Automated Production Systems featured new technologies at the recent 2017 Iowa Pork Congress trade show to help producers more efficiently manage their pork production environments. Included was the VariFlame variable-rate heater. VariFlame is the industry’s first modulating heater that can work with any control system. It seamlessly synchronizes and adjusts with the temperature curves set in the controller to maintain desired room temperature.

Brian Rieck, product manager, says VariFlame connected to AP’s Edge controller also provides remote access, giving producers control of their heaters and many other inputs from a single system. “Producers can access diagnostics and adjust barn settings remotely from any web-enabled device,” he notes.

MORE CONTROL: The VariFlame variable-rate heater, from Automated Production Systems, was exhibited at the recent 2017 Iowa Pork Congress. AP also has a new positive pressure ventilation system to help keep viruses out of barns.

Other unique features of VariFlame connected to Edge include:
• LED temperature probes, which provide flexibility to not only operate the heater, but also control curtains, fans and other equipment.
• Stir-fan mode, which allows producers to continue circulating air through the heater without turning on the burner as the animals grow and the heater is no longer needed. “This additional circulation of air is ideal for maintaining optimal and uniform environmental conditions,” Rieck says. “It also provides an alternative use for the heater so it’s not sitting idle during the warm months.” 
• Exercise mode, which allows Edge to automatically turn on the heater at scheduled times to ensure it fires up correctly and remains in good working order.

Other features available on all VariFlame models support improved performance, durability and ease of use. For example, most variable-rate heaters range from 65,000 to 250,000 Btu. “VariFlame has an extended range, from 50,000 to 250,000 Btu, which not only allows the heater to run longer, but also provides improved heat distribution and humidity control,” Rieck says. “Even while operating at lower Btu, the burner maintains consistent ignition reliability and flame stability.”

VariFlame is the industry’s first all-stainless steel heater, making it the most durable and corrosion-resistant heater on the market. Easier maintenance is another benefit, since VariFlame is the first heater featuring a single, easy-to-remove door, allowing producers to easily access all serviceable parts from a single location. In addition, every aspect of the heater can be serviced using a single tool: a quarter-inch nut driver.

Positive-pressure ventilation
AP also recently introduced a positive-pressure ventilation system to help keep viruses out of a barn. Air is pushed into a building, instead of pulling it out, which is the case with negative-pressure ventilation systems. The benefit of positive pressure is that barns don’t have to be completely sealed for the highest level of protection against viruses. This ventilation style slightly pressurizes the building, forcing inside air out through any crack or joint.

Introduced in 2015, AP’s Edge controller handles all of the operational functions in a hog production environment. Producers can monitor and manage ventilation, cooling, heating, feeding and watering systems from a single controller using one interface. Edge also offers producers the convenience of remote access using any web-enabled device when they are away from their operations.

For more information contact your local AP dealer or visit automatedproduction.com.

Source: Automated Production Systems