Closed Transfer Systems – They’re here.
What is a Closed Transfer System?
Closed Transfer Systems (CTS) permit the direct transfer of pesticides from container to sprayer while isolating the process from the operator and the environment. Similar systems are already used with bulk pesticide containers and in other industries to dispense a wide range of liquids from household products to industrial chemicals. In the case of small-volume containers (e.g., up to 20 L), these systems include an integrated container rinsing function.
Surepoint QuickDraw ES and Caddy
CTS are comprised of two parts: The Cap (or Adaptor) and the Coupler. The CTS cap is either pre-fitted on the pesticide container, or the user must remove and replace the existing, non-CTS cap with an adaptor. Generically, the container is then locked into the coupler, and a valve in the cap or adaptor opens to permit chemical to be drawn out. If a partial amount is required, the valve can be closed to re-seal the container for safe removal, and the coupler and lines can then be rinsed. If the full amount is required, then the container is also rinsed prior to removal.
QuickDraw Max
Automatic Metering
With QuickDraw, you can meter 4, 6, or 9 products (depending on the model). Additionally, you can add up to 5 products manually for every batch. Say goodbye to manual metering and increase your productivity!
Fastest Batch Mixing
No one wants to miss out on optimal spraying conditions because a batch is taking too long to mix. QuickDraw's industry-leading batch mixing speeds allow you to keep your sprayer in the field longer to maximize productivity.
Advanced Record-Keeping
QuickDraw creates a detailed log of every batch loaded. That log file is downloadable via iPad for required record keeping. The iPad app communicates with QuickDraw over Wi-Fi, allowing you to create and modify recipes remotely.
No Calculations Required
QuickDraw eliminates the need for manual and prevents arithmetic errors when mixing. Simply enter acres or total gallons, sprayer application rate, and chemical rate per acre. QuickDraw calculates the amount of each chemical in the batch, including manually added chemicals.
Industry-Leading Accuracy
QuickDraw's micro-motion mass flow meter for chemical measurement is accurate to within 0.50%. It measures liquid mass, density and volume. Measurement is not affected by product viscosity, conductivity or other characteristics; therefore no calibration numbers are necessary.
250-275 GPM Water Transfer
With QuickDraw's 3-inch transfer pump (sold separately), get water transfer rates of up to 250-275 GPM GPM after chemical mixing is completed.
Surepoint Aresenal Trailer
Standard on Every Arsenal Trailer
- QuickDraw™ Automated Spray Tender System
- Enduraplas® Tanks
- Modular Loading Deck for Flexible Configuration
- Wings for QuickDraw Cabinet & Totes
- ChemBlade™ with Swing-Down Stainless Steel Eductor
- Steps & Handrail
- Hose Reel for Easy Rinsing
QuickDraw ES & ES Slim
Eliminate Chemical Exposure
ChemBlade provides an enclosed system, meaning you and your employees no longer have to handle hazardous chemicals by hand. Insert a full jug and the system pierces, drains, and rinses it thoroughly. Once the cycle is complete, you can safely remove the clean, non-contaminated jug that is ready to discard
Regulatory Requirements: CanadaZ
Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) considers the requirement for closed transfer when products go through their natural re-evaluation cycle. They define it as follows:
“A closed system means removing a pesticide from its original container, rinsing, mixing, diluting, and transferring the pesticide through connecting hoses and couplings that prevent exposure to the pesticide.”
The requirement is primarily a means of reducing operator exposure and point-source contamination during filling, but can also be used to impose rate restrictions, or in response to reformulation. In recent years, several pesticides have had statements added to the labels regarding the requirement for a closed transfer system. They have stated that there have been three scenarios that they have included closed systems on labels:
- The registrant requested closed systems be used in the occupational risk assessment.
- Closed systems were required when triggered by the occupational risk assessment as a form of mitigation to reduce exposure to the mixer/loader. This is the most common reason it gets added.
- Closed systems were used in the specific exposure study submitted to PMRA that was used in the risk assessment.
As standardized language is developed, Canadian operators can expect to see statements that vary in their specificity, such as in the following two examples:
Product 1: “Requirement for additional personal protection equipment (PPE) and engineering controls when mixing/loading and applying to various crops.”
Product 2: “Closed mixing/loading systems are required. A closed system means removing a pesticide from its original container, rinsing, mixing, diluting, and transferring the pesticide through connecting hoses, pipes, and couplings that are sufficiently tight to prevent exposure of any person to the pesticide or rinsing solution.”
Questions and concerns have been raised by registrants and growers as these changes have appeared on pesticides with particularly important actives. As of 2025:
Products with standard CTS label statement:
- Lorox L Herbicide
- Ethrel PGR
- Dibrom Insecticide
Products that require CTS without standard label statement:
- Bravo ZN Fungicide (bulk totes only, chlorothalonil in 10 L jugs does not require CTS)
- Captan 480 SC and Captan L Fungicide (only if open cab AND exceeding a maximum L/day threshold)
Products that may require CTS but not clear on the label:
- Sevin XLR Insecticide – “use a closed mixing system”
In some cases, registrants have avoided the requirement by splitting the label rate and promoting multiple applications to ensure rates do not reach the PMRA’s threshold for closed transfer. Another strategy is to remove small-volume formats and rely on Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC or totes), which already employ closed transfer. If neither option is available, registrants may face expensive changes (which are currently unspecified) to their injection molding process. This is assuming North American small-volume container packers respond to emerging Canadian requirements.
Commercial horticultural and specialty crop growers (or field croppers with smaller acreages and diversified crops) are more likely to purchase pesticides in small-volume containers as opposed to a tote. For growers, the practical requirements for compliant closed transfer are not well understood. Most do not currently have CTS and feel a retrofit is overly burdensome (e.g. slow, expensive, complicated), incompatible with their equipment, or redundant with conventional PPE.
As Canadian agriculture comes to terms with these regulatory changes, the European experience offers valuable insight.
Article Source Information
Information in this article was sourced from Sprayers 101
