'Revolutionary' Ultramins opts for AVAG membership: 'Gives a piece of reliability
He brought a concept from shipping to international greenhouse horticulture, made a 25-year career in telecoms and 'prefers to have as few staff as possible'. It is not surprising that Robert de Hoo calls his company Ultramins an 'odd man out'. But it is full of conviction that the same Robert chooses AVAG membership. 'I would like to connect with other companies,' he says. His cavitating ultrasonic emitters are already making watering water free of algae, biofilm and pathogens in more than 50 countries. However, the Dutch horticulturist is still somewhat hesitant about the revolutionary technology. 'Although growth is visible.'
Using a relatively small transmitter to make the water in the silo or basin free of biofilm and micro-organisms: 'It also sounds too good to be true,' laughs Robert. Although it looks like science fiction, the operation of cavitating ultrasonic transmitters has already been demonstrated several times. The transmitters send high-frequency sound into the water. The result is the formation of gas bubbles between the water molecules, called cavitation. As these grow larger due to the sustained sound, the bubbles become unstable and implode, resulting in a huge pressure wave. Algae, fungi, bacteria and viruses do not survive the impact of these pressure waves.
Problems in greenhouse farming
The products of USAF™'s manufacturer, Luijkx Ultrasound BV, have been around for 25 years. 'The principle comes from the shipping industry. There, they use it to keep the ship's hull free of biofilm, which grows on until mussels and cockles grow out of it. That can save as much as half in diesel consumption.' In greenhouse farming, similar problems occur in water silos and basins. Robert: 'Initially, it was intended for algae control. We started testing and it turned out that the technique is also effective for fungi, bacteria, larvae, mites, parasites and even viruses in the water.'
Basin clean within 30 days
Ultramins claims to have an average-sized basin completely clean within 30 days. In just under four years of existence, Ultramins now has customers in 52 countries. It has also partnered with Houweling Horticulture in Bleiswijk and their Canadian subsidiary Houweling Americas to boost sales. There are also many satisfied users in the Netherlands, but not yet in the numbers Ultramins had expected.
Persuading growers
'The Netherlands is still reacting sceptically. I do understand it; in the past, horticulturists often invested in techniques that turned out not to work. That's why we work hard to convince growers. A grower doesn't have to modify anything in their farm, all they have to do is place transmitters where the water is stored. Now they still use UV light, ozone or ultrafiltration, but those techniques don't always cover everything and also cost more money in maintenance and energy. But if someone already has that installation in place, we can use our transmitters to further improve existing methods. The water becomes clearer and cleaner. UV machines benefit and ultrafiltration machines need less rinsing.'
Removing ignorance
The company in Zwaag, Noord-Holland, has a handful of employees. By joining AVAG, Ultramins aims to raise awareness of its revolutionary technology. 'For us, it is a means of getting in touch with other companies and removing the unfamiliarity. AVAG membership also gives a piece of reliability to your company. Besides, we are still learning every day here. As a new member, I immediately received four mailings with invitations to meetings organised by AVAG. I would also like to offer my employees something to increase their knowledge.'