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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #169743
Title: Inexpensive Spray Shield for Alfalfa Valves Detailed

Author
item Torrans, Eugene
item SANTUCCI, J - MISS. STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: The Catfish Journal
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/11/2004
Publication Date: 1/1/2005
Citation: Torrans, E.L., Santucci, J. 2005. Inexpensive Spray Shield for Alfalfa Valves Detailed. The Catfish Journal. 19(5):15.

Interpretive Summary: An aluminum shield was designed to direct well water discharge from an alfalfa valve toward one side, minimizing spray on the operator while adjusting water flow. Shields were 4.8 inches X 16 inches and were made from 14 gauge sheet aluminum at a cost of $2.13 per unit. The shields are easily attached to the valve with two bolts.

Technical Abstract: An alfalfa valve spray shield was designed to direct inlet well water toward one side, minimizing spray on the operator while adjusting water flow. Shields (12.2 cm X 45.7 cm) were made from 14 gauge (0.203 cm thick) sheet aluminum. Shields were formed with a sheet metal roller to match the curvature of the alfalfa valve on a 20.3 cm pipe and attached with two 0.63 cm X 1.90 cm stainless steel bolts. The total cost of materials per unit was $2.13. While the operator's hand will get wet while adjusting the valve, water spray on the operator is greatly reduced. This is especially advantageous in cold weather.