Maximizing Spray Efficiency: Nozzle Replacement and Calibration in Agricultural Practices
This guide explores the critical aspects of spray nozzle replacement and calibration in agricultural sprayers, highlighting the significance of nozzle technology in ensuring effective application and reducing chemical misapplications. Key topics include factors influencing nozzle performance, effective calibration techniques, and the importance of monitoring spray output for optimal productivity. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn nozzles are essential for achieving uniform coverage and minimizing drift, ultimately improving crop protection and resource management.
Maximizing Spray Efficiency: Nozzle Replacement and Calibration in Agricultural Practices
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Presentation Transcript
Replacing Your Spray Nozzle Robert E. Wolf Extension Specialist Application Technology Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Productivity The application triangle Off-site protection Efficacy
Sprayer Components: • Tanks (contamination issues) • Pump, Strainers, Agitation • Pressure gauge • Hoses, Flow control assemblies • Electronics: monitors-computers- controllers (GPS/GIS) • Distribution system • Nozzles!!!!!!!!!
Nozzle Technology: • Nozzles designed to reduce drift • Improved drop size control • Emphasis on ‘Spray Quality’
Nozzles Replacement: • Replacing worn spray nozzles protects against the danger of a chemical misapplication. • A combination of calibration and visual observation can be used to determine whether nozzles need to be replaced. • Increased flow rate • Poor patterns
Nozzle Replacement: • Influenced by: • Nozzle material • Sprayed solution • Pressure used • Cost of application error vs nozzle replacement cost
MATERIALS AND WEAR Percent increase in nozzle flow rate Flat-fan spray nozzles after 40 hour test
Nozzles are important because: • Control the amount – GPA. • Determine uniformity of application. • Affects the coverage. • Influences the drift potential.
Where do you start? • Calibration • Pattern quality
Calibration!!!! Ensuring that the spray output is what it is supposed to be!
Calibration includes: • Calculating the amount of product needed. • Mixing properly and safely. • Adjusting the equipment to deliver the desired rate uniformly. • Determining effective swath/overlap. • Checking accuracy during operation. • Detecting and correcting errors. • On a regular basis.
Electronics/Rate Controllers: • What is the purpose? • How does your system work when speed changes? • Is it pressure based? • What is the effect of going slower? • What is the effect of going faster?
Electronic Control Systems: Rate Controller systems include…. • Speed sensor • Servo-valve/flow meter • Calculation • Adjustment on-the-go
Control the Amount applied: Nozzle Flow Rate is affected by: • Orifice size • Pressure • Solution characteristics
Nomenclature: Extended Range Trade Name (S,H,P,K,SS) Stainless Steel Insert Orifice VisiFlo Color Coding Fan angle and flow rate-orifice size Rated Pressure = 40 psi for most nozzle types 10 psi for turbo flood nozzles
Calculations #$!@&%! GPA= 5940
Calibration/Nozzle Selection: • What is the first step? • Use label to select the • application volume • product rate • Choose an appropriate travel speed • Effective width of application • nozzle spacing • Calculate GPM – Flow rate per nozzle • Select the correct size of nozzle!
Calculations Ok, now I remember! GPA= 5940
Flow Rate Equation: • Calculates for amount of flow from one nozzle • Represents the size of nozzle to put on the sprayer Equation # 2
GPM Example Solution: .71 Answer
Calculate GPM (formula) Look under GPM column Match to pressure-psi Choose the size needed Operate at given pressure and speed used in formula to achieve GPA Selecting the proper nozzle…. .71
MEASURE SPEED (1 MPH = 88 Feet traveled in 60 seconds) Measure the ground speed in an area similar to the conditions of the area to be sprayed!
Set up for Uniformity: Goal is to put the material on evenly from nozzle to nozzle, end of boom to end of boom, and across the entire area. 20-inch spacing requires 17-19” above target for 50-60% overlap. Nozzle mount angle?
Replacement decision: Pattern quality
The benefits: • Replacing worn nozzles protects against possible chemical misapplication • Combining calibration and visual observation for best decisions • Must be done on a regualar basis • Can be done ahead of time to prevent wasting valuable time • Change when flows and patterns are not up to standards.
Nozzles, tools and information: • Spraying Systems – TeeJet (nozzles and calibration tools) • http://www.teejet.com/ms/teejet/ • Greenleaf Technologies (nozzles and calibration tools) • http://www.turbodrop.com/ • Hypro Pumps (nozzles, fittings, ect.) • http://www.hypropumps.com/ • Redball LLC (pattern check device) • http://www.redballproducts.com/