Plant Health Department

Plant Biotechnology Centre

Computer-controlled acclimatised glasshouse

Address: Plant Biotechnology Centre

Annibale Preca Street

Lija, BZN 10

Phone: (+356) 23397000

Fax: (+356) 21414493

The glasshouse temperature environment is computer controlled. The hot water at 70°C is supplied by means of a low pressure hot water boiler located near the front side of the glasshouse. The chiller is placed on top of the boiler-house and supply cool water at 11°C.

The first four benches in the acclimatisation compartment are heated by means of hot water running in tubes underneath these benches. The temperature of these benches is also computer controlled.

The hot and cold water are circulated through the fan coils which are mounted in the glasshouse compartments. The temperature is adjusted by means of monitored valves which are computer controlled. These valves turn on or close the hot and cold water simultaneously to keep the required temperature which is recorded on the computer according to the readings of the thermometer located in each compartment.

The 3-phase electrical power of the Centre is supplied by the sub-station located in the basement of the Virology Lab. When the electrical supply fails there are two stand-by generators (one of 150KVA and the other of 40KVA) which operate automatically. These generators supply vital facilities (e.g. the glasshouse, the Virology and Bacteriology Labs) with essential power to keep on running.

Back to Previous Page