Accurately knowing what you are measuring

Today, measuring the bulk density according to the European standard EN 12580 is expected in the substrate and potting soil industry.

It all began in 1999 when the growing media industry in Europe agreed that trading measurements of peat and potting soil must be based on Bulk Density, which is based on weight, not volume.

The Bulk Density is determined according to the description set out in the EN12580.

Bulk Density times weight gives ENmł. In short, the equation 'ENmł-volume instead of mł-volume (water-volume).

External factors can always affect the optical volume of a load once a fully loaded truck leaves the factory. Factors such as road vibrations can compress the material and visibly lower the load, causing customer complaints. Using ENmł overrides the many theoretical discussions about the right amount of product arriving at the buyer.

When following the method ENmł- volume in trade of substrates puts an end to any accusations of miscalculations of orders.

Greater efficiency and accuracy

Before using this formula, the industry physically measured bulk density by hand - a thankless task involving heavy work, time-consuming, inaccurate methods, especially with a 20-litre cylinder and several screens resulting in one or two measurements per batch.

So, at the turn of the century, INADCO started to design, manufacture, and distribute high tech equipment to allow for greater efficiency, accuracy and less labour when measuring potting soil and substrate.

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Photo Courtesy of AIPH

Source: AIPH