EPDM rubber tube heating system have been used in commercial greenhouses effectively to enhance germination and growing rates. Seed germinators and plug producers have found that by heating the soil they achieve a higher germination rate and quicker production time. Further, growers have found times in rooting cuttings are reduced by heating the soil directly.
In these systems, warmed or heated fluid flows through the tubing under the soil where the heat is needed. EPDM tubing spaced 2 to 3 inches apart provides even temperatures to the soil and provides the optimum growing environment for propagators.
There are two key considerations in these systems:
- The tubing must be constructed of materials that will not degrade over time and hold up well in soil and above the soil
- The tubing must transfer the heat efficiently to the planting media and ensure that heat energy is not wasted but transferred directly to the soil
To address the first consideration, Vanguard has formulated several cost effective EPDM compounds that will provide reliable service for years, maintaining structural stability and retaining its elastic properties.
With respect to the second issue, the performance in this consideration is dependent on two things:
- The heat transfer coefficient of the EPDM
- The mechanical configuration of the tubing profile.
Vanguard’s custom EPDM compounds provide excellent heat transfer. However, we have the extra ability to mechanically configure our extrusions to maximize heat transfer. Since the majority of the heat transfer in these applications occurs through conduction, the heat transfer efficiency is directly proportional to the contact area between the outside of the tube and the planting media. By including ridges on the outer surface of the tube, the contact area between the tubing and the soil/planting media is increased by close to 70% (depending on the size of the tube). This, therefore, increases the heat transfer efficiency by 70%.
With more effective heat distribution, heating systems can operate at lower temperatures and for shorter durations, reducing overall energy consumption. This not only lowers operating costs but also contributes to a more sustainable greenhouse operation.
This type of innovation is typical of the holistic support and unique thinking that Vanguard brings to every application. This “out of the box” thinking helps our customers optimize energy efficiency and operational flexibility, ultimately fostering a more productive and cost-effective growing environment.
Learn more about our EPDM extruded products at: https://www.vanguardproducts.com/products/epdm-tubing-elastomers/