Elevating Agricultural Spraying with Pneumatic Technology

This is where breakthrough engineering makes a real difference.

Our recent collaboration with Salus Aviation, a global provider of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft services, demonstrates how innovative pneumatic technology can transform agricultural operations, delivering efficiency and cost-effectiveness from the cockpit.

The Challenge: Precision Spraying in Harsh Conditions

Salus Aviation approached us with a specific need. They were developing high-performance chemical spray units for the Airbus AS350 helicopter, a workhorse in the agricultural sector. The core challenge was to ensure that expensive chemicals were dispersed at a perfectly consistent flow rate. This would maximise crop coverage while minimising waste—a crucial factor for both economic and environmental sustainability.

The system had to be more than just precise. It needed to be exceptionally robust, capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of agricultural work in remote locations. Reliability was paramount; pilots operating far from maintenance support need complete confidence that their equipment will function as expected.

The Solution: A Bespoke Pneumatic Control System

In response, our engineering team worked in close partnership with Salus Aviation to develop a comprehensive, bespoke pneumatic technology solution. We didn't just supply parts; we collaborated to understand the specific demands of aerial spraying and engineered a system tailored to meet them.

At the heart of the solution is a Kinetrol double-acting cylinder mounted on a ball valve, which provides precise management of the chemical flow. The system was recently enhanced with the integration of our IMI Norgren V60 pneumatic control valves. These valves, designed for long-life performance, allow the pilot to activate and control the opening and closing of the spray system safely and reliably from the cockpit. The holistic system also includes other proven IMI pneumatic technologies, such as quick exhaust valves, pressure switches, Pneufit C fittings, and PA2 nylon tubing. Together, these components create a trusted pneumatic control system that delivers on its promises.

The Impact: Optimised Performance and Enhanced Efficiency

The results of this collaboration speak for themselves. The IMI-controlled pneumatic system delivers significant benefits for aerial spraying operations.

• Optimised Chemical Usage: The precise flow control ensures chemicals are used as efficiently as possible, reducing waste and lowering operational costs.
• Enhanced Reliability: The robust design of the IMI Norgren V60 valves gives pilots the assurance that the spray system will activate exactly when needed, every time. This reliability is critical for safety and mission success.
• Improved Cost-Effectiveness: By maximising efficiency and reducing time in the air, the system makes the entire spraying process more cost-effective.

We are delighted to have supported the build of the effective AS350 spray system. Our robust IMI Norgren V60 valves offer reliability of performance so that pilots are assured that when they need to activate the opening and closing of the spraying system, it will work as required. Ed Ablan, Key Account Manager, IMI.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Innovation

This project highlights the power of collaboration. By working closely with the specialised spray system development team at Salus Aviation, we were able to combine our expertise in pneumatic technology with their deep knowledge of aviation services.

Our specialised spray system development team have worked closely with IMI to find a dependable and proven solution to support the spraying units we develop for customers. We now install the V60 control valve, alongside other IMI technologies to benefit from a holistic pneumatic control system we can trust. Philipp Antwerpen, EGM MRO Services from Salus Aviation.

This successful deployment across New Zealand and Australia is just the beginning, with plans in place to provide the AS350 spray system globally. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we partner with customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Image courtesy of Helisika Helicopters https://helisikahelicopters.co.nz/.