Multifunctional coverings: antihail – Inside #6

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As you may know, in summer 2016, we created our now famous, on-site “test fields”, which we use to carry out a series of useful tests to understand how structures behave. More specifically, we focus on:

– installation methods;

– speed of installation;

– maintenance methods;

– resistance to weather conditions;

– wear and tear of materials.

Our “test fields” are also useful for our customers, who can walk around and understand how our installations are constructed, what are the advantages and what type of cover is most suitable for their own needs. Basically, this is a comprehensive showroom where people can weigh up the different options and choose the best solution for them, without having to traipse around different places unnecessarily.

With regard to covers, there are many different types available, but all share one main characteristic: they are all MULTIFUNCTIONAL coverings. This means that they are able to simultaneously carry out a number of functions at the same time as providing guaranteed protection in different fields of use, against rain, hail, wind, insects, etc.

Without prejudice to the functions that they have in common, the different types of cover also have their own distinctive features which make them particularly efficient and well-suited for their specific fields of use.

More specifically, the installations in our test fields are equipped with the following covers, called:

– hail;

– rain;

– rain plus + hail;

– rain multishield

The purpose of this section is to provide you with a simple and intuitive technical overview, which will help you to understand the characteristics of each type of installation and how they work. This will give you a preview of what you’ll see if you decide to come and visit our “test fields”.

Today, we’ll be looking at the “HAIL” installation.

multifunctional coverings

As already mentioned, this type of installation is equipped with multifunctional netting able to carry out a number of functions at the same time. However, as you can easily guess from its name, its specific features mean that it is particularly efficient in protecting against hail.

So, in this case, the cover is made from a leno-woven net with 2.8 x 8 mm mesh, using HDPE monofilament with a diameter of 0.32 mm. The monofilament may be black or “kristall” in colour, creating nets that filter the light differently, thereby obtaining different effects.

Installations equipped with this cover guarantee the following:

– anti-hail

– wind protection (15%)

– shade (16% – 18%)

– protection against insects (Drosophila Suzukii, Codling moths, Halyomorpha Halys)

In order to work effectively, the installation must be designed in the correct way. One of the basic rules to follow is that the space created between the land and the netting must never exceed the width of the row (H<L). This avoids any damage from even very violent hailstorms.

multifunctional coverings

The structure needs to be completed using  pre-stressed reinforced concrete posts that have an appropriate size for the overall dimensions of the installation, taking into consideration the height of the structure and the surfaces to be covered.

The installation has to be anchored around the perimeter and kept perfectly under tension in order to allow the protective net to be placed on top and subsequently fixed into place. This guarantees complete coverage of the orchard.

If necessary, the installation may also be equipped with perimeter fasteners to create a “mono-block” and stop insects from entering.

multifunctional coverings

multifunctional coverings

There is nonetheless the possibility to customize fasteners to meet companies’ different requirements in terms of optimising the installation and the amount of neighbouring space available.

multifunctional coverings

In conclusion, the installation has been called “HAIL” for its superior performance in this field of application but, as we’ve seen, its multifunctionality makes it suitable for a range of purposes. The important thing is knowing how to properly identify the objective you want to reach with the cover and then make the right choice accordingly.

In the next edition, we’ll be taking a detailed look at the characteristics of the “RAIN” installation: stay tuned!

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