Ridder FertiMiX-Go! User manual

SV 1.2 02/07/2019
130492MAN130
96000002
Installation and User Manual
FertiMiX-Go!

Ridder Growing Solutions B.V. Mailing address
Honderdland 131 Postbus 33
2676 LT Maasdijk 2676 ZG Maasdijk
The Netherlands The Netherlands
Tel : [phone] Website: www.ridder.com
E-mail: [e-mail], [e-mail],
[e-mail]
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual.
Should any errors be discovered, however, Ridder Growing Solutions B.V. would
greatly appreciate being informed of them. Ridder Growing Solutions B.V. is
naturally very interested in your comments and additions.
This product is subject to the General Conditions of Ridder Growing Solutions
B.V.
This document may not be copied or made public by means of printing,
photocopying, digital copying or any other process, without the prior written
permission of Ridder Growing Solutions B.V.
Publication date: 02/07/2019 14:00 130492MAN130 Item code: 96000002

Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Introduction 5
1.2 Aims 5
1.3 Target groups 5
1.4 Symbols and annotations 6
1.5 Documentation included 7
1.6 Disclaimer 8
2 Product information 9
2.1 Principles of operation 9
2.2 Process description 10
2.3 Product specifications 11
2.3.1 Basic configuration 11
2.3.2 Filling module with float valve 12
2.3.3 Pressure module with filter 13
2.3.4 Measurement module (sensors) 14
2.3.5 Dosing module 15
2.3.6 Pumps 17
2.3.7 I/O modules 17
2.4 Control 18
2.4.1 HortiMaX-Go! 19
2.5 Individual components 19
2.5.1 Spare components and extra options 19
2.5.2 Peripheral equipment and accessories 20
2.6 Other product characteristics 21
2.6.1 Inspection plates 21
2.6.2 Quality control 22
2.6.3 Component stickers 22
2.6.4 Guidelines and standards 23
2.7 Packaging, storage and shipment 24
2.8 Recycling and disposal 25
3 Safety 26
3.1 General safety requirements 26
3.2 Chemical substances 26
3.3 Personal protective equipment 27
3.4 Emergency stop 27
4 Installation 28
4.1 Installation requirements 28
4.1.1 Dealer/installer requirements 28
4.1.2 Installation requirements 28
4.1.3 Water installation requirements 29
4.1.4 Electrical installation requirements 30
4.2 Step-by-step installation and commissioning instructions 30
4.3 Connecting water supply (hydronic installation) 31
4.4 Connecting electrical components 31
4.5 Installing other components 32
4.5.1 Connecting dosing channel 32
4.5.2 Connecting EC sensor 32
4.5.3 Connecting pH sensor 33
4.5.4 Connecting the I/O modules 33

5 Commissioning 35
5.1 Updating software 35
5.2 Software configuration 36
5.2.1 New start 36
5.2.2 Scanning 37
5.3 Software settings 39
5.3.1 Irrigation control 40
5.4 Calibrating the sensors 40
5.4.1 Calibration steps 41
5.5 Pressurizing the FertiMiX 41
5.5.1 Step-by-step instructions 41
5.5.2 Water supply and pressure 42
5.6 Using the dosing channels for the first time 42
5.6.1 Even fertilizer dosing 43
5.7 Testing the FertiMiX 43
6 Operation 44
6.1 Power switch 44
6.2 Operating the main FertiMiX pump 44
6.3 Operating the HortiMaX-Go! (Quick Start Guide) 45
6.3.1 The home screen 45
6.3.2 Assigning valves to valve groups 46
6.3.3 Valves simultaneously 47
6.3.4 Periods 47
6.3.5 Duration and volume 49
6.3.6 Fertilizer and acid dosing 50
6.3.7 Pre-flushing and post-flushing 52
6.3.8 Start conditions 52
6.3.9 Alarms 56
7 Maintenance 58
7.1 Maintenance guidelines 58
7.2 Weekly maintenance 58
7.3 Monthly maintenance 58
7.4 Annual maintenance 59
Appendices 60
Glossary 60
Checklist for step-by-step installation procedure 62

1 Introduction
Ridder Growing Solutions supplies both high-tech and simple solutions for large- and
small-scale horticulture companies. Ridder Growing Solutions‘s range is divided into
three product categories:
Water Treatment
Process Automation
Management Systems
The Ridder FertiMiX is part of our range of water treatment products.
This is the installation and user manual for the FertiMiX-Go!. This manual was
originally published in Dutch.
1.1 Introduction
The FertiMiX-Go! doses water and fertilizers automatically via a mixing tank into the
main irrigation line (or main pipe). This is also known as a 'mixing tank fertigation
system'.
1.2 Aims
This manual has two aims:
1. The manual describes how to install and connect the FertiMiX-Go!.
2. This manual describes the functioning of the FertiMiX-Go! and how to maintain
it.
1.3 Target groups
The manual has been written for two target groups:
the installers of the FertiMiX-Go!
the users of the FertiMiX-Go!.
In general, installation will be carried out by the dealer of the FertiMiX-Go!. This
manual uses the term ‘dealer’ to mean both the dealer and the installer.
The users are the growers, worldwide.
Ridder Growing Solutions advises both target groups to familiarize themselves with
the content of the entire manual:
sections 4 and 5 have been written specifically for the dealers;
sections 6 and 7 have been written specifically for the users.
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1.4 Symbols and annotations
This manual uses symbols, pictograms, abbreviations and annotations. This section
provides an overview of these.
1.4.1 Symbols
The following symbols are used:
Note: This notice provides important information or a warning. Ignoring this
information may result in product damage or personal injury.
Note: This notice provides important information or a warning.
Information: This notice provides additional information or a brief
explanation.
Tip: This relates to advice to users.
1.4.2 Pictograms
To show that personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, the following
pictograms are used:
Pictogram Name
Protective clothing
Gloves
Safety goggles
Safety boots
1.4.3 Abbreviations
This manual uses the following abbreviations:
Symbol Name
°C degrees Celsius
°F degrees Fahrenheit
W x H x D width x height x depth
cm centimetre
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Symbol Name
EC Electrical Conductivity
Hz Hertz
L (or l) litre
L/h litres per hour
max. maximum
m metre
ml millilitre
m3cubic metre
mS/cm millisiemens per centimetre
pH acidity
PPE personal protective equipment
V Volt
Where appropriate, these terms may be used in full the first time they are
mentioned, with the abbreviation shown in brackets. After that, the
abbreviation will be used.
1.4.4 Notation methods
The following method of notation is used in the software user instructions:
A button is indicated as follows: the Start button.
A field is indicated as follows: the Connect string field.
A setting is indicated as follows: the Language setting.
A window is indicated as follows: the Log On window.
1.4.5 Glossary
A glossary has been included in the appendix (see Appendix: "Glossary" on page60).
1.5 Documentation included
The FertiMiX includes a full set of documentation. This manual is part of that
documentation. You will also find:
Additional information on, for example: pumps, measuring equipment, etc. can
be found in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) manuals, supplied
separately. Please consult these OEM manuals for the correct use and
maintenance of the relevant components.
Electrical wiring diagrams.
HortiMaX-Go! documentation, such as: '160212 HortiMaX-Go! User Manual' and
'160211 HortiMaX-Go! Installation Manual'. Visit help.hortimax-go.com for
online support.
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ONLINE HELP
Scan the QR code to access the online help.
help.hortimax-go.com
1.6 Disclaimer
The FertiMiX-Go! series and all its components have been developed specifically for a
horticultural environment. The equipment and accompanying software must be used
as delivered and are subject to the instructions in the Ridder Growing Solutions
documentation provided with the equipment and software.
The FertiMiX-Go! series is designed for irrigation and fertigation applications in a
horticultural environment.
For other conditions of use, please refer to our General Conditions of Sale.
Your warranty will be void if you fail to observe the instructions provided by Ridder
Growing Solutions.
This manual describes the FertiMiX-Go!. Certain details of the FertiMiX-Go! that you
will be installing may vary from the situation shown. Please refer to the order
confirmation to check whether the FertiMiX-Go! provided has non-standard
specifications.
Ridder Growing Solutions has made every effort to provide up-to-date illustrations
and screenshots in this manual. However, the illustrations and screenshots used may
differ from what you actually see. Screenshots have been made using the English-
language version of the HortiMaX-Go!. For the latest version of the screenshots, you
will need to use the latest version of the HortiMaX-Go! software.
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2 Product information
This section describes the components and the functioning of the FertiMiX-Go!.
2.1 Principles of operation
Figure 2-1: Diagram showing the basic operation of the FertiMiX-Go!.
No. Name No. Name
1 Fertilizers, acid, lye (alkali) or
other substances
9 Pressure pipe/filling pump
2 Dosing valve 10 EC
3 Venturi 11 Filling valve with overflow
protection
4 EC sensor 12 Mixing tank
5 pH sensor 13 System pump
6 Clean water 14 Filter
7 Drain water 15 Flow meter
8 Filter 16 Valve groups and valves in the
greenhouse
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2.2 Process description
The FertiMiX works as follows:
Fresh water is supplied (optionally pre-blended with drain water).
The supply pipe is fitted with:
(optionally) a filter for filtering water,
(if the pre-pressure is less than two bars) a filling pump for pumping
water into the mixing tank,
(optional) an EC sensor for pre-blending control.
The water flows into the mixing tank via the filling module. The filling module
regulates the water supply to the mixing tank.
The system pump pumps the water from the mixing tank towards the pressure
module.
From the pressure module, the water is directed to the dosing module.
Some of the water flows to the measurement module. The measurement
module is a branch line where the EC and/or pH is measured.
A dosing module consists of one or more dosing channels. Each fertilizer (or
other additive) requires its own dosing channel equipped with a venturi.
Fertilizers (or other additives) are sucked out of the stock tanks connected to
the venturis.
The fertilizers and other additives are dosed using the dosing valves based on
the fertigation recipe.
From the dosing module and measurement module, the water is fed into the
mixing tank.
The design of the supply pipe creates a swirling motion in the mixing tank. This
swirling motion effectively mixes and aerates the water and fertilizers. This
ensures that the fertilizers dissolve completely and allows the equilibrium
reaction of the acid or alkali (lye) with the water to stabilize. This reaction
creates CO2 gas. The residence time of the water inside the mixing tank plays a
key role in the mixing process. It also allows the CO2 gas to escape from the
mixture, preventing gas bubbles from clogging the pipes.
A float and valve prevent the mixing tank from overflowing.
Once the water and fertilizers have been mixed sufficiently, the system pump
pumps the irrigation water from the mixing tank to the pressure module. This
module has a branch line for distributing the irrigation water.
The water flows to the irrigation valves and is then supplied to the crop. If
required, the water can first be filtered and the flow rate can be measured.
The entire process is controlled by the HortiMaX-Go! process controller. Its tasks
include:
ensuring that the correct fertigation recipe is prepared (proportion of fertilizers
and water),
controlling the valves to ensure that the water reaches the crop.
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2.3 Product specifications
The FertiMiX-Go! is available in various configurations, because different dosing
channels, pumps, sensors and I/O modules can be added to the FertiMiX-Go!. This is
described in this and the following sections.
2.3.1 Basic configuration
Figure 2-2 is a diagram of the components of the FertiMiX-Go!.
Figure 2-2: Side and front view of the FertiMiX-Go!
No. Description No. Description
1 Mixing tank 9 Power switch / emergency stop
2 Dosing module 10 System pump
3 Measurement module
(location of sensors)
11 Thermal cut-out for pump (optional)
4 Water outlet of mixing
tank
12 Integrated process computer and control
panel
5 Water inlet of mixing tank
water
13 Pressure module with filter
6 Filling module with float
valve
14 Screen filter (500 microns)
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No. Description No. Description
7 Connection point for fresh
water supply
15 Venturi (at least 1, no more than 5)
8 Connection point for
irrigation water
distribution
16 Supply pipe(s) (at least 1, no more than 5)
for fertilizers and acid/alkali (optional)
The following table provides an overview of the main specifications of the FertiMiX-
Go! basic configuration(s):
Component Specifications
Nominal capacity at 4 bars 10 [m3/h]
Dimensions (W x H x D) 116 x 102 x 66 [cm]
Dimensions of basic cabinet (W x H x D) 60 x 40 x 20 [cm]
Mixing tank volume 100 [l]
Electrical voltages and frequencies 3 x 400 [V], 50 [Hz], with neutral and
earth
3 x 400 [V], 60 [Hz], with neutral and
earth
3 x 230 [V], 50 [Hz], with earth
3 x 230 [V], 60 [Hz], with earth
Process controller HortiMaX-Go!
User interface on the FertiMiX
(standalone)
Yes
2.3.2 Filling module with float valve
The filling module is located directly after the connection point of the fresh water
supply.
The float valve shuts off the water supply if the water level in the mixing tank rises
too high. You can also use the button on the float valve to control the water supply to
the mixing tank manually.
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Figure 2-3 Filling module with float valve
No. Description No. Description
1 Dummy pipe for transport 3 Float valve
2 Connection point for fresh water, 50-mm
coupling
4 Connection point to mixing
tank
2.3.3 Pressure module with filter
The pressure module is located directly after the connection point of the irrigation
water distribution pipe. The pressure module guides some of the irrigation water to
the dosing module with the measurement module. The pressure module is equipped
with a pressure regulator that enables the pressure before the venturis (see section
"Dosing module" on page15) to be set to 2.2 bars. The pressure after the venturis is
always 0 bars. The screen filter in the pressure module prevents the venturis from
clogging.
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Figure 2-4 Pressure module with filter
No. Description No. Description
1 Dummy pipe for transport 4 500-micron
screen filter
2 Connection point for irrigation water distribution
pipe, 50-mm coupling
5 Pressure
regulator
3 Pressure gauge (0 - 6 bars) for filter (4 bars)
2.3.4 Measurement module (sensors)
The measurement module is located directly after the pressure module; it is a branch
of the supply channel of the dosing module. The measurement module is where the
sensors are located. After passing through the measurement module, the water is
returned to the mixing tank.
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Figure 2-5 Measurement module
No. Description No. Description
1 Connection point from pressure module 4 pH control sensor
2 EC control sensor 5 pH verification sensor
3 EC verification sensor 6 Return to mixing tank
Depending on the configuration, the following sensors can be added:
EC sensor: the EC sensor measures the concentration of fertilizers in the water.
pH sensor: the pH sensor measures the acidity level of the water.
The FertiMiX-Go! is supplied with at least one EC sensor as standard.
If there is one EC / pH sensor: this is the control sensor.
If two EC / pH sensors are present: the verification sensor checks the
functioning of the control sensor.
Please consult the supplied OEM manuals for the correct use and maintenance of the
relevant components.
2.3.5 Dosing module
A dosing module consists of one or more dosing channels. Each fertilizer has its own
dosing channel (a maximum of four). The last channel is used to dose acid or alkali
(lye). This is optional.
Before the water reaches the dosing module, some of the water flows past the
measurement module. This is where the EC and/or pH level is measured. See
"Measurement module (sensors)" on the previous page for more information.
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The figure below shows the most complete configuration.
Figure 2-6 Dosing module and measurement module
No. Description Part of
1 pH control sensor and pH verification
sensor
Measurement module
2 EC control sensor and EC verification
sensor
3 Pressure gauge after filter, 0.0 - 2.5 bars -
> 2.2 bars
4 Dosing valve Fertilizer dosing channel
5 Needle valve
6 Sight glass of venturi flow meter
7 Suction hose with filter1
8 Optional acid dosing channel, recognizable by location and different colour
sight glass
1If necessary, shorten the included suction hoses or replace them by hoses of a
different length and/or diameter
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Dosing channel
The figure below shows the components of the dosing channel.
Figure 2-7 Dosing channel components
No. Description No. Description
1 Sealing cap of dosing module 5 Connection in the mixing tank
2 Protective cap of mixing tank 6 Dosing valve cable
3 Coupling piece of dosing module 7 Sight glass
4 Venturi 8 Fertilizer/Acid supply pipe
More information on dosing modules:
Component Specifications
Capacity of dosing channels [l/h] 80
2.3.6 Pumps
The FertiMiX-Go! is suitable for use with two models of pumps:
Lowara 10HM03S 22T 2.2kw 3x230/400V 50Hz
Lowara 10HM03S 22T 2.2kw 3x230/400V 60Hz
2.3.7 I/O modules
The FertiMiX-Go! uses I/O modules called Smart Switches. Smart Switches are the
(manual control) switches used for the HortiMaX-Go! process controller. These
switches are equipped with an electrical circuit, a processor and software.
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The following table below provides an overview of the different types of I/O modules:
Module type When relevant
Weather/Alarm Smart
Switch
Always.
System pump Smart
Switch
Always.
Filling pump Smart
Switch
If a filling pump is used to fill the mixing tank.
EC Smart Switch If fertilizers are dosed based on an EC measurement.
EC pre-blending
Smart Switch
If multiple types of supply water are pre-blended based on
an EC measurement.
pH Smart Switch If acid is dosed based on a pH measurement.
Other types of Smart Switches are not part of the FertiMiX itself, but can be supplied
as accessories. See section "Peripheral equipment and accessories" on page20 for
more information.
Figure 2-8: Example of a Smart Switch I/O module
For more detailed information, please refer to the following documentation:
"160087 Insert HMX5091 Smart Switch pH"
"160088 Insert HMX5092 Smart Switch On Off"
"160094 Insert HMX5102 Smart Switch EC"
"160095 Insert HMX5103 Smart Switch Weather Alarm"
2.4 Control
The FertiMiX-Go! is controlled by an integrated process controller that has its own
operating system, called the HortiMaX-Go!.
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2.4.1 HortiMaX-Go!
The HortiMaX-Go! is an affordable, user-friendly control computer designed
specifically for the horticultural sector. With the HortiMaX-Go!, you can control both
the irrigation and the climate inside your greenhouse. The HortiMaX-Go! is easy to
customize by choosing unique Smart Switches that can be installed in a plug-and-play
manner.
The HortiMaX-Go! is also a breeze to operate using its touchscreen display. In
combination with the CloudBoX and the HortiMaX-Go! app, you can even operate the
HortiMaX-Go! remotely with your smartphone. You can manage your CloudBoXes,
controllers and app users on our CloudPortal.
For more information about the HortiMaX-Go!, please refer to the
documentation included or the online help (help.hortimax-go.com).
2.5 Individual components
This section provides an overview of spare parts and extra options, and peripheral
equipment and accessories that are available to order.
2.5.1 Spare components and extra options
Item
number Name Description
74181801 Acid dosing channel 80
L/hour, 50 Hz
Including sensor and Smart Switch
74181811 Acid dosing channel 80
L/hour, 60Hz
Including sensor and Smart Switch.
74181802 Additional dosing
channel 80 L/hour, 50
Hz
Up to three additional dosing channels can be
installed on the FertiMiX-Go!
74181812 Additional dosing
channel 80 L/hour,
60Hz
Up to three additional dosing channels can be
installed on the FertiMiX-Go!.
74181803 EC verification sensor EC verification sensor (maximizes the
reliability of EC dosing)
74181804 pH verification sensor pH verification sensor (maximizes the
reliability of pH dosing)
74181805 Thermal cut-out FertiMiX-Go! thermal overload protection for
the pump
74181818 Filling pump FertiMiX-Go! filling pump, 3 x 230 V/50 Hz
74181819 Filling pump FertiMiX-Go! filling pump, 3 x 230 V/60 Hz
74181820 Filling pump FertiMiX-Go! filling pump, 3 x 400 V/50 Hz
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Item
number Name Description
74181821 Filling pump FertiMiX-Go! filling pump, 3 x 400 V/60 Hz
74181807 EC pre-blending EC pre-blending including Smart Switch (Also
required: filling pump and EC sensor)
20800400 Meteo (Weather) +
Alarm Smart Switch
20801200 System pump Smart
Switch
20801300 Filling pump Smart
Switch
20801510 EC Smart Switch
20801520 EC pre-blending Smart
Switch
20801610 pH Smart Switch
2.5.2 Peripheral equipment and accessories
Item
number Name
30517600 Meteo-Go!
Weather station
04004100 PVC T-piece
D40/DN32 PVC T-piece for F15-P0 (40mm) 1.6 - 14 m³/h
04004000 Flow meter
F15 flow meter P51530-P0
32002610 CAT5 E cable
Only available in 305-metre length
20810200 Valves cabinet
Equipped with eight-valves card (24 VAC) Includes Valves Smart
Switch (2 amps)
20810100 Valves cabinet
Equipped with eight-valves card (24 VAC) Includes Valves Smart
Switch (2 amps)
20801700 Valves Smart Switch
Eight valves (2 amps), two start contacts
20800420 MTV-Go! Smart Switch
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