The Flow Hive revolutionizes traditional beekeeping by enabling honey extraction without disturbing the bees or removing frames. Its patented design features special frames with partially formed wax cells that split open when a key is turned, allowing honey to flow through sealed channels and out via a spout. This system eliminates the need for centrifugal extractors, reduces storage space, and minimizes stress on bees while providing observation windows for hive monitoring. Key components like the Flow Super, specialized frames, and adjustable harvesting shelf work together to create a user-friendly, bee-friendly honey harvesting experience.
Key Points Explained:
-
Core Mechanism
- Uses frames with pre-formed wax cells that split vertically when the Flow Key is turned
- Honey flows downward through gravity-assisted channels into collection tubes
- Bees rebuild the wax cells after harvesting, maintaining hive structure
-
Key Components
- Flow Super: Upper chamber housing Flow Frames, compatible with standard Langstroth dimensions
- Patented Frames: Contain Flow Tubes and splitting mechanism activated by the Flow Key
- Observation Windows: Allow visual monitoring of honey production without opening the hive
- Harvesting Shelf: Adjustable platform accommodates various container sizes for honey collection
-
Bee Welfare Features
- Minimizes hive disturbance compared to traditional extraction methods
- Reduces bee mortality during harvest by 80-90% according to user reports
- Ventilation control system maintains optimal hive temperature and humidity
-
Operational Advantages
- Eliminates need for:
- Honey extractors
- Uncapping tools
- Additional storage boxes
- Harvest time reduced from hours to minutes
- Cleaner process with no wax debris in harvested honey
- Eliminates need for:
-
Maintenance Considerations
- Multifunctional tray serves as:
- Varroa mite monitoring surface
- Treatment application point
- Hive debris collector
- Requires standard beekeeping knowledge despite simplified harvesting
- Multifunctional tray serves as:
-
Economic Factors
- Higher initial cost than traditional hives (2-3x Langstroth pricing)
- Long-term savings on extraction equipment and labor
- Increased honey purity commands premium market prices
The system particularly benefits small-scale beekeepers and educational facilities where observation and minimal bee disturbance are priorities. While not replacing all traditional equipment (brood boxes remain conventional), it represents a significant innovation in honey harvesting technology.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Patented Split-Cell Frames | Honey flows out without frame removal or bee disturbance |
| Observation Windows | Monitor honey production without opening the hive |
| Gravity-Assisted Channels | No need for centrifugal extractors or uncapping tools |
| Adjustable Harvesting Shelf | Accommodates various container sizes for easy collection |
| Integrated Ventilation Control | Maintains optimal hive temperature and humidity |
| Multifunctional Tray | Serves as mite monitor, treatment applicator, and debris collector |
Upgrade your apiary with bee-friendly technology—contact HONESTBEE for wholesale Flow Hive solutions tailored to commercial beekeepers and distributors.
