Research & Development
Saturation Point
Van der Waals forces come into play during the filmcoating process. If the coating begins to form tiny droplets on the surface of the seeds, it indicates that the saturation point has been exceeded, as the seed surface can no longer retain additional coating material.
“To reach a stage were no more can be added, contained, or accepted.”
Why is reaching the saturation point so critical in the filmcoating process?
Studies have demonstrated that exceeding the saturation point causes the excess filmcoat liquid to remain in the machine, container, or bag. This leads to large uncoated spots on the seed surface, leaving them unprotected. By achieving optimal saturation, the seeds are fully covered with the filmcoat liquid, ensuring better protection.
Undersaturated
Here you can see that the window contains many “bubbles and gaps” that are not filled with moisture. As a result, the window is not fully saturated.
Optimal saturation
This is a window with optimal saturation. The surface is smooth and free from any “holes or bubbles,” indicating it has reached its optimal saturation.
Oversaturated
Van der Waals’ force turnes the condense into droplets. The surface of the window is showing a lot of gaps and holes; this window is oversaturated.
Compare and see
Filmcoat on beans above saturation point
Filmcoat on beans to saturation point