Page 21 - Griffin Gazette Issue 1 - 2018

the chemicals we sell. This is just one more example of how Griffin
provides top-level service to our customers to ensure success long
after the sales. We also offer an easy-to-use product that can be
added to spray water to swiftly correct pH. Indicate 5 is a colorimetric
additive that indicates pH with simple, easily distinguished solution
colors. Indicate 5 is safe for use with edible and medicinal crops.
If you are using a crop protection product that others find highly
effective, but it doesn’t work well for you, talk to your Griffin sales
person or customer service representative to get some Indicate 5 to
verify target pH for the product in question.
We have one more reminder about water quality: “Better” isn’t always
better. Most folks would consider reverse osmosis (RO) water to be
“better” than untreated water. However, when it comes to sprayers,
the opposite is true. RO water is far worse for sprayers. Why? Water
is a universal solvent. Reverse osmosis water is pure water, which
makes it an extremely strong universal solvent. RO water is so strong
of a solvent that it can actually be corrosive to sprayer componentry.
Over time, this will reduce the life of your equipment and may leach
unwanted materials into your spray solution. For this reason, avoid
using RO water as the carrier in any spray equipment. Instead,
use tap water. If your tap water carries a contaminant that makes
it unsuitable for your crop, use purchased drinking water for your
spray solution.

When to change to stainless steel componentry
Some useful and popular chemicals are naturally corrosive. The
activated peroxygen ZeroTol 2.0 is one such product. These
products can damage brass componentry with only a few uses. To
avoid damaging your spray equipment, be sure to order stainless
steel nozzles when you plan to use corrosive products. If you
want to future proof your equipment and eliminate any chance for
error, go with stainless steel regardless of planned use. A friendly
reminder – using stainless steel componentry is not a mitigation
strategy to allow use of RO water. Never use RO water to mix
spray solutions.

A clean sprayer is a happy sprayer
When it comes to sprayer maintenance and care, nothing is more
important that properly cleaning the equipment immediately after
each use. Be sure to follow the user manual for specific product
needs. At a minimum, most tanks and solution paths should be
rinsed and flushed with warm water and all nozzles wiped clean.
Note that some equipment, such as PulsFOG, has a different
cleaning routine. Always read and follow all product instructions.
Allowing residual spray solution to sit in the tank can lead to clogged
equipment, incompatibilities with future products or even severe
corrosion and equipment failure.
Inspect spray equipment regularly for signs of damage or other
malfunction. Be sure to replace oil, air filters and other componentry
as suggested. Remember, this impacts your livelihood and your
health. Take the time to treat the equipment right, and it will provide
years of safe, effective performance.

Griffin Gazette 2018 | 21