Device for weed control

摘要

An apparatus suitable for controlling vegetation which apparatus comprises a hot-liquid reservoir (28), release means (38) connected to the hot-liquid reservoir (28) and at least one nozzle (74), for applying a stream of foam that contains steam, connected to the reservoir through the release means. The apparatus includes a heating means (34) to keep the liquid hot so the pressure is above atmospheric pressure. The liquid may be pumped by a pump (36) through the hot-water reservoir (28), the water being heated on demand by heaters (34) within the reservoir (28). The apparatus is either propelled by or mounted on a vehicle; and during use of the apparatus to control vegetation the vehicle provides power (24) to the heating means.

主权项

1. An apparatus suitable for controlling vegetation which apparatus comprises a storage tank for liquid comprising water at ambient temperature; a pump to supply liquid comprising water from the storage tank to a reservoir where it is to be heated; the reservoir for hot liquid comprising a heating means to heat the liquid in the reservoir, the heating means being connectable to a power source, and being arranged to heat the liquid to a temperature above 102° C. such that the pressure would be above atmospheric pressure, the heating means comprising a plurality of heaters arranged such that the water passes through the heaters in series, so the liquid comprising water is heated successively by the heaters and the temperature is raised in a plurality of stages, so that hot liquid comprising water emerges from the heating means at a temperature above 102° C. and at an elevated pressure; release means connected to the reservoir; and at least one nozzle connected to the reservoir through the release means, arranged such that the hot liquid comprising water does not boil until it emerges from a nozzle, and such that the hot liquid combines with air as it leaves the nozzle to form a stream of foam that contains steam; each nozzle being connected to the release means via a header box, the header box being provided with an outflow to carry excess hot liquid back to the storage tank; and the apparatus being mounted on a wheeled trolley or a trailer to be propelled by a vehicle or being mounted on a vehicle.