortex that transfers the captured insects into the tank

        - An internal pump mechanism to circulate the water from the tank onto the lid

        - A removable inner mesh basket sits in the tank and screens and retains the captured insects

        - A solar panel and batteries (for the off grid version) to power the pump and the light

        - A self levelling gimballed stand

How Does the Trap Work?

The Vortex insect trap operates at night, which corresponds to the time of day when non-beneficial flying insects attack crops. The operating concept of the Vortex insect trap is brilliantly simple, involving:

        - A pump continuously circulates water from the tank onto the lid of the unit. The pump flow rate and discharge outlet         has been configured to create a water vortex on the sloping lid

        - Non-beneficial flying insects are attracted by the ultra-violet light, they fall into the water and are then caught in the         downward spiral of the water vortex

        - The water flows down through an opening in the centre of the lid into the removable inner mesh basket where the         dead moths and insects are screened and retained

Area of Coverage

The preferred Vortex insect trap installation is to surround the perimeter of the proposed crop with insect traps. Each insect trap offers optimum protection for up to a 100m radius. It is advised to position the insect traps in the field if it has good internal access i.e. good drainage, firm soil and/or has well-spaced crop rows. This is required to provide necessary access to periodically check the trap’s water level, bug catchment, and to check the lights and pump. The insect traps can be positioned (as in diagram 2) up to 100m in from the bottom edge of the crop line and then in a line up to 200m apart down the access way.

The effectiveness of the Vortex insect trap to adequately cover an area is shown in the diagrams below:

Specifications