An increasing number of hydroponic growers are seeking solutions that can enhance plant growth and support sustainable practices. Meteor Systems’ HDPE Rafts offer a way to meet these needs, providing a reliable and eco-conscious alternative for hydroponic cultivation.
Recently, Meteor Systems’ HDPE Rafts were evaluated by Louis Dufresne, an engineer from LEAD Solutions Consulting in Quebec, to assess their cleaning performance and durability benefits. The analysis focused on sanitation effectiveness and surface resistance, using both chlorinated alkaline and acidic products.
Compared to traditional EPS rafts, HDPE Rafts last 4-5 times longer. This durability reduces the frequency of replacements and minimizes waste.
The evaluation focused on testing the effectiveness of the cleaning agents, while verifying the rafts’ surface durability under extensive washing conditions. In total, 200 washes — 100 with each cleaning product — were performed.
Methodology:
- Surface Preparation: Initial cleaning removed visible residues.
- Chlorinated Alkaline Treatment: Thorough cleaning with recommended dosages.
- Visual and Microbiological Inspection: Assessments determined sanitation effectiveness.
- Acidic Treatment: Follow-up cleaning evaluated surface tolerance.
- Final Analysis: Results were measured for cleaning efficiency, microbial reduction, and surface integrity.
The evaluation revealed impressive results in cleaning performance and durability.
Chlorinated Alkaline Product:
- Cleaning efficiency: 98%
- Significant reduction in microbial load: 95%
- Surface durability: The surfaces showed adequate resistance, with no signs of alteration after 100 washes.
Acidic Product:
- Cleaning efficiency: 97%
- Microbial load reduction: 93%
- Surface durability: While the surfaces resisted, some minor signs of wear were observed, requiring continuous monitoring.
The evaluation suggests that Meteor Systems’ HDPE Rafts offer a promising solution for growers aiming to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. The tests showed that the chlorinated alkaline product provided better surface resistance, while the acidic product may require more cautious use to avoid long-term wear.
Overall, the rafts demonstrated strong performance in sanitation and durability, helping to reduce the need for frequent replacements. This results in less waste and lower associated costs over time.
