Practical Applications

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS NOW IS THE TIME TO CONDUCT AN ANNUAL HEATING SYSTEM TUNE-UP

J.D. Davis, C.M. Edge, J.C. Campbell, K.G. Griggs, and C.R. Smith National Poultry Technology Center – September/October 2022

It’s that time of year to be performing a full heating system tune-up as you are cleaning up your heating system between flocks. Many growers blow off heaters each flock with a handheld or backpack blower. This gets the visual dust build up off the outside surfaces but there is likely more buildup within the heaters. If your round radiant brooders are showing yellow flames or sound a little off, you probably have more cleaning to do than blowing them off with a backpack blower.

Typical practice is to blow off the outside of the heaters each flock (left), however, if the heater is showing yellow flames, there is likely dirt build up inside the heater (right).

After cleaning the outside surfaces, follow the manufacturer manual to remove the brass burner orifice (left). Check that the orifice is clean of debris. Visually inspect the burner tube for debris caked on the walls.

It is easiest to use compressed air and an air nozzle to blow the burner tube and burner out. Apply air until you see no dust leaving the burner. This will take a minute or two per heater to perform.

Growers with tube heaters must blow or sweep off the tube reflector to improve its ability to reflect heat more efficiently to the floor. Like the round heaters, you must periodically inspect both the outside and inside of the burner box for opportunities.

It is important to repair any air ducts that are broken (left) as these allow dirt and moisture to enter the box as well as spiders to build nests in the electronics (right).

While you have the burner box open, inspect the blower fan for debris accumulation. This fan isn’t in terrible condition, but the debris can slow the blower down affecting fan operation and efficiency. A lack of air will cause the burner to cake soot inside the burner tube, reducing both the heater longevity and efficiency.

In addition to cleaning your heaters, you should also check the heater hoses for cracks. You can use a soap solution to identify any leaking hoses and replace them with gas rated hose. It is also a good time to check your heating system gas pressure, making sure gas lines are turned on and all the heaters are running. The gas pressure must be set within the minimum and maximum supply pressure rating listed on the heater name plate.

Bottom Line: Spending a few extra minutes tuning up each heater this fall will increase your heater longevity and maximize the available heat your heaters can provide as well as the amount of heat that reaches the floor during chick placement. Cleaning will also make the heaters run more uniform across heating zones making the house floor temperatures more uniform.

A small business loan isn’t just about the money.

It’s about making the most of it.

To learn more, visit us at liveoakbank.com/poultry

Target Your FLOCK’s Feed Conversion

CLASSIC FLOOD CLASSIC FLOOD

Don’t risk your flock’s feed conversion because of old, inefficient pans. Upgrade them with GrowerSELECT® Classic Flood feeders available in 10 different configurations. Extended, non-prorated 5 year warranty

Chancellor, AL ...........................................855-513-9919 Holly Pond, AL..........................................855-675-0505 Ider, AL......................................................888-394-7458 Ozark, AL...................................................334-443-0240 Petrey, AL .................................................334-335-2294 Spruce Pine, AL .........................................256-331-2817 www.gapoultry.com

© 2022 Hog Slat Inc. All Rights Reserved. Prices and promotions subject to change without notice. Hog Slat reserves the right to correct printing and pricing errors.

Showing up for work before the sun does. Some don’t get it, but we do.

It’s never a dull day on the farm. Since 1916, Alabama Ag Credit has helped farmers like you finance improvements and upgrades for everything from supplies to tractors to tools that get the job done. Whether you’re starting or expanding your agricultural operation, we offer long-term or short-term credit options. Call us today to learn about our competitive rates and how our relationship lending can help your farm thrive.

AlabamaAgCredit.com

Call 800.579.5471

Michael Starling, Member in Henry County

MEMBER