Publications
Exploratory Study of Sound Levels for the Kohler Engine Using a Soundbox and Honda V-Twin Engine
This exploratory study measured sound levels for the Cold Air Drain® #1550 with the currently available Honda V-Twin engine and the discontinued Kohler engine, with and without the soundbox prototype. We measured actual noise using decibels, as well as ratings of perceived noise, in relation to a set point of reference from the engine. Our initial findings suggest that the soundbox reduced sound levels for the Kohler engine, but that the Honda V-Twin engine was the quietest overall. Decibel levels and noise perception ratings for the Honda V-Twin and Kohler engines (with and without the soundbox) generally decreased as the distance from the Cold Air Drain® unit increased. Decibel levels for each engine between 0-50m generally approximate decibel levels for a normal conversation or piano practice. The findings from this exploratory study support Shur Farms Frost Protection’s® claims that the current Cold Air Drain® #1550 noise-reduction features are beneficial and that the Honda V-Twin engine is a substantially quieter power option.
Full Report
Full Report
Tablas Creek Vineyard
Paso Robles, CA
An initial study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Shur Farms Cold Air Drain® was conducted at Tablas Creek Vineyard during the spring 2003 frost season. The accumulation of cold air in the lowest areas of Tablas Creek Vineyard contributed substantially to annual frost damage. The Cold Air Drain® was expected to increase the temperature in the lower elevation areas, thereby reducing the natural temperature difference between the higher (non-accumulation) and lower (accumulation) areas. The Cold Air Drain® reduced the natural temperature difference by approximately 2.5°C (4.5 °F). No frost damage at Tablas Creek Vineyard was reported at the end of the spring 2003 frost season.
Full Report
Hammond's Buena Vista Vineyard
Paso Robles, CA
An initial study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Shur Farms Cold Air Drain® was conducted at Hammond’s Buena Vista Vineyard from March-July 2004. The accumulation of cold air in the lowest area of Hammond’s Buena Vista Vineyard contributed substantially to approximately annual frost damage. The Cold Air Drain® was expected to increase the temperature in the lower elevation area, thereby reducing the natural temperature difference between the higher (non-accumulation) and lower (accumulation) areas. The net temperature increment achieved by the Cold Air Drain® was approximately 1.5°C. No frost damage at Hammond’s Buena Vista Vineyard was reported at the end of the spring 2004 frost season.
Full Report
Simpkins Family Vineyard
Napa, CA
An initial study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Shur Farms Cold Air Drain® was conducted at Simpkins Family Vineyard during the spring 2004 frost season. The accumulation of cold air in the lowest area of Simpkins Family Vineyard contributed substantially to annual frost damage. The Cold Air Drain® was expected to increase in the temperature in the lower elevation area, thereby reducing the natural temperature difference between the higher (non-accumulation) and lower (accumulation) areas. The net temperature increment achieved by the Cold Air Drain® was approximately 1°C. No frost damage at Simpkins Family Vineyard was reported at the end of the spring 2004 frost season.
Full Report
Three Amigos Vineyard
Napa, CA
An initial study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Shur Farms Cold Air Drain® was conducted at Three Amigos Vineyard during the spring 2004 frost season. The accumulation of cold air in the lowest area of Three Amigos Vineyard contributed substantially to approximately annual frost damage. The Cold Air Drain® was expected to increase in the temperature in the lower elevation area, thereby reducing the natural temperature difference between the higher (non-accumulation) and lower (accumulation) areas. The net temperature increment achieved by the Cold Air Drain® was approximately 3°C. No frost damage at Three Amigos Vineyard was reported at the end of the spring 2004 frost season.
Articles:
Hammersmith, Steve. May- June 2015. " Do I Really Need Over the Vine Water for Frost Protection?". The Grapevine: Winery Issue 2015.
Spengler, Jessica. March- April 2015. " Tried, True & New Vineyard Tools". The Grapevine: Vinyeard Issue 2015.
Hammersmith, Steve. January 2015." Myths of Frost Protection: COLD AIR Accumulation and the Grower's Guide to Frost Protection". Practical Winery & Vineyard. Special Edition 2015.
McCreary, Nan. January-Feburary. 2014. " Spring Frost Protection in the Vineyard". The Grapevine. Winter issue 2014.
Cavanaugh, Patrick. April 2002. "Frost Protection: A New Method of Frost Control is Appearing in Orchards". Nut Producer Magazine.
"Viticulture: New Twist on Frost Protection." 22 April 2004. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
McMullin, Eric. April 2005. "Innovative Frost Protection System Gets Rid of Cold Air". Ag Alert. California Farm Bureau.
McClain, Megan. January 4, 2009. "Company Develops 'Greener' Method of Frost Protection". Redlands Daily Facts.
Frey, Nick. Winter 2009. "Frost Protection Accumulation Areas". Vine Times. Sonoma County Vinegrape Commission. Online. pp 6.
Franson, Paul. December 2009. "To Blow Up or Down? Inverted Sink Fans Offer Alternative Form of Frost Protection". Wines & Vines Magazine.
Pregler, Bill. January 2010. "Frost Protection-Managing the Air". Wine Business Monthly.
Steeves, Judy. Spring 2011. "Smaller Machine a Big Hit with OK Falls Cherry Grower". British Columbia Fruit Grower Magazine: 9.1. Online. http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1rg9u/BritishColumbiaFruit/resources/7.htm. pp. 10.
