Session 4: Development of low oxygen / nitrogen technologies
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biosecurity built on science Development of low oxygen/nitrogen technologies Dr Manjree Agarwal Murdoch University Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre
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Transcript of Session 4: Development of low oxygen / nitrogen technologies
biosecurity built on science
Development of low oxygen/nitrogen technologies
Dr Manjree AgarwalMurdoch University
Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre
biosecurity built on science
Nitrogen is well known with + and -
Advantages
Provides alternative to current use of chemistries such as phosphine It can add to the “toolbox” for industry as “phosphine break fumigants” It may be an option for “organic” markets
Disadvantages
Costs of nitrogen generation Air-tight storage is critical Relatively high capital cost
biosecurity built on science
Our research has developed nitrogen protocols
• We successfully controlled (100% efficacy in the lab) adult grain storage insects with 97-99% N2, at a temperature of 20°C and a 2-4 week treatment
• We successfully controlled (100% efficacy in the lab) egg stages of grain storage insects with 97-99% N2, at a temperature of 25°C and a 4 week treatment
• Wheat, canola and lupine quality has no change during 3 months storage at >35°C
biosecurity built on science
Nitrogen generation is the breakthrough
Two types of nitrogen generator have been available; Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and membrane separation
Advances in membrane generation technology has meant that it can provide nitrogen atmospheres of 99.5% purity and higher = quicker kill times
Advances in membrane technology has reduced the cost of nitrogen generation significantly = lower costs
We have achieved a cost of about $1.00 per tonne for nitrogen and are working to reduce this by half – our target is 50 cents per tonne
PSA
Membrane
biosecurity built on science
On-farm trials are very encouragingWe started on-farm trials with two properties and through our partnership with Mingenew Irwin Group grower and Doug Clarke
We have achieved the required nitrogen purity levels to ensure complete insect kill
We have built a mobile facility that suits on-farm needs (silo capacity, flexibility)
biosecurity built on science
And an industry trial at port was positiveThis is where we got our $1.00 per tonne result – and insights into how to reduce costs
We are working on a new idea of recirculation of nitrogen to lower costs
biosecurity built on science
Thank you
For more information, please contact:
China /Australia research: [email protected]
Lab efficacy data: [email protected]
Field evaluation: [email protected]
