Spreading device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spreading device 1 for spreading agricultural slurry onto farmland to prevent the distribution of slurry in thick lines. The spreading device comprises a spreading portion 2 having an apex 4, a base 6 and a sloping surface 8 extending between the apex and the base, wherein the width of the spreading portion increases away from the apex and / or toward the base to enable the dissemination of slurry contacting the spreading portion in a dispersed manner and the spreading device further comprises an applicator engaging portion 10 having attachment means 13 (and 52, figure 5) for attaching the spreading device to a slurry applicator. The apex may be pointed, rounded or flat, the spreading portion may be semi-dome shaped or triangular in vertical or horizontal cross-section. Also disclosed is a dribble bar for distributing agricultural slurry onto farmland, the dribble bar (40, figure 9) comprising an outlet hose (42) and the spreading device.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for spreading liquid. In particular to a spreading device for use on a slurry applicator. Slurry spreading plays a vital role in agricultural practices, especially on farms where livestock waste needs to be effectively managed. One of the most common methods of spreading slurry is the splash plate method. This method involves propelling high-pressure slurry through a tube onto a wide distribution plate, resulting in a scattering effect over the land. However, this method poses a significant challenge due to the exposure of a large surface area of the slurry to the air, leading to noxious odours and increased volatilisation of ammonia and subsequent higher emissions. The consequences of elevated ammonia emissions include detrimental effects on air quality, acidification, and eutrophication. To address the concerns of emissions and environmental impact associated with slurry spreading, regulatory measures have been introduced, such as the mandatory implementation of Low Emissions Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE) on farms. The dribble bar method has emerged as the most commonly used approach for Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS), demonstrating positive environmental benefits by reducing pollution to the air and waterways. However, this system presents several challenges that need to be overcome to optimize its efficiency and effectiveness. One of the significant issues with the dribble bar system is the distribution of slurry in thick lines directly on top of the grass. This thick layer can smother and harm the grass, adversely affecting pasture quality and growth. Additionally, as the slurry dries under sunlight, it solidifies and adheres to the grass. Over time, as the surviving grass continues to grow, it pushes the dried slurry material upward. This poses difficulties during the harvesting process, as the dried slurry is collected along with the crop, leading to poor fermentation when stored in facilities such as bales or silage pits. The presence of dried slurry in the harvested crop not only diminishes the overall quality of winter feed but also introduces contamination and toxins. This contamination can have detrimental effects on the health of animals consuming the feed, potentially requiring the administration of toxin binders to maintain their well-being. To address these challenges and enhance the efficiency of slurry spreading, there is a clear need for an innovative spreading device that enables the spreading of slurry while minimizing smothering and drying of the grass. Simultaneously, it is crucial to ensure the integrity and quality of the harvested crop. The present invention seeks to provide a solution that optimizes the slurry spreading process, promotes better pasture growth, and ensures the availability of high-quality, uncontaminated winter feed for livestock. According to the invention, there is provided a spreading device for spreading slurry, the spreading device comprising: a spreading portion having an apex, a base and a sloping surface extending between the apex and the base, wherein the width of the spreading portion increases away from the apex and / or towards the base and; the spreading device further comprising an applicator engaging portion having attachment means for attaching the spreading device to a slurry applicator. Advantageously, the spreading device intercepts the flow of slurry as it exits the applicator outlet and provides an increasing surface for the slurry to flow over. Thereby, the spreading device encourages the slurry to spread over the increasing surface and eventually over the edge of the spreading device that extends around the perimeter of the base. This provides an effective method for spreading slurry without lines of concentrated slurry being applied to the land whilst also preventing harmful emissions from being deposited into the environment. Preferably, the sloping surface extends radially between the apex and the base. Advantageously, slurry contacting the spreading portion can spread radially as it flows towards base before being distributed onto the ground / farmland. Preferably, the sloping surface comprises side portions wherein the distance between the side portions increases towards the base and / or away from the apex. Advantageously, in use, slurry travels over the sloping surface towards the base, via gravity and / or via momentum from low-pressure distribution from a slurry applicator. As the slurry travels over the widening surface, it spreads to cover the widening surface. Thus, the slurry is distributed over a widened surface area of the ground. This is in comparison to thick lines of slurry being distributed directly from a slurry applicator such as a dribble bar. Preferably, the spreading device comprises a leading end and a trailing end. Preferably, the width of the spreading portion increases away from the leading end and / or trailing end. Ideally, the width of the base increases away from the leading end and / or trailing end. Advantageously, this further enhances spreading of the slurry prior to it being distributed onto the ground. Thus, this further increases the surface area of ground over which the slurry is distributed, thereby preventing thick layers of slurry from being deposited on any one area of ground. Ideally, the distance between side portions of the sloping surface increases away from the leading end and / or trailing end. Preferably, the spreading portion comprises a base edge which extends around the perimeter of the base over which slurry runs before falling to the ground below. Preferably, the base edge comprises a leading portion and a trailing portion. Preferably, the applicator-engaging portion extends upwardly from the spreading portion, most preferably at a trailing end of the spreading device. Advantageously, the applicator-engaging portion does not obstruct slurry flow over the spreading device. Preferably, the spreading device comprises an intermediate sloping portion extending between the applicator-engaging portion and the spreading portion. Advantageously, this prevents slurry from getting trapped in a joint between the applicator-engaging portion and the spreading portion. Preferably, the sloping surface comprises a central region sloping downwardly from the apex towards the leading end of the spreading device, with the side portions extending from either side of the central region. Ideally, the side portions are symmetrical. Advantageously, this promotes equal distribution of slurry over the spreading portion and thereby onto the ground below. Thus, this further prevents concentrated lines of slurry from being distributed onto the ground. Preferably, the applicator-engaging portion is configured to engage with and / or attach to a wall at the outlet of the slurry applicator such as a wall of the hose of a dribble bar. Preferably, the spreading portion and / or longitudinal axis of the spreading portion extend parallel or substantially parallel to the surface on which the slurry is being applied. Preferably, the spreading portion extends transverse to the applicator-engaging portion. Ideally, the longitudinal axis of the spreading portion extends perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the applicator-engaging portion. By substantially perpendicular, we mean at an angle between 80° and 100°, in particular between 85° and 95°, most preferably between 87° and 93°. Advantageously, the applicator-engaging portion does not impede the flow of slurry off the spreading device and / or onto the ground. Further advantageously, this ensures that the spreading portion extends transverse to or substantially perpendicular to the flow of slurry as it exits the outlet of the slurry applicator. Thereby, this enables the spreading portion to intercept the slurry and spread the slurry prior to it falling onto the ground. Preferably, in use, the applicator-engaging portion is attached to a wall of the outlet hose, pipe or tube of the slurry applicator such that the spreading portion extends across the outlet to intercept slurry as it exits the outlet or just after it exits the outlet. Preferably, in use, the applicator engaging portion extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the outlet hose, pipe or tube of the slurry applicator. For example, when in use on a dribble bar, the applicator-engaging-portion extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the outlet hose of the applicator. Preferably, the spreading device is suitable for use with and attachment to a slurry applicator, most preferably a dribble bar, in particular an outlet hose of a dribble bar. Preferably, the attachment means comprises one or more apertures formed on the applicator engaging portion for receiving fixing means to fix the spreading device onto the slurry applicator. Advantageously, this enables the spreading device to be retrofitted onto the slurry applicator. Alternatively, or additionally, the applicator-engaging portion may comprise clamps, adhesive and / or any other suitable means for attaching to a slurry applicator such as the hose of a dribble bar. Ideally, the spreading device is for use with a low emissions slurry applicator such as slurry applicators that spread at or around ground level. Preferably, the apex is rounded, pointed or flat. Preferably, the sloping surface is curved. Ideally, the sloping surface curves downwardly from the apex toward the base. Ideally, the sloping surface extends radially and curves downwardly from the apex toward the base. Advantageously, this spreads the slurry more evenly compared to other shapes. In one embodiment, the spreading portion is semi-dome-shaped. Advantageously, this spreads the slurry more evenly compared to other shapes. In another embodiment, the spreading portion may be triangular in vertical and / or horizontal cross-sections. In yet another embodiment, the spreading portion may be any other suitable shape for enabling slurry runoff and spreading of the slurry. Preferably, all or part of the spreading device is formed from a plastic material or a composite material. Ideally, all or part of the spreading device is formed from polypropylene. Preferably, the spreading device is a one-piece device. Alternatively, the spreading device may be modular. Preferably, the spreading device is formed by injection moulding. Preferably, the spreading device has a height of approximately 75-80 mm, most preferably approximately 78 mm. Preferably, the widest portion of the spreading device is approximately between 110-115 mm, most preferably approximately 112 mm. Preferably, the depth of the spreading device from front to back and / or leading most portion of the leading end to the rearmost portion of the trailing end is approximately between 65 and 75 mm, in particular between 68 and 73 mm, most preferably approximately 71 mm. Preferably, the spreading device weighs approximately between 25-35 grams, in particular approximately between 30-32 grams, most preferably approximately 31.5 grams. Preferably, the spreading device is also suitable for spreading any liquid other than agricultural slurry or any slurry other than agricultural slurry. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a dribble bar for distributing agricultural slurry onto farmland, the dribble bar comprising an outlet hose and a spreading device according to a first aspect of the invention to enable the dissemination of slurry contacting the spreading portion in a dispersed manner. Preferably, the applicator-engaging portion is fixed to the hose of the dribble bar. Preferably, the spreading portion extends transverse to or substantially transverse to the hose of the dribble bar. Ideally, in use, the spreading portion is located below the outlet of the hose and extends across the outlet of the hose. Advantageously, this enables the spreading portion to intercept slurry as it exits the outlet or just after it exits the outlet of the hose. Preferably, the dribble bar comprises a plurality of outlet hoses and a spreading device attached to each hose. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a spreading device according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the invention of figure 1; Figure 3 a top view of the invention of figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the invention in use on a slurry applicator; Figure 6 is a front view of the invention in use on a slurry applicator; Figure 7 is a side view of the invention in use on a slurry applicator; Figure 8 is a rear view of the invention in use on a slurry applicator; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a dribble bar according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of figure 9. Referring to the drawings, there is shown a spreading device 1 for spreading agricultural slurry onto farmland. The spreading device has a spreading portion 2 having an apex 4, a base 6 and a sloping surface 8 extending between the apex 4 and the base 6, wherein the width (W) of the spreading portion 2 increases away from the apex 2 and / or towards the base 6 to enable the dissemination of slurry delivered from the slurry applicator in a dispersed manner. The spreading device 1 also has an applicator engaging portion 10 having an attachment arrangement 12 for attaching the spreading device 1 to a slurry applicator such as a dribble bar 40 (illustrated in figure 9). The spreading device 1 intercepts the flow of slurry as it exits the applicator outlet and provides an increasing surface for the slurry to flow over such that, in use, slurry delivered from the slurry applicator contacts the spreading portion 2 so as to disseminate the delivered slurry in a dispersed manner. Thereby, the spreading device 1 encourages slurry to spread over the increasing surface and eventually over the edge of the spreading device 1 that extends around the perimeter of the base 6. This provides an effective method for spreading slurry without lines of concentrated slurry being applied to the land whilst also preventing harmful emissions from being deposited into the environment. Referring to the figures, the spreading portion 2 is semi-dome-shaped. The sloping surface 8 extends radially and downwardly between the apex 4 and the base 6. This means that the slurry can spread radially as it flows towards base 6 before being dispersed onto the ground / farmland. The sloping surface 8 has side portions 8a, 8c wherein the distance between the side portions 8a, 8c increases towards the base 6 and / or away from the apex 4. This means that, in use, slurry travels over the sloping surface towards the base, and as the slurry travels over the widening surface, it spreads to cover the widening surface. Thus, the slurry is distributed over a widened surface area of the ground. This is in comparison to thick lines of slurry being distributed directly from a slurry applicator such as usually occurs when using a dribble bar. The spreading device 1 has a leading end 1a and a trailing end 1c. The width of the spreading portion 2 increases away from the leading end 1a and / or towards the trailing end 1c. The width of the spreading portion may also increase away from the trailing end 1c. In particular, the width of the base 6 increases away from the leading end 1a. This further enhances spreading of the slurry prior to it being distributed onto the ground / farmland. Thus, this further increases the surface area of ground over which the slurry is distributed, thereby preventing thick layers of slurry from being deposited on any one area of ground. The distance between side portions 8a, 8c of the sloping surface 8 also increases away from the leading end 1a. The spreading portion 2 has a base edge 7 which extends around the perimeter of the base 6 over which slurry runs before falling to the ground below. The base edge 7 a leading portion 7a and a trailing portion 7c. The applicator-engaging portion 10 extends upwardly from the spreading portion 2, most preferably at a trailing end 1c of the spreading device 1 such that the applicatorengaging portion 10 does not obstruct slurry flow over the spreading device 1. The spreading device 1 has an intermediate sloping portion 14 extending between the applicator-engaging portion 10 and the spreading portion 2. This prevents slurry from getting trapped in a joint between the applicator-engaging portion 10 and the spreading portion 2. The sloping surface 8 has a central region 8b sloping downwardly from the apex 4 towards the leading end 1a of the spreading device 2, with the side portions 8a, 8c of the sloping surface 8 extending from either side of the central region 8b. The side portions 8a, 8c are symmetrical to enable equal distribution of slurry over the spreading device and thereby onto the ground below. Thus, this further prevents concentrated lines of slurry from being distributed onto the ground. The central region 8b is a central line or central portion extending between the symmetrical side portions 8a, 8c. The applicator-engaging portion 10 is configured to engage with and / or attach to a wall at the outlet of the slurry applicator such as a wall 50 of the hose 42 of a dribble bar 40. The applicator engaging portion 10 extends transverse to the spreading portion 2. In particular, the applicator-engaging portion 10 extends perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spreading portion 2. This means that the applicator-engaging portion 10 does not impede the flow of slurry off the spreading device and / or onto the ground. Further, this ensures that the spreading portion 2 extends transverse to or substantially perpendicular to the flow of slurry as it exits the outlet of the slurry applicator. Thereby, this enables the spreading portion to intercept the slurry and spread the slurry prior to it falling onto the ground. In use, the applicator-engaging portion 10 is attached to a wall of the outlet hose, pipe or tube of the slurry applicator such that the spreading portion 2 extends across the outlet to intercept slurry as it exits the outlet or just after it exits the outlet. In use, the applicator engaging portion extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the outlet hose, pipe or tube of the slurry applicator. For example, when in use on a dribble bar 40, the applicator-engaging-portion 10 extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the outlet hose 42 of the applicator 40. The spreading device is suitable for use with and attachment to a slurry applicator, most preferably a dribble bar 40, in particular an outlet hose 42 of a dribble bar 40. The attachment arrangement 12 has apertures 13 formed on the applicator engaging portion 10 for receiving fixing means 52 (fig 5, 7 and 8) to fix the spreading device 1 onto the slurry applicator. This enables the spreading device to be retrofitted onto the slurry applicator. The apertures illustrated are square. However, any suitable shape may be used. Alternatively, or additionally, the applicator-engaging portion may have clamps, adhesive and / or any other suitable means for attaching to a slurry applicator such as the hose of a dribble bar. The spreading device is for use with a low emissions slurry applicator. By a low emissions slurry applicator we mean slurry applicators that spread at or around ground level, for example, a dribble bar having outlets at or close to the ground to prevent or reduce the exposure of slurry to the air. This is in comparison to other slurry spreading methods such as the splash plate method which propels slurry towards a plate to scatter the slurry and resulting in a high exposure of slurry to the air due to splashing off the plate. The apex 4 shown in the drawings is rounded. However, the apex may also be pointed or flat. For example, the spreading portion 2 may be triangular in vertical and / or horizontal cross-sections or may take the form of a frustum or half frustum. The spreading device 1 is also suitable for guiding the flow of any liquid other than agricultural slurry or any slurry other than agricultural slurry. The spreading device is for use on slurry applicators distributing slurry at low-pressure such as dribble bar where the pressure is divided over multiple outlet hoses. Referring to figure 9, there is shown a dribble bar 40 for distributing slurry onto farmland, the dribble bar has a plurality outlet hoses 42 and a spreading device 1 fixed to each hose 42 slurry according to a first aspect of the invention. The applicator-engaging portion 10 of the spreading device 1 is fixed to the hose 42 of the dribble bar 40. The spreading portion 2 extends transverse to or substantially transverse to the hose 42 of the dribble bar 40. In use, the spreading portion is located below the outlet of the hose 42 and extends across the outlet of the hose 42. This enables the spreading portion 2 to intercept slurry as it exits the outlet or just after it exits the outlet of the hose. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that additions and / or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spreading device for spreading agricultural slurry onto farmland, the spreading device comprising:a spreading portion having an apex, a base and a sloping surface extending between the apex and the base, wherein the width of the spreading portion increases away from the apex and / or toward the base to enable the dissemination of slurry contacting the spreading portion in a dispersed manner and;the spreading device further comprising an applicator engaging portion having attachment means for attaching the spreading device to a slurry applicator.

2. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sloping surface comprises side portions and the distance between the side portions increases towards the base.

3. A spreading device according to claim any preceding claim, wherein the spreading device comprises a leading end and a trailing end and the width of the base increases away from the leading end and / or trailing end of the spreading device.

4. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sloping surface extends radially and downwardly between the apex and the base to enable slurry to spread radially as it flows toward the base before being distributed onto the farmland.

5. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator engaging portion extends upwardly from the spreading portion, most preferably at a trailing end of the spreading device.

6. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sloping surface comprises a central region sloping downwardly from the apex towards a leading end of the spreading device, the side portions extending from either side of the central region.

7. A spreading device according to claim 6, wherein the side portions are symmetrical to enable equal distribution of slurry over the spreading portion.

8. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicatorengaging portion is suitable for attaching to a wall of an outlet hose, pipe or tube of a slurry applicator.

9. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the longitudinal axis of the spreading portion extends parallel or substantially parallel to the surface on which the slurry is being applied.

10. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the spreading portion extends transverse to the flow of slurry as it exits the applicator, in particular the spreading portion extends perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the flow of slurry as it exits the applicator.

11. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the spreading portion extends transverse to the applicator-engaging portion.

12. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the spreading portion extends perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the applicator-engaging portion.

13. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means comprises one or more apertures formed on the applicator engaging portion for receiving fixing means to fix the spreading device onto the slurry applicator.

14. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the apex is rounded, pointed or flat.

15. A spreading device according to any preceding claim, wherein the spreading portion is semi-dome shaped.

16. A spreading device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the spreading portion is triangular in vertical and / or horizontal cross-section.

17. A dribble bar for distributing agricultural slurry onto farmland, the dribble bar comprising an outlet hose and a spreading device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A dribble bar according to claim 17 wherein the applicator-engaging portion of the spreading device is fixed to the hose of the dribble bar.

19. A dribble bar according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the spreading portion of the spreading device extends below the outlet of the hose.

20. A dribble bar according to claim 19, wherein the spreading portion of the spreading device extends across the outlet of the hose.5       21. A dribble bar according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the spreading portionextends transverse to the hose.

22. A dribble bar according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the dribble bar comprises a plurality of outlet hoses and a spreading device fixed to each hose.

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