The OA DISPENSER of an InstantVap 18V: Usage and Care

Описание: This is the OA dispenser for the InstantVap 18V. It dispenses pre-set amounts of oxalic acid dihydrate crystals directly into the InstantVap for sublimation.

The dispenser is inserted into the loading tube to deposit the OA crystals into the sublimation chamber. Here is a look down the loading tube where all the action happens.

On the left side of this photo there is a rectangular opening on the dispenser with 4 notches on the side of it. Each notch indicates a measure of 1 gram of OA crystals will be dispensed.

The dispenser will hold a total of 4 grams of OA, we use ~2.5 grams per double-brood chamber colony per treatment. The dispenser in the photo is set to dispense a little more than 3 grams of OA crystals.

Here is a demo of how to adjust the amount of OA the dispenser will hold...

The dispenser setting will be adjusted from 3 grams to ~2.5 grams by turning the top piece of the plunger. Turn clockwise to decrease the capacity, and counter-clockwise to increase. Simply depress the plunger to release the oxalic acid crystals into the sublimator.

We use Oxalic Acid Dihydrate 99.6% since that is the type available from our suppliers. The moisture content of the OA allows it to easily cake up and remain inside the dispenser until the plunger is depressed. As illustrated in the following clip...

Cleaning the dispenser in the field and in the lab is done by rinsing it off with distilled water, a brush or scrubby can also be used to assist with the cleaning. We clean the dispenser this way after treating each bee yard, and again in the lab after completing treatments for the day.

At the end of each treatment day, after doing a final cleaning in the lab, we apply a small amount of lubricant to the O-Ring on the dispenser. Lubricate the O-Ring only. Do NOT lubricate other parts of the dispenser (to prevent lubricant from getting into the OA).

Almost forgot to mention that the dispenser can also be inserted into the handle for storage, or a spare dispenser can be kept there.

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