BHRSolutions has been contracted to apply its expertise in separation techniques in designing and developing a harvesting system, to extract microscopic nematode worms from their growing medium, wash them and concentrate them into clean water prior to transport and application. The client, a Research Agency, has been involved in development of the use of insect parasitic nematode worms for the biological control of some of the most damaging forest pests in Europe.

The nematode worms in question target a certain species of weevil, which is very fond of bark from softwood saplings. The weevils' appetite can decimate sapling populations planted to replenish felled mature trees, and presents forestry with significant cost implications.

Currently weevil populations are controlled by the application of pesticides, which are expensive and can be indiscriminate. The application of the mass-produced nematode worms promises a novel bio-solution, which is eco-friendly and sustainable. The increased population of worms, applied to the weevils at their breeding sites in conifer stumps, feeds on them until their numbers are reduced. Once the weevils are under control the excess nematodes die back to equilibrium with the available food supply.

BHRSolutions' key tasks involve the assessment of the manual system currently being employed and the design and construction of a mechanical system for extracting the worms from they growing medium. Key to success is the development of a high efficiency cyclonic separation device capable of concentrating the worms without damage. The next task will be the development of a separation and thickening system, to wash and thicken the worms' suspensions, and which is capable of being scaled up and fully automated for production.

Initially, BHRSolutions' separation technology and know-how has been employed to design and build a test rig to prove the process. Dr Matt Davies, Project Manager, is pictured operating the prototype, concentrating separator during field tests at the client's facilities.

The mechanical extraction process and separators will be combined, 'industrialised' and then supplied as a working prototype system. Success of the project could in the future significantly reduce the use of expensive chemical pesticides around the world for a variety of applications, providing many commercial and ecological benefits

PRP 17.10.01

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Dr Matt Davies operating the prototype equipment for concentrating nematode worms

Manifold cyclone separators concentrating nematode worms