Thermal fumigation system, kit and composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermal fumigation system configured to improve uniformity, control and effectiveness when applying fumigation liquids using a thermal fogger. The system comprises a pump that is fed from a stirred tank, allowing a continuous and homogeneous flow of fluid to be delivered to the fumigation machine. The solution further comprises a supply kit that can be adapted to different items of equipment and a carrier composition that is especially formulated to keep the mixture stable during thermal evaporation. The invention aims to optimise the coverage and penetration of the treatment, thereby ensuring a more efficient and safe application that does not leave quantifiable residue on the treated crop.

Description

THERMAL FUMIGATION SYSTEM, KIT AND COMPOSITION DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM SCOPE

[0001] This description refers to a thermal fumigation system configured to provide a carrier composition that incorporates a fumigation product, significantly improving the performance of thermal fumigation technology. It also describes a supply kit adaptable to any thermal fogger, as well as a carrier composition designed for use with the developed system and kit.

[0002] The thermal fumigation system, the supply kit and the carrier composition developed allow the fumigation solution to remain homogeneous throughout the operation, guaranteeing a continuous generation of quality steam and a uniform effect on the crop.

[0003] The developed system maintains the homogeneity of the mixture and precisely regulates the operating conditions of the thermal nebulizer, including the quantity, pressure, and delivery rate of the liquid to be evaporated. This results in a continuous and uniform vapor emission, guaranteeing effectiveness and efficiency at all times, and reducing operator exposure to the mist thanks to the automation of the regulation process, which in conventional technologies requires constant manual adjustments.

[0004] The use of this system transforms thermal foggers into a safer, more effective, and more efficient alternative for fumigating public spaces or large agricultural areas. In addition to its usefulness for pesticide application, the system is suitable for frost control and the delivery of fertilizers via vaporization.

[0005] Its benefits translate into a concrete contribution to human health and the environment, as the technology does not affect pollinators such as bees and generates steam with components like CO2 and nitrogen, which are usable by plants. The developed system or kit integrates hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and digital components, while the developed carrier composition is made up of ingredients whose evaporation is safe for people and the environment, and leaves no quantifiable pesticide residues on the treated fruit, thus meeting the safety standards required by the strictest international markets. BACKGROUND

[0006] Thermal foggers are agricultural tools that generate a mist through the accelerated evaporation of a pesticide carrier solution, followed by its condensation into microdroplets. This mist protects crops from pests and diseases and is commonly used in orchards, greenhouses, and other protected agriculture environments.

[0007] These devices use thermal fog technology to create a fine mist that completely envelops the plant, providing not only effective application of plant protection products but also a frost barrier. Thanks to this system, farmers can apply pesticides and fertilizers more safely and efficiently over large areas, ensuring uniform coverage, high penetration into the foliage, and effective contact with the pest, which is critical for preventing crop diseases and infestations.

[0008] The use of thermal foggers provides many benefits for farmers, including: - Disease control: Thermal foggers can help control plant diseases by more effectively controlling pathogens on the surface of plants. - Pest control: Thermal nebulizers control pests by achieving total penetration of the plant environment through the fog, including cracks, bark, and hidden areas where other systems cannot reach, through contact, inhalation, and disruption of the biological cycle in insects. - Increased yields: Thermal nebulizers help increase yields by maintaining good crop health if their application is optimal. - Economic: Basically due to the operational savings if they were constant and homogeneous in their action, a point that the present development solves. - Versatile: Thermal foggers can be used to apply a variety of products including insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and acaricides. - Time efficient: The developed technology allows thermal nebulizers to perform applications quickly and with little effort, saving time for farmers. - Low water consumption: Around 1% of a traditional application.

[0009] Thermal nebulizers can be highly useful tools in agriculture; however, their adoption has not become widespread due to common problems during their operation and the limitations of the carrier compositions used, which affect their safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.

[0010] One of the main problems with current thermal fogging machines is their inconsistent performance, which directly impacts their operability. The safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of a thermal fogger depend on its ability to generate a constant, fine, and uniform fog without exposing the operator during application. However, these conditions are rarely met consistently with conventional equipment.

[0011] Another common problem with thermal spraying systems lies in the carrier solution used with the pesticide or fertilizer for evaporation. In conventional thermal foggers, diesel- or water-based solutions are typically used as the carrier. However, the use of diesel leaves visible residues on crops and fruit, makes it difficult to maintain a homogeneous mixture, and can negatively affect plant health. Furthermore, it creates a mess on the treated crop, leading to economic losses for the grower.

[0012] The use of water as a carrier product, on the other hand, creates an excessively fine and short-lived mist, limiting its effectiveness during application. This low-density mist is easily dispersed by the wind, quickly drifting away from the crop and generating significant drift, with the consequent risk of environmental contamination and reduced application efficiency. Furthermore, its high visibility can raise concerns about the apparent volume of vapor emitted.

[0013] Additionally, these traditional carrier compositions do not adequately protect the active molecules during evaporation, thus diminishing their biological effect. In contrast, the carrier composition developed in the present invention allows the integrity of the active ingredient to be preserved throughout the nebulization process, significantly increasing the actual efficacy of the application.

[0014] Current systems cannot generate a constant and homogeneous mist or vapor, nor do they offer the ability to remotely regulate the flow based on on-site analysis of the achieved evaporation. This limitation leads to inefficient machine operation and continuous operator exposure to the mist during operation, due to the need for constant manual adjustments. This constant regulation is a consequence of the variability of factors such as temperature, ambient humidity, and the specific characteristics of each applied product.

[0015] Inhomogeneity in the carrier solution is a common problem in thermal spraying systems. For effective application, the pesticide solution must remain homogeneous throughout the process. If the mixture separates, precipitates, or exhibits an uneven distribution of its components, the result is non-uniform application, which reduces its effectiveness, can damage crops, and also causes operational problems with the equipment.

[0016] In the state of the art, several thermal spraying machines are known that aim to generate a stable fog for pest control. For example, WO 2014 / 107676 A1 describes a thermal fogger designed to produce stable aerosols by creating turbulence within the system. However, this solution is limited to controlling the internal aerosolization process and does not consider maintaining the homogeneity of the carrier liquid in the supply tank, nor does it offer external flow regulation mechanisms or modular integration adaptable to different machines or mobile platforms.

[0017] Similarly, US patent 3,582,496 A describes a portable thermal fumigation unit with mixture control via the Venturi effect. However, this solution does not include agitators in the fumigation tank, nor does it provide for dual-tank configurations, nor does it incorporate automation or sensor technologies for remote system control, which limits its efficiency and operational safety.

[0018] In contrast, the invention presented here focuses on addressing these shortcomings by incorporating an active tank agitation system, the ability to operate with a double tank, remote regulation via sensors, and the design of a kit adaptable to different operating contexts, including aerial platforms such as drones. These features ensure a homogeneous and safe application, significantly improving the performance of thermal fumigation technology compared to existing methods.

[0019] The developed solution effectively addresses the previously described problems through the implementation of a thermal fumigation system, a supply kit for thermal fumigation machines, and a specially formulated carrier composition. Together, these elements ensure the generation of a homogeneous fumigation fog via the thermal nebulizer, optimizing the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of the process, and significantly reducing drift.

[0020] The steam produced by the evaporation of this composition acts lethally on insects in their early stages of development, while simultaneously protecting the active ingredients (pesticide or fertilizer) from thermal degradation during the process. In this way, A clean evaporation is obtained, which leaves no residue or leaves minimal residual levels of the pesticide in the treated fruit.

[0021] This invention also incorporates empirical knowledge obtained over years of field testing, which has allowed the identification of relevant discrepancies with respect to traditional technical literature, particularly in relation to the dosage and effectiveness of the treatment.

[0022] It has been determined that the success of the application depends critically on adherence to the recommended doses per hectare indicated on the product label. In this context, the approach has been to use minimum doses in more frequent applications, adjusted to the biological cycle of the target insects or pests. This improves control without generating excessive residues and prevents the development of resistance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention relates to a thermal fumigation system that ensures a uniform or homogeneous mixture, both during preparation and application, through controlled evaporation. The system allows for the precise preparation and regulation of the quantity, pressure, and delivery rate of the liquid to be fumigated, thereby optimizing the physical state change process to generate an effective fog.

[0024] This system, which can also be presented as a supply kit adaptable to a thermal fumigation machine, or thermal nebulizer, is integrated into said machine by incorporating at least one pump that is supplied from a tank that includes agitation.

[0025] A key aspect of the development is the incorporation of at least one agitator in the thermal spraying system's tank. This agitator can be of any type, mechanical or hydraulic. Powered by the same battery that powers the pump, the agitator ensures that the emitted vapor is homogeneous throughout the application. It prevents fragmentation and precipitation of the mixture, contributing to even and effective spraying during the entire application process.

[0026] In addition, the agitator can be powered by a battery that can be connected to the alternator of the vehicle where the spraying machine is mounted (tractor, van, etc.) or to the batteries that power the drone in the case of aerial applications.

[0027] The tank has a fluid connection to at least one built-in pump, which supplies the machine. The pump's throttle is integrated into the machine's radio control. It is integrated along with other sensors (including flow meter, ambient temperature, steam temperature, relative humidity, O2, CO2, and operating time). In the case of spraying drones, the drone's own pump and its built-in throttle are used, remotely regulating power on / off, flow rate, and sensor monitoring, with data displayed on the radio control screen.

[0028] The pump accelerator controls the pump's flow, and therefore its quantity, pressure, and speed as it reaches the machine. Thanks to its easy and safe calibration, achieved from a distance from the machine, safe, constant, effective, and precise fumigation is possible in any location or environmental condition, without exposing the operator to the mist as is currently the case.

[0029] A preferred system configuration features a dual-tank hydraulic design. A large-capacity primary tank with an integrated hydraulic pump for solution preparation and maintenance is used for mixing the overall solution. A smaller secondary tank, connected to the thermal sprayer, maintains the mixture homogeneity during application with reduced energy consumption. The primary tank's pump, which also performs the preparation and mixing function, transfers the solution between the two tanks.

[0030] The system can integrate a 12V PWM accelerator connected to the secondary tank pump, allowing for precise adjustment of the flow to the heating unit. This is easily regulated, a frequent task since ambient and heating unit temperatures, relative humidity, and the characteristics of the pesticide or fertilizer are variable, the former throughout the application. These parameters influence the solution's evaporation capacity. The developed assembly allows for this constant calibration without exposure to the mist, thus contributing to operator safety. In aerial applications, such as those using drones, the primary tank remains on the ground, and the drone operates the secondary tank with its integrated hydraulic agitator. The system is controlled via radio control, which manages power on / off, flow rate, and sensor monitoring.Differentiating itself from the current technique by allowing the application of the technology where it is not feasible by land, such as mountain plantations.

[0031] This development allows large areas to be covered with less than 1% of the water volume used in traditional fumigation, and applications can be up to 10 times faster.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the developed thermal fumigation system comprises a tank containing a liquid fumigation mixture, at least one agitator disposed within it, and at least one pump connected to the tank. This configuration includes an accelerator linked to the pump, which allows remote regulation of the flow rate, pressure, and delivery speed of the liquid to a thermal fumigation machine. Both the pump and the agitator They are powered by one or more energy sources, preferably a battery, which allows the evaporation of the liquid to remain constant through a thermal nebulizer.

[0033] An alternative option involves having at least one agitator in the tank be either mechanical or hydraulic, depending on the operating conditions and the type of mixture used.

[0034] An alternative approach involves connecting the battery that powers the system to the alternator of the vehicle where the fumigation machine is mounted, allowing autonomous operation without the need for additional power sources.

[0035] An alternative option incorporates a remote control system that allows regulating the pump's throttle and controlling operating parameters via sensors.

[0036] An alternative option considers that these sensors comprise one or more selected from the group consisting of: flow meter, ambient temperature sensor, steam temperature sensor, relative humidity sensor, oxygen (O2) sensor, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, and hour meter.

[0037] An alternative approach involves a double-tank design, where a large primary tank is used for preparing and maintaining the mixture, and a smaller secondary tank supplies the thermal nebulizer during application, keeping the mixture homogeneous with reduced energy consumption.

[0038] An alternative option involves incorporating a hydraulic agitator and a pump associated with a 12V PWM accelerator into the secondary tank, allowing fine adjustment of the flow to the thermal machine according to environmental conditions or the applied product.

[0039] An alternative approach involves mounting the system on an agricultural drone, where the primary tank remains on the ground and the secondary tank is transported by the drone. In this configuration, the drone's agitator and pump are powered by its electrical system and controlled remotely.

[0040] Furthermore, in pest control in agriculture, among other scenarios, the effectiveness and success of the system's application will depend on the carrier, solution, or carrier composition used. In this context, a carrier composition has been developed that achieves the precise evaporation of the different components of the mixture to be fumigated.

[0041] The carrier composition for fumigation developed comprises: - 77 to 87% Paraffin, preferably 82%. - 3 to 8% diesel, preferably 4%. 1 to 4% miscible oil, preferably 2%.

[0042] The remaining portion, preferably 12%, is the pesticide. In addition, 350 cc of adjuvant are added per 100 liters of solution. Examples of these adjuvants include Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate (Polysorbate 80).

[0043] The carrier composition can be formulated as a ready-to-use (RTU) mixture.

[0044] The presented carrier solution or composition is particularly advantageous due to its foliar retention capacity, compatibility with fertilizers and pesticides, prolonged suspension, and its protective role for the active molecule during passage through the sprayer or evaporation process. The use of this carrier composition is also beneficial when employing the system for frost control, as it interferes with hydrogen bonding between water molecules, preventing ice formation.

[0045] The benefits of this carrier composition are: - Better absorption by plants and insects, improving the results of the application. - The smoke produced remains lower, which contributes to effectiveness and less visual pollution. - Stable evaporation: it is evaporated constantly and completely by the thermal nebulizers, solving a current problem by preventing shutdowns due to drowning or obstruction, contributing to the efficiency of the technology and its expansion in use - The combustion product can be considered food or fertilizer for plants. - It is not harmful to bees. - It does not leave measurable residues on the applied fruit.

[0046] In conclusion, the integrated elements plus the developed formula are an important contribution to the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of the technology, providing the benefit of its rapid and accurate applicability.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the developed carrier composition comprises between 77% and 87% paraffin, preferably 82%; between 3% and 8% diesel, preferably 4%; between 1% and 4% miscible oil, preferably 2%; and a pesticide in proportion preferred concentration of 12%. In addition, a non-ionic surfactant adjuvant is added in a proportion of 350 cc per 100 liters of mixture.

[0048] An alternative approach involves selecting the adjuvant used from the group consisting of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) and Polyoxyethylenated Sorbitan Monooleate (Polysorbate 80), providing stability to the mixture, good compatibility with pesticides, and a foliar retention effect.

[0049] An alternative approach involves formulating the composition as a ready-to-use (RTU) mixture, which allows for direct application without the need for additional preparation by the user.

[0050] An alternative approach involves making the composition suitable for application using Ultra Low Volume (ULV) technology, improving operational efficiency and reducing water consumption to less than 1% of a conventional application.

[0051] An alternative approach involves the carrier composition having a clean combustion, leaving no visible residue on the treated fruit, and producing CO2 and nitrogen as byproducts usable by plants.

[0052] An alternative approach considers that the composition exhibits stable and homogeneous evaporation throughout the application, with thermal protection of the active ingredient and compatibility with fertilizers, pesticides and biostimulants, without generating cross-reactions or precipitates.

[0053] An alternative approach involves a formulation that leaves virtually no residue on the treated fruit, allowing applications even hours before harvest and meeting the safety standards required by international markets.

[0054] An alternative approach considers that, as a beneficial side effect, the evaporation of the mixture leaves traces of nitrogen that can be assimilated by the plant, which contributes as a micro-nutritional input to the crop.

[0055] Compared to the carrier compositions used today, the developed formula differs in that: - Controlled evaporation without degradation of the active ingredient: Unlike conventional formulas that can partially degrade or decompose the pesticide or bio-input during thermal fogging, the formula of Pastor Spa Technologies has been designed to chemically protect the active ingredient during evaporation, ensuring maximum biological efficacy. - Prolonged and homogeneous air suspension: Thanks to its balanced composition, this formula generates ultra-fine droplets that remain suspended for longer, allowing greater foliar penetration and reach into hidden areas, improving control over difficult pests such as thrips, spider mites, or scale insects. - Compatibility with multiple active ingredients without cross-reaction: Unlike conventional mixtures that tend to generate unstable reactions or precipitates, the developed formula allows for superior chemical stability, compatible with fungicides, insecticides or biostimulants, even under adverse temperature and humidity conditions. - Low or no residual effect in the treated fruit: Its formulation is designed so that the product acts primarily in the air and on the foliage, avoiding direct contact with the fruit and allowing for virtually zero residue levels, which is key for people's health and useful for export to demanding markets. - Secondary nutritional contribution to the crop: As a positive side effect, the evaporation of the solvent leaves traces with a high nitrogen content, which can be assimilated by the plant as a micro-input, differentiating this formula from any other on the market. The use of glycerin in this specific proportion has been subsequently validated in the field for its high technical performance, especially in Ultra Low Volume (ULV) formulations, where it improves adhesion, thermal stability, and agronomic efficacy. It is important to note that it requires other elements for proper functionality and safety. On its own, it is neither effective, safe, nor efficient.

[0056] In this context, the designed formula has significant comparative advantages over those currently available, including: - Its combustion produces CO2 and nitrogen, both of which are nutrients for plants. - Cleaner combustion: the smoke leaves no residue on the fruit, does not stain or soil it, allowing multiple applications without adverse effects. - Better combustion: its change of state is easier, the machine works better, it does not flood (helps to achieve a constant application, efficiency). - Less smoke and more effective, it is not lost through dissipation and also has a lower visual impact. - It does not degrade the active ingredient molecule in the process. - It is absorbed better by the plant and, consequently, the pesticide is more effective.

[0057] The developed thermal spraying system, including its supply kit, has been designed to operate in an integrated manner with the carrier composition described herein. The technical efficacy, operational safety, and agronomic results obtained require the combined use of both elements. Using the system with different formulations, or using the carrier composition with conventional technologies, does not allow for achieving the levels of uniformity, coverage, and minimum residual effect that characterize the invention. This functional dependence is the result of a calibrated development process, based on field tests that have demonstrated that only the controlled integration of the system with the composition ensures successful application.

[0058] A preferred embodiment of the development includes a supply kit for thermal spraying machines, comprising at least one pump configured to connect to a tank containing the spraying mixture and to a thermal spraying machine, and at least one agitator arranged to be installed inside the tank. The kit also includes control means for regulating the operation of the pump and the agitator.

[0059] An alternative option considers that the agitator incorporated in the kit can be either mechanical or hydraulic, depending on the type of application, whether it is land-based or aerial.

[0060] An alternative configuration involves the pump and agitator being powered by a 12V battery connected to the alternator of the vehicle on which the thermal fumigation machine is mounted, allowing it to operate without external intervention.

[0061] An alternative modality contemplates that the control means of the kit comprise selected sensors from the group consisting of: flow meters, temperature sensors, oxygen (O2) sensors, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, humidity sensors and hour meters, whose data can be displayed on a separate control panel or integrated into that of the machine.

[0062] An alternative approach envisions the kit being configured for installation on both ground systems and aerial platforms, such as drones, and including quick connectors for integration into the vehicle or drone's electrical system, allowing for easy assembly and efficient remote operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] As part of this disclosure, the following representative figures are presented, which show preferred modalities of the thermal fumigation system and supply kit for thermal fumigation machines and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed subject matter. Fig. 1: Shows a schematic of a state-of-the-art thermal fumigation machine or thermal nebulizer. Fig. 2: Shows a diagram of the thermal fumigation system according to a first modality. Fig. 3: Shows a diagram of the thermal fumigation system according to a second modality. Fig. 4: Shows a diagram of the supply kit for thermal fumigation machines according to the first modality. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED OPTIONS

[0064] Figure 1 shows a schematic representing a state-of-the-art thermal fumigation machine or thermal nebulizer, which is fed by a tank directly connected to the machine. In this case, the machine operates through a combustion process that, in addition to maintaining the smoke generation process, drives the flow of fumigation fluid to the machine.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a schematic representing the developed thermal fumigation system, where the fumigation liquid tank includes an agitator and feeds the thermal fumigation machine or thermal nebulizer via a pump. In the configuration shown, both the agitator and the pump are powered by the same energy source, which can be a battery. This battery can also be connected to an external power source, such as the alternator of a vehicle on which the fumigation machine is mounted. Other alternative power supply methods are also applicable.

[0066] Figure 3 shows one modality of the thermal fumigation system comprising a large capacity primary tank (e.g., 400 liters or more) and a secondary tank of smaller volume (for example, 100 liters), connected to each other by a hose or pipe. The transfer from the primary tank to the secondary tank is carried out by a motor pump located in the first, which also serves to mix the solution.

[0067] The secondary tank incorporates a battery-powered agitator that keeps the mixture homogeneous throughout the application. This tank is connected to an electric pump, which propels the liquid to the thermal sprayer. A filter can be placed between the secondary tank and the thermal sprayer, and the flow is regulated by a 12V PWM accelerator, a configuration that is also applicable to the version without a primary tank.

[0068] This system is specifically designed to allow continuous application over large areas without the need for intermediate refilling, as the secondary tank can be quickly and safely refilled from the primary tank. The system achieves superior efficiency in application speed and coverage, with extremely low water consumption.

[0069] Depending on the solution configuration, the agitator and / or pump may include control devices to regulate the operating parameters of each component. These control devices may be attached to or integrated with the thermal nebulizer's control devices. Additionally, both the agitator and pump may include sensors to monitor and control the operating parameters of each component, such as flow meters, temperature sensors, O2 and / or CO2 sensors, humidity sensors, timers, or hour meters. The data measured by the sensors is displayed on a control panel or display board, which may be attached to or integrated into the thermal fumigation machine's control panel.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a schematic of one embodiment of the solution in the form of a supply kit for fumigation machines, comprising one or more power sources that supply at least one agitator and at least one pump. This kit is configured ready for installation and supply to any thermal fumigation machine, such as the one shown in Figure 1, comprising an agitator that is installed inside the fumigation liquid tank and a pump that connects to the tank outlet and the fumigation machine inlet. The kit may include sensors, control devices, and a dedicated control panel for monitoring the operating parameters of the agitator and / or the pump. This control panel can be attached to the existing control panel of the thermal fumigation machine, if one is present.

[0071] The at least one pump of the development may be a 12-volt DC pump, powered by a 12-volt battery, comprising a regulator or throttle as a means of control, which allows remote regulation of pressure, quantity, and flow rate of the mixture to the machine. This control means may be wired or wireless. Similarly, the at least one agitator may be an electromechanical blade system or a hydraulic system, the latter being preferred in the case of drones, using a high-pressure pump, which is also battery-powered and includes either a wired or wireless control means. The battery may be connected to the alternator of the vehicle on which the thermal spraying machine is mounted or, alternatively, both the agitator and the pump may be connected directly to the vehicle's battery in the case of a ground-based system.

[0072] When used with drones, a pump with inlet and outlet to the drone's tank is incorporated to maintain the formula in optimal condition and prevent precipitation. This pump is powered by the drone's energy system via a quick connector and can be controlled manually or remotely, depending on the user's preference and sufficient power availability. Sensors are also included to monitor and control the emitted vapor. EXAMPLE

[0073] For illustrative purposes, a preferred method involves using a primary tank of 400 liters and a secondary tank of 100 liters. The carrier mixture prepared in the primary tank contains a base mixture of paraffin and glycerin, along with a pesticide formulated according to the manufacturer's specifications and a surfactant adjuvant.

[0074] In standard operation, the system allows the application of between 7 and 10 liters of solution per hectare with an efficacy equivalent to a traditional application using 3,000 liters of water in citrus or other leafy fruit trees. This is due to the use of ULV technology and the high efficiency and effectiveness of the vapor dispersion of the formula produced by the designed system. This represents a water savings of over 99% and a working speed up to 10 times greater than conventional methods. Furthermore, there is no direct exposure of the operator to the pesticide, as continuous exposure is avoided by the regulation required by the machine for its proper functioning. This significantly benefits human health by leaving no pesticide residue on the fruit.

[0075] The system has proven to be especially effective for the control of pests such as mealybugs, mites, brevipalpus, scale insects, whiteflies and aphids, achieving total control in larval and juvenile stages, and a significant reduction of residues on the fruit.

[0076] The carrier composition developed for use with the system is highly compatible with commercially available active ingredients (pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers) and can be adapted to various agronomic objectives. It achieves uniform and stable evaporation, thermal protection of the active ingredient, and a significant reduction in detectable residues, even allowing for Apply the solution hours before harvest, features that no fumigation system delivers today.

[0077] This technology redefines agricultural spraying through a unique supply system and thermal evaporation formula, enabling ultra-efficient application without leaving residue on the fruit. Its portable and scalable design transforms the operation of thermal sprayers, optimizing time, safety, and sustainability. The system utilizes a technology that reduces water consumption by up to 99% of the global standard for efficiency in agricultural spraying operations. The formula even provides nutritional benefits to the crop. Together, these elements represent a disruptive, practical solution ready for global scaling, significantly contributing to public health, the environment, and agricultural operations.

[0078] In an implementation of the system with the developed carrier composition, applied to Clemenules variety Clementine orchards in Isla de Maipo, a post-application residue analysis was performed. The results, obtained using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS / MS), showed the complete absence of quantifiable pesticide residues in more than 250 active ingredients analyzed, with values ​​below the limit of quantification (LOQ), set at 0.010 mg / kg, validating the safety of the application under real field conditions.

[0079] In a second implementation using Lane Late oranges from the same farm, the procedure was repeated and laboratory analyses were performed using the QuEChERS methodology (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe). The results indicated “ND” (not detected) for all residues evaluated, again confirming the system's efficiency and the absence of residues in the harvested fruit.

[0080] In a third application to Eureka variety lemons from the same farm and producer, a laboratory analysis was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS). The result indicated “ND” (not detected) for all residues analyzed, in a panel of more than 500 active ingredients, below a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.010 mg / kg. This again confirmed the absence of detectable residues after application under real field conditions.

[0081] Additionally, the effectiveness of the system in pest control was verified through prevalence analyses of Brevipalpus chilensis authorized by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), carried out in the same treated sectors. The results showed a total absence of eggs, nymphs and adults in both sampled sectors, classifying both sites as “Approved” under the SAG / USDA-APHIS / ASOEX Program.

[0082] These experimental results, obtained under real agricultural conditions, confirm that the system and the carrier composition developed allow for effective, safe and residue-free thermal fumigation, validating the technical proposal of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A thermal fumigation system, characterized in that it comprises: - a pond containing a fumigation mixture; - at least one agitator arranged inside the tank and configured to maintain the homogeneity of said mixture; - at least one pump connected to the pond; and - an accelerator connected to the pump, configured to remotely regulate the flow rate, pressure and speed of the liquid delivered to a thermal fumigation machine; wherein the pump and agitator are powered by one or more energy sources, and the system allows the constant evaporation of the liquid through a thermal nebulizer.

2. The system of claim 1, characterized in that the at least one agitator is of a mechanical or hydraulic type.

3. The system of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump and the agitator are powered by a battery connected to the alternator of the vehicle where the spraying machine is mounted.

4. The system of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a remote control system that regulates the pump throttle, and allows selected system parameters to be controlled by means of sensors.

5. The system of claim 4, characterized in that the sensors comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of: flow meter, ambient temperature sensor, steam temperature sensor, relative humidity sensor, oxygen (O2) sensor, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, hour meter.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a double-tank design, wherein: - a large-capacity primary tank allows for the preparation and maintenance of the fumigation mixture; and - A secondary tank of smaller capacity receives the mixture and keeps it homogeneous during application; the liquid is transferred from the primary tank by means of the pump of the same.

7. The system of claim 6, characterized in that the secondary tank comprises a hydraulic agitator and a 12V PWM accelerator pump.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is installed on an agricultural drone, and the primary tank remains on the ground while the secondary tank operates on the drone, regulated by radio control.

9. Carrier composition for thermal fumigation, characterized in that it comprises: - between 77% and 87% paraffin, preferably 82%; - between 3% and 8% diesel, preferably 4%; - between 1% and 4% miscible oil, preferably 2%; - at least one pesticide, preferably at 12%; - a non-ionic surfactant adjuvant, in a proportion of 350 cc per 100 liters of mixture.

10. The composition of claim 9, characterized in that the adjuvant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) and Polyoxyethylenated Sorbitan Monooleate (Polysorbate 80).

11. The composition of any of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises: - clean combustion, without residue on the treated fruit; - stable and homogeneous evaporation; - compatibility with pesticides, fertilizers and biostimulants; - virtually zero residual effect; and - collateral nutritional effect due to the presence of traces with assimilable nitrogen.

12. The composition of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formulated as a ready-to-use (RTU) mixture.

13. The composition of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is suitable for Ultra Low Volume (ULV) applications.

14. Supply kit for thermal fumigation machines, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one pump connectable to a fumigation liquid tank and a thermal fumigation machine; - at least one agitator arranged to be installed inside the tank; and - means of controlling the agitator and the pump.

15. The kit of claim 14, characterized in that the agitator is of a mechanical or hydraulic type.

16. The kit of any of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the pump and agitator are configured to be powered by a 12V battery connected to the alternator of the vehicle.

17. The kit of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means comprise sensors selected from the group consisting of: flow meters, temperature sensors, O2 or CO2 sensors, humidity sensors and hour meters.

18. The kit of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to be installed on a ground or aerial spraying machine (drone), comprising quick connectors for its integration into the electrical system of the vehicle or drone.

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