Your First Choice in Filtration
How the Cold Air Drain® Works
Radiation frosts occur during clear, cold nights with no wind. The ground loses heat stored during the day allowing an inversion layer to develop. In an inversion, the warmer air layer sits above the cold air layer that is closest to the ground.
During a radiation frost night, the heaviest cold air molecules flow downhill, like water, due to gravity. This cold air settles in low elevation areas that do not allow for adequate drainage. As the cold air accumulates in an area, frost damage occurs.
The Cold Air Drain® thrusts the cold air upward to a height of nearly 300ft (91.44m). As the coldest air is being sent up, it collects and mixes with the warmer, lighter air from above. This helps to give the cold air continuous lift and allows it to rise higher, until it is dispersed into the upper inversion layer. The coldest air layer is drained and will not fall back down.
The Cold Air Drain® effect changes the temperature in the lower elevation, frost-prone areas to be more similar to the temperatures in the higher elevation, non-frost areas. The grower may expect a more consistent yield in the lower and higher elevation areas.
COVERAGE & DIMENSIONS:
| #925 Cold Air Drain® | 2-3 Acres* | Unit Size: 72in x 72in x 74in | 843lb** |
| #1550 Cold Air Drain® | 6-9 Acres* | Unit Size: 96in x 96in x 89in | 1,100lb** |
| #3510 Cold Air Drain® | 12-16 Acres* | Unit Size: 125in x 125in x 114in | 2,160lb** |
*Depending on severity of situation.
**Weights are approximate.
A. PROPELLER: All aluminum construction, balanced, jig-formed to provide complex contour needed for high aerodynamic efficiency.
B. GEARBOX: ISO registered (International Organization for Standards), AGMA Rated (American Gear Manufacturers Association), high efficiency right angle bevel gearbox, cast iron housing, aluminum caps, carburized and case hardened gears.
C. WIND TUNNEL HOUSING: Computer-designed 8-panel model, CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) manufacturing, all steel construction, bell inlet specially designed to deliver maximum thrust to propel cold air.
D. BASE: All steel freestanding base, precision engineered tower supports designed to reduce movement and vibration in tower, cold roll steel shafts with keyways, precision ball bearings with cast iron housings for quiet and smooth operation, quality industrial grade #5 fasteners, electrostatic spray powder coating.
E. LIFT BRACKETS: Integrated forklift/tractor brackets to provide complete portability for easy unloading and transporting in and out of the field.
F. DRIVELINE: Balanced 3-piece design, industrial universal joints, safety orange plastic guards, 1 3/8in spline standard tractor PTO yoke, stabilizer bearing, keyway, and set screw.
Technical Specifications
BENEFITS
CUSTOMIZED SYSTEMS!
For each project area, a Computerized Frost Analysis is offered, thereby eliminating much of the guesswork and overspending that often accompanies the purchase of frost protection.
VIRTUALLY MAINTENANCE FREE!
This aesthetic, low profile unit is easily owner-installed and maintained.
VERSATILE!
Shur Farms Cold Air Drain® is stand alone frost protection, or may be used in conjunction with water, wind machines, and heaters to enhance their benefits. The Cold Air Drain® is available in 3 sizes (covering approximately 2-16 acres) and has numerous power options (tractor PTO, gasoline engine, electric motor, temperature controlled auto-start).
DOESN'T CAUSE DAMAGE!
Unlike wind machines and sprinklers, the Cold Air Drain® can be run all night without causing damage during a winter freeze or changing weather conditions.
PORTABLE!
Integrated forklift/tractor brackets provide complete portability for easy unloading and transporting in and out of the field.
LOW OPERATING COST!
Shur Farms Cold Air Drain® has the lowest operating costs of any active frost protection method. Most systems will have a 100% payback in the first year of operation.
NO MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS!
The Cold Air Drain® is easily owner-maintained.
MINIMIAL SITE PREP!
All Cold Air Drain® units are built on a metal skid and are freestanding. No cement pad is needed.
SIMPLE INSTALLATION!
The Cold air Drain® arrives almost fully assembled and is easily put in place using a standard forklift or tractor.
EVENS BUD BREAK!
The Cold Air Drain® evens out temperatures and bud break.
SAVES FUEL!
The Cold Air Drain® #1550 uses just approximately 1 gallon of fuel per hour.
SAVES WATER!
The Cold Air Drain® allows you to start frost protection irrigation systems later and turn off earlier, thereby saving water.
QUIET OPERATION!
Quiet enough to be used near residential areas, businesses, and roads.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY!
Power units and fuel tanks are low emissions and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified.
COMMITTED TO MAKING THE BEST PRODUCT!
Ongoing research at the Shur Farms® facility and in the field is done to ensure quality products and services meet changing needs and regulations. Shur Farms Frost Protection® also works closely with growers, agricultural associations, academics, and government and nonprofit organizations to improve products, teach safe frost protection techniques, and help address local sustainability issues.
