A USER'S GUIDE TO SPRAY NOZZLES
Contents
1. Type Nozzles Flooding type nozzles produce a wide angle flat fan pattern Pressure changes affect the width of the spray pattern more than with extended range flat fan nozzles Using flooding type nozzles 20 Best distribution is achieved with nozzles mounted for 100 or double overlap meaning the edge of one spray pattern extends to the center of the adjacent nozzle at the lowest possible operating pressure Nozzles can be mounted to spray in any direction but the mounting position will impact the distribution If spraying downward rotating the nozzles 30 to 45 up from horizontal will help uniformity at operating pressures in the 10 to 30 PSI 0 7 to 2 bar range At low pressures flooding type nozzles produce large droplets at high pressures smaller droplets are produced even smaller than flat fan nozzles with an equivalent flow rate Compared to extended range flat fan nozzles drift can be reduced by as much as 50 Pre orifice style flooding versions operate at pressures from 10 to 40 PSI 0 7 to 2 8 bar require a minimum of 30 overlap on the edge of each spray pattern and can be mounted in a variety of positions for spraying in any direction Flooding versions are well suited for soil applications especially when applying a mix of fertilizers and herbicides Flooding Type Nozzle Know Your Nozzle Types Nozzles for Specialty Applications There are many variations to the basic nozzle types and many2. application of pre emergence herbicides post emergence systemic herbicides fungicides and insecticides Asymmetric twin spray nozzles are a more recent development that features one spray pattern projected downward for canopy penetration and one pattern projected horizontally for coverage at the top of the crop canopy seed head These nozzles have proven to be particularly effective for fungicide application and disease control in small grains e Carry a few spares Even though cleaning these nozzles shouldn t require tools in field cleaning isn t recommended because of the number of small pieces If in field cleaning is necessary keep a small can of compressed air on board the sprayer Twin Spray Venturi Air Induction Nozzle Venturi Air Induction Nozzle Asymmetric Twin Spray Venturi Air Induction Nozzle Venturi Air Induction Nozzle A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 17 18 Know Your Nozzle Types Extended Range Flat Fan Nozzles Extended range flat fan nozzles provide excellent spray distribution over a range of pressures When operated at lower pressures drift can be reduced while at higher pressures coverage can be improved Using extended range flat fan nozzles e Commonly used for contact products herbicides insecticides amp fungicides where thorough leaf coverage is needed for effective control e Lower pressures and higher flow rates will produce droplets more resistant to drift Pressures abo
3. are now 220 weed species that have developed herbicide resistance This problem is not limited to a single weed a single herbicide single crop or a single geographic region While it may be true that your particular operation has not yet been a victim of this growing problem you should still be prepared to address this challenge The global seed and chemical industry is developing and launching the next generation of herbicides and cropping systems to address this problem With this broader range of chemicals and herbicide resistant genetics comes the need for improved spraying management and smarter spray nozzle selection Products such as 2 4 D glyphosate glufosinate dicamba and others have different modes of action and different potential for drift This means that proper droplet size management and proper tip selection will be more important in upcoming years perhaps more important than it has been in a generation As a producer or applicator you must make the best application decisions possible As a nozzle manufacturer we must provide you the tools and information to make informed effective decisions Read on to learn more about these exciting new technologies Droplet Size Monitoring Nozzle manufacturers chemical manufacturers and third party research institutes continue to invest heavily in the analysis of spray tip performance and droplet size measurement Up to now print and web based sources have provided growers access to
4. into a collection container Fine tune pressure until you collect your desired flow rate in GPM l min Sprayer Calibration Ensures Optimal Performance GPA x MPH x W PEM 5 940 GPM the nozzle flow rate in gallons per minute GPA application rate in gallons per acre MPH the ground speed in miles per hour W the nozzle spacing in inches for broadcast spraying I ha x km h x W 60 000 l min l min the nozzle flow rate in liters per minute l ha application rate in liters per hectare km h the ground speed in kilometers per hour W the nozzle spacing in centimeters for broadcast spraying FIGURE 18 Nozzle output formulas A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 49 50 Sprayer Calibration Ensures Optimal Performance Check your system e Check the flow rate of a few nozzles on each boom section e If the flow rate of any nozzle is 10 greater or less than the new nozzle recheck the output e If only one nozzle is faulty replace with a new nozzle and strainer if necessary e Ifa second nozzle is faulty replace all nozzles on the entire boom Replacing only a couple of worn nozzles could cause distribution problems Broadcast versus banding and directed applications The instructions just presented are for calibrating a sprayer for a broadcast application For banding or directed applications change the value of W in the formula e For single nozzle banding or boomless applications W sprayed ba
5. other specialty nozzles available as well Your choice will of course depend on your application requirements Variation of standard nozzles includes wide angle and extra wide angle sprays double outlet flat spray and even flat spray Boomless nozzles are designed for spraying areas not easily accessed with a boom sprayer Flat spray and extra wide flat spray patterns are typically used to provide a wide swath Hollow cone nozzles are available in disc and core types for spraying pesticides at higher pressures and flow rates Standard hollow cone nozzles produce a finely atomized spray and are commonly used for spraying post emergence contact herbicides fungicides and insecticides Wide angle versions are also available Full cone nozzles provide a coarse spray pattern and are available in standard and wide angle spray patterns These nozzles can be used in broadcast spraying and in some banded applications Boomless Type Nozzle A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 21 22 Know Your Nozzle Types Fertilizer Nozzles Solid stream nozzles are offered in a variety of sizes offering anywhere from 1 to 7 or more individual streams By utilizing individual liquid streams instead of a fan spray liquid fertilizer can be applied more directly to the soil surface where it is needed This minimizes foliar coverage in standing crop reducing the chances of leaf burn and makes the likelihood spray drift extremely low Fertilizer streaming
6. sure to verify that the spray pattern formed by the tip is compatible with your spray boom Some manufacturers offer simple adapters that can be utilized to adjust the orientation position of the tip for optimum performance eee pyres E E A A 4 N a E E ft 4 A S i go 0 q S S i i 0 0 0 0 i i 8 0 Q Fertilizer Nozzle Spray Patterns A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 23 3 24 SECTION FOUR SELECTING THE RIGHT SPRAY NOZZLE i ia a a wall Uo orate calle eee E TE T b ha pa i F ee ree t To find the right spray nozzle ask yourself these questions 1 What are you spraying 2 How are you spraying 3 What is your tolerance to drift 4 What is the weight of the spray solution 5 What is the pressure range of the sprayer 6 What is the nozzle spacing on the boom 7 What is the boom height 8 Which nozzle material is best 9 Who is the nozzle manufacturer and why does it matter There is a reason why there are dozens of different nozzle types available in hundreds of different sizes capacities and materials Each nozzle is designed to yield very specific performance based on what you re spraying when you re spraying and how you re spraying It may be tempting to overlook the role spray nozzles can have in the overall success of your spraying season simply because they are a small relatively low cost component However a poor choice in spray nozzles or the use of under performing
7. tips are not recommended for pesticide application Using fertilizer nozzles Streaming nozzles typically utilize a removable pre orifice to meter the flow The ability to remove this pre orifice for cleaning is a good feature When selecting a liquid fertilizer tip always remember to apply the liquid density correction factor when calculating your application rate and selecting the tip size operating pressure see Section Four for more details Single stream tips are often used in conjunction with a coulter or knife which creates a trench in the soil surface and allows the liquid fertilizer to penetrate into the root zone where it is most accessible to the plant 3 stream or similar tips produce a narrower coverage area and project liquid more directly to the soil surface These are more commonly used in directed spray applications The fewer streams and narrower spray pattern generally require a lower more consistent boom height and may be more suitable for lower speed applications common with pull type machines 7 stream or similar tips produce a wider coverage area making them ideal for broadcast application in both standing crop and bare soil Due to the greater number of streams and wider spray pattern these tips are most ideal for higher boom heights as well as higher ground speeds commonly encountered with self propelled machines Know Your Nozzle Types Due to the more 3 dimensional nature of some streaming nozzles be
8. 0 84 kg l 0 96 kg l 1 00 kg l water 1 08 kg l 1 20 kg l 1 28 kg l 28 Nitrogen 1 32 kg l 1 44 kg l 1 68 kg l FIGURE 13 Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Conversion Factor 0 92 0 98 1 00 1 04 1 20 1 30 Density conversion tables A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 31 32 Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle 5 What is the pressure range of the sprayer Always operate any nozzle in the middle of its recommended operating range for best performance Sizing nozzles in the middle of the sprayer pressure range offers more flexibility for adjustments in speed or changes in the terrain especially when using an automatic rate controller Reducing spray pressures below the rated minimum will result in poor spray patterns 6 What is the nozzle spacing on the boom The nozzle size you need depends on many factors including the desired application rate ground speed and nozzle spacing For each nozzle type and spray angle the manufacturer recommends proper spray heights and nozzle spacing Nozzle spacing of 20 50 cm and 30 75 cm are most common This information may also be available on the chemical label 7 What is the boom height Lower boom heights are usually better as long as proper overlap of spray nozzles is achieved In general nozzles with 110 fan angles can be used at lower boom heights than 80 fan angles Lower boom heights reduce drift and improve coverage Higher boom he
9. 50 4 60 4 Disc Core 85 147 18 3 22 0 27 5 33 0 44 0 55 4 66 4 90 16 0 20 0 24 0 30 0 36 0 48 0 60 0 72 0 95 17 5 21 8 26 2 32 8 40 3 52 4 65 5 78 6 100 19 1 23 8 28 6 35 8 43 0 57 2 71 6 85 9 110 22 8 28 5 34 3 42 8 514 68 5 85 6 103 120 277 34 6 41 6 52 0 62 4 83 2 104 130 34 3 42 9 51 5 64 4 773 103 140 43 8 54 8 EJ 82 2 98 6 150 59 6 74 5 89 5 15 5 3 7 9 10 5 13 2 15 8 18 4 21 1 23 7 20 7 1 10 6 14 1 17 6 21 2 24 7 28 2 31 7 25 8 9 13 3 17 7 22 2 26 6 31 0 35 5 39 9 30 10 7 16 1 21 4 26 8 32 2 37 5 42 9 48 2 35 12 6 18 9 25 2 31 5 37 8 44 1 50 5 56 8 40 14 6 21 8 29 1 36 4 43 7 51 0 58 2 65 5 45 16 6 24 9 33 1 41 4 49 7 58 0 66 3 74 6 50 18 7 28 0 37 3 46 6 56 0 65 3 74 6 83 9 55 20 8 31 2 41 7 52 1 62 5 72 9 83 3 93 7 60 23 1 34 6 46 2 57 7 69 3 80 8 92 4 104 65 25 5 38 2 51 0 63 7 76 5 89 2 102 115 73 29 6 44 4 59 2 74 0 88 8 104 118 133 80 33 6 50 4 67 1 83 9 101 118 134 151 85 36 7 55 0 73 3 91 6 110 128 147 165 90 40 0 60 0 80 0 100 120 140 160 180 95 43 7 65 5 87 3 109 131 153 175 196 100 47 7 715 95 3 119 143 167 191 215 110 57 1 85 7 114 143 171 200 229 257 120 69 3 104 0 139 173 208 243 130 85 8 129 172 215 257 140 110 165 220 275 150 149 224 299 FIGURE 8 Theoretical Coverage A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 10 Spray Nozzle Fundamentals The most commonly used spray angle for various nozzle types are listed below Tapered flat f
10. A USER S GUIDE TO SPRAY NOZZLES at Baines Nihil OR NA at tis ae W A i Ny d A hid Wes A I zjx AVAIT A Subsidiary of VNI HOW A USER S GUIDE TO SPRAY NOZZLES IS DIFFERENT A Users Guide to Spray Nozzles is educational and informative It provides facts not opinions This guide provides you with cutting edge reference material that will help make you a more knowledgeable buyer and user of spray nozzles We hope this guide enables you to better evaluate performance claims published by all nozzle manufacturers Spray nozzles are highly engineered precision components Full consideration should be given to the manufacturer and the manufacturer s capabilities IntfoOa uCtION MRM ssw 2 SECTION ONE The Costly Consequences Of Spraying Too Much or Too Little 4 SECTION TWO Spray Nozzle Fundamentals 0008 6 SECTION THREE Know Your Nozzle Types 0 cece cece 16 SECTION FOUR Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle 24 SECTION FIVE Consult The Experts 0 c cece cece ee eee 40 SECTION SIX Making Maintenance A Priority 42 SECTION SEVEN Sprayer Calibration Ensures Optimal Performance 0008 46 SECTION EIGHT Future Trends in Spraying and Nozzle Technology 52 A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 1 INTRODUCTION poor choice in spray nozzles or use of under performi
11. Guide to Spray Nozzles 15 16 SECTION THREE KNOW YOUR NOZZLE TYPES i Venturi Air Induction Nozzles Air induction Al nozzles feature two orifices The first orifice known as the pre orifice meters the liquid flow The second orifice known as the exit orifice is larger than the pre orifice and forms the spray pattern A venturi or air aspirator sits between the two orifices This air venturi draws air into the body of the nozzle where it is mixed with water This mixing creates an air entrained spray pattern at a lower pressure The spray pattern is comprised of large air filled coarse droplets with very few drift susceptible droplets Using Al nozzles Ideal for drift reduction while maintaining good coverage when used with the proper chemicals additives air bubbles are formed in the droplet causing the droplets to shatter on impact providing improved coverage Be sure to use the proper operating pressures to achieve the proper droplet size Some Al nozzles require an operating pressure of 30 to 100 PSI 2 to 7 bar to maximize performance Many newer Al nozzles have been designed to operate effectively at pressures as low as 15 PSI 1 bar Most Al nozzles produce a wide angle flat fan or twin flat fan pattern Al nozzles are typically used for broadcast spraying of post emergence systemic herbicides fungicides and insecticides In banded and directed spraying Al nozzles provide excellent performance in
12. an nozzles are most often available with 80 or 110 spray angles Even flat fan nozzles are commonly available with 40 65 80 or 95 spray angles Flooding wide angle nozzles typically produce a 120 spray angle Hollow cone nozzles are commonly available with 65 or 80 spray angles The trend in broadcast flat fan spray tip design is toward wider spray angles This is why you will see most new generation tips offered in 110 or wider spray angles only The advantages of wider spray angles include increased overlap for better spray distribution and the ability to run booms closer to the target surface to reduce drift potential Spray Pressure Nozzle flow rate varies with spraying pressure In general the relationship between flow rate in gallons per minute GPM or liters per minute l min and pressure in PSI or bar is shown at the right FIGURE 10 Key facts about pressure Increasing the pressure by four times doubles the flow rate Higher pressure decreases droplet size and increases drift potential Higher pressure increases orifice wear Pressure impacts the spray angle and coverage operate your spray nozzles within the proper pressure range Performance data is typically provided in spray nozzle catalogs for spraying water Liquids more dense or heavier than water like 28 liquid nitrogen form smaller spray angles Liquids less dense or lighter than water form wider spray angles Spray Nozzle Fundamental
13. ance m x 3 6 Time s FIGURE 17 Calculate Speeds A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 47 48 Sprayer Calibration Ensures Optimal Performance Travel speed tips In general slower speeds are better and produce more consistent results Faster speeds reduce canopy penetration increase dust and may cause drift problems In addition faster speeds may require larger nozzles that produce a coarser droplet which may reduce target coverage Furthermore they may result in vertical and horizontal boom movement which can negatively impact overall coverage Record the following information e Nozzle type on your sprayer all nozzles must be identical e Recommended application volume e Measured sprayer speed e Nozzle spacing Calculate the required nozzle output See the chemical label to ensure you apply the right volume Then use the travel speed of your sprayer to calculate nozzle flow rate FIGURE 18 Set the correct pressure e Turn your sprayer on and check for leaks e Clean nozzles and strainers as needed e Replace one nozzle and strainer with an identical new nozzle and strainer e Use conversion factors Section Four to determine the target flow rate if the weight of the spraying solution is different than the weight of water e Determine the pressure required to deliver the nozzle flow rate calculated earlier e Turn sprayer on adjust pressure e Collect and measure the volume of the spray from the new nozzle
14. be costly and may not fit all sprayers e Dilute the spray solution if the chemical label allows it Use of higher carrier volumes reduces drift by necessitating the use of larger nozzles to apply the higher volumes which results in a less drift prone spray Plus the spray solution is more dilute at the higher volume so the drift will contain less active ingredient and have less potential for damage e Select the appropriate nozzle for your travel speed Higher travel speeds typically require the use of larger flow rate nozzles that generate coarser sprays and reduce drift potential e Consider the active ingredients in your herbicides and insecticides and adjust accordingly to minimize vapor and spray drift e Larger droplets do reduce drift potential However larger droplets can negatively impact product effectiveness Insecticides fungicides and contact herbicides with little or no systemic activity usually require small droplets to ensure thorough coverage Systemic materials that move within plants can use larger droplets A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 29 Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle General guidelines Fine Medium amp Coarse Droplets Use for post emergence contact applications that require excellent coverage on leaf surfaces including herbicides fungicides and insecticides e Coarse amp Very Coarse Droplets Use for contact and systemic herbicides insecticides and fungicides e Very Coarse Extr
15. companies can be a good source of information However it is important to remember their goal is to have you purchase their products so watch for bias Several companies do invest in customer education for the betterment of the industry but carefully scrutinize manufacturer sponsored research Manufacturers typically don t publish research unless it presents their products in a positive fashion A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 41 SECTION SIX MAKING MAINTENANCE A PRIORITY d es pers Er p i P i F EET IE a OE m J a a i m ie T a P me a M ei a j ar ii g a n al ay bia r pee z E Crop protection products can only ve effective if applied properly That means selecting the proper spray nozzle and then ensuring optimal performance Sounds simple enough right But in reality ensuring proper spray nozzle performance can be challenging Here s why Spray nozzles don t last forever Yet it is extremely difficult to detect wear because it may not be visible Spray nozzle wear of 10 20 or even 30 won t be visible Special optical equipment would be required to actually see changes in the orifice size So rather than relying on visual inspection you should compare the flow rate from a used nozzle with the flow rate from a new nozzle of the same size and type e Check the flow rate by using a graduated collection container a timing device and a pressure gauge mounted at the nozzle
16. e Compare flow rates If the flow from the used nozzle is 10 greater or more replace it e A10 over application of chemical on a twice sprayed 1000 acre 247 ha farm could represent a loss of 2 000 to 10 000 USD based on current chemical costs This number doesn t take into account fuel machinery wear and tear time labor or crop damage 42 FIGURE 14 An inside look at nozzle orifice wear and damage New nozzle top worn nozzle middle and damaged nozzle bottom A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 43 44 Making Maintenance a Priority e Ifyou feel your spray nozzles are wearing quickly consider upgrading to longer wearing materials e Prior to replacing spray nozzles due to wear it is critical to keep them in good working order Variations in spray distribution droplet size or flow rate can reduce the effectiveness of the application e Itis important to clean clogged spray nozzles properly Use a soft bristled brush or compressed air for cleaning Do not use metal objects under any circumstances e Use extreme care with softer tip materials such as plastic e Be sure to use adequate filtration and properly sized strainers to minimize clogging The coefficient of variation Rie De HT is a statistical method used ILI WAKA HELM TE VARIA EH TARAS TE throughout the world for determining spray uniformity of nozzles across a spray boom NEW SPRAY TIPS Produce a uniform distribution when proper
17. e sets to normalize data This eliminates interpretation differences when comparing statistical data among different types of laser measuring equipment Figure 12 Generally speaking without these classification categories you can never accurately compare droplet size numbers between nozzles or nozzle types Droplet size is a key factor in nozzle selection e When coverage is critical such as in post emergence contact applications nozzles with finer droplets are used because of the excellent coverage on leaf surfaces e Nozzles producing mid range droplets are most commonly used for application of contact and systemic herbicides insecticides and fungicides e Nozzles producing coarser droplets are typically used for systemic herbicides and pre emergence soil applied herbicides while minimizing drift Remember droplet size can vary based on pressure The same nozzle can produce medium droplets at low pressures and fine droplets at higher pressures Spray Nozzle Fundamentals Extremely Very Fine Medium Fine Fine Coarse Very Extremely Ultra Coarse Coarse Coarse FIGURE 11 Droplet Size Classification Laser Analyzer A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 13 414 Spray Nozzle Fundamentals Defining Spray Drift Spray drift is defined as the movement and deposition of spray particles through the air to non target locations The two forms of spray drift are particle dri
18. ect the most appropriate droplet size for your application and maintain this droplet size across a wider range of ground speeds As a sprayer operator this means you can potentially cover more acres per day while maintaining a more consistent application rate and droplet size resulting in improved pest control and crop yields 75 ON Duty Cycle OFF 50 ii Duty Cycle OFF 25 as Duty Cycle OFF FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24 PWM Duty Cycle PWM Equipped Nozzle Body A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles Future Trends in Spraying and Nozzle Technology 55 56 Future Trends in Spraying and Nozzle Technology Mobile Apps Awide range of mobile apps related to spraying are available today Consult your app store regularly to see what new and often times free tools are available A few worth investigating include TeeJet Spray Select provides recommended nozzle and operating pressure based on ground speed tip spacing target rate amp droplet size requirements Ground Spray provides droplet size data for a wide range of spray tips spraying water or active ingredient Mix Tank provides the proper sequence for adding various active ingredients into tank mixes Calibrate My Sprayer used to assist in calibrating sprayers when doing a volume collection test Sper ay ee eet Pa neta a o Le ce Parting Thoughts As you can see there are many considerations w
19. eld studies They are costly and difficult to conduct but the data from these studies is considered the most reliable since actual spraying conditions are tested e Lab studies They use various collection devices and dye concentrations This technique uses various sophisticated collection devices in a lab setting that replicates field spraying as precisely as possible e Wind tunnel testing Uses water sensitive paper to collect and observe drift The use of wind tunnels and water sensitive paper is the least accurate and clear guidelines for accuracy and repeatability do not exist When evaluating drift data it is important to read the entire test report Some companies can selectively extract information to make their spray nozzles look better and or make invalid comparisons across various nozzle types Wind Tunnel for Drift Studies Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Key drift concepts If you ve determined that drift is a concern keep these concepts in mind e Weather conditions sprayer set up and nozzle choice are the most important influences on drift e Reduce the proportion of small droplets in the spray This can be achieved by using spray nozzles that produce coarse droplets at the intended operating pressure e Protect the spray from wind by adjusting boom height and shrouding Lower boom heights are usually recommended to reduce drift Shrouds cones and other protective shields can also reduce drift but can
20. emely Coarse amp Ultra Coarse Droplets Use for systemic herbicides pre emergence surface applied herbicides and when working in highly sensitive areas e Droplet size will vary based on pressure In general the smaller the nozzle size and the greater the spray pressure the smaller the droplets and the greater proportion of driftable droplets e Alarger capacity nozzle will produce more coarse droplets e Spray for the situation at hand Crop conditions pest conditions and weather conditions can dramatically impact the performance of the applied product e ALWAYS consult the chemical label for the manufacturers application and droplet size recommendations before applying 4 What is the weight of the spray solution Tabulations in spray nozzle catalogs are based on spraying water that weighs 8 34 pounds per U S gallon or 1 kilogram per liter Use conversion factors FIGURE 12 when using solutions heavier or lighter than water Multiply the desired GPM or GPA l min or l ha of solution by the water rate conversion factor FIGURE 13 Then use the converted GPM or GPA l min or I ha to select the proper size nozzle GPA solution Conversion Factor GPA water FIGURE 12 x l ha solution Density conversion formulas Conversion Factor _ I ha water 3 30 Pounds per Gallon 7 0 Ib gal 8 0 Ib gal 8 34 Ib gal 9 0 Ib gal 10 0 Ib gal 10 65 Ib gal 11 0 Ib gal 12 0 Ib gal 14 0 Ib gal Kilograms per Liter
21. er and smaller than 250 u D iS a value where 90 of the total volume of liquid sprayed is made up of droplets with diameters smaller or equal to this value For example if the D is listed as 500 u this means that 90 of the volume of the spray is contained in droplets 500 u or smaller Only 10 of the volume is contained in droplets larger than 500 uw Be sure to verify which standards are being used when reviewing droplet size classification data BCPC formerly know as British Crop Protection Council specifications and ASABE standard 572 1 are the leading standards for compliance A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 27 Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Droplet size classification information is provided by nozzle manufacturers for products at varying pressures Chemical labels also use this classification system to indicate proper product usage and ensure efficacy Drift studies Drift has become a topic of great interest in recent years and many studies have been conducted to document drift potential of different types of nozzles at varying operating pressures However drift studies can be difficult and costly to conduct and there are several different methodologies in use The methodology influences the results so it is very important to understand these differences if you are comparing drift data from different manufacturers or studies from different research groups Direct comparisons should not be made between Fi
22. es are still equipped with traditional speed sensors that may need calibration To check your tractor sprayer speed see how long it takes you to travel down a 100 ft 30 5 m or 200 ft 61 m strip FIGURE 16 gives some commonly used speeds e Do your test in the area to be sprayed or an area with a similar surface and select the engine throttle setting and gear that will be used when spraying Fence posts or other permanent devices can be used as markers e The starting point should be far enough away to permit your tractor or sprayer to reach the desired spraying speed e Hold that travel speed between markers e Most accurate results will be achieved with the spray tank half full e Calculate your real speed FIGURE 17 46 Time Required in SECONDS Time Required in SECONDS Speed to Travel a Distance of Speed to Travel a Distance of MPH qoof 200ft 300ft Km h 30m 60m 90m 120m 1 0 68 136 205 5 22 43 65 86 1 5 45 91 136 6 18 36 54 72 2 0 34 68 102 7 15 31 46 62 2 5 27 55 82 8 14 27 41 54 3 0 23 45 68 9 24 36 48 3 5 19 39 58 10 22 32 43 4 0 17 34 51 11 20 29 39 4 5 15 30 45 12 18 27 36 5 0 14 27 41 13 17 25 33 5 5 25 37 14 15 23 31 6 0 23 34 16 14 20 27 6 5 21 31 18 18 24 7 0 19 29 20 16 22 7 5 18 27 25 13 17 8 0 17 26 30 14 8 5 16 24 35 12 9 0 15 23 40 11 FIGURE 16 Speeds Distance ft x60 Speed MPH Time s x88 Speed km h Dist
23. es toward the outer edge A uniform distribution pattern across the boom is achieved when the boom height and nozzle spacing are optimized for proper spray pattern overlap of adjacent nozzles Variations of the flat fan include e Extended range flat fan for broadcast spraying designed to operate with a wider range of spray pressures FIGURE 1 Symmetric or asymmetric twin flat fan for broadcast spraying flow is divided between two orifices pointed forward and backward can provide improved coverage and canopy penetration FIGURE 2 e Flooding for broadcast spraying wide angle flat pattern using larger droplets FIGURE 3 e Even spray for band spraying non tapered spray patterns provide even coverage without overlapping FIGURE 4 e Additionally all of the above nozzle types may be offered in a traditional single orifice design pre orifice design or air induction design More to come on this in the next section Higher Pressure Lower Pressure AT 15 PSI 1 bar PRESSURE AT 60 PSI 4 bar PRESSURE FIGURE 1 Extended range flat fan spray pattern FIGURE 2 Symmetric twin flat fan spray pattern FIGURE 3 Wide angle flat fan spray pattern sa Fat Overlap broadcast pattern FIGURE 4 Even spray pattern Band spray application A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 7 Spray Nozzle Fundamentals Cone Sprays Cone sprays come in two basic variations hollow cone and full cone The ho
24. ferent adjacent crops or ornamentals Do the adjacent crops have different herbicide tolerant genetics and or will spray drift result in crop damage Are you concerned about the impact your spraying may have on the environment Have you had a drift complaint in the past Do time constraints require you to spray under less than ideal conditions Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle y D that redi IGE Aiit no AMPS requires an PRder taring ETS ef droplet size Ws 56 t e p ee Bi ii ee PERSE TYE ee iiai ai folk Ln al J The correlation between droplet size and drift All nozzles produce a range of droplet sizes within the given spray pattern To measure the range of droplets produced by a nozzle three measurements are generally used e D iS a value where 10 of the total volume of liquid sprayed is made up of droplets with diameters smaller or equal to this value For example if the D is listed as 100 microns this means that only 10 of the volume of the spray is contained in droplets smaller than 100 u microns The other 90 of the volume of the spray is contained in droplets larger than 100 u Dy also known as VMD is a value where 50 of the total volume of liquid sprayed is made up of droplets with diameters larger than the median value and 50 smaller than the median value For example if the VMD is listed as 250 u this means that 50 of the volume of the spray is in droplets both larg
25. ft which results from droplets physically moving to non target locations via air currents and vapor drift which results from the evaporation of and later re deposition of spray particles in non target areas Droplets most prone to drift are those less than 150 microns in diameter Factors that determine drift e Wind velocity and direction has the greatest impact on spray drift e The greater the distance between the spray tip and the target area the greater impact wind velocity can have on drift e A temperature inversion layer a situation where the air temperature is cooler near the earth s surface than in the air immediately above it can lead to increased lateral movement of spray particles leading to spray drift e Increased operating speeds can cause the wind to be diverted back into upward wind currents and vortices behind the sprayer that trap small droplets and can contribute to drift When temperatures are over 77 F 25 C with low relative humidity small droplets are more prone to drift because of the effects of evaporation e Low application rates usually requires the use of small nozzle sizes increasing the risk of drift e The smaller the nozzle size and the greater the spray pressure the smaller the droplet size and the greater proportion of driftable droplets Various agencies conduct rigorous distribution and drift testing When evaluating drift data always inquire about the source of the data The best da
26. hen selecting te spray nozzles In the whole scheme of things nozzle Aa oN Selection may notseem that important However when Py T Y you i Consider the cost of putting a crop in the ground l each year the investment in proper nozzle technology a EN pA vis quite small and can generate significant returns je say We urge you to study this guide give thoughtful a v consideration to the nozzles you use and wish you the es 1 Ve best of Itick for long term success in your operation a a 1 z i i a 1 fy 4 on hay ig a E J la 7 aa i gt For more information please visit www teejet com ii i a x 7 ne gt a aes a re Sa LI TJ178 All rights reserved Full protection of law claimed under Universal Copyright and Berne Conventions and other applicable national and international laws A Subsidiary of wn Spraying Systems Co www teejet com Printed in USA 2013 TeeJet Technologies
27. ights increase nozzle overlap and can help maintain good pattern uniformity for low drift nozzles 8 Which nozzle material is best To determine the best material for your application you need to know what chemicals you will be spraying and what you perceive to be an acceptable wear life spray hours for your nozzles It may be advantageous to choose nozzles in wear resistant materials The initial cost may be higher but the longer life will offset the cost in the long run Also depending on your application requirements you may need different types of spray nozzles in different materials Note Do not mix nozzle types or materials on a boom Always equip a boom with identical nozzles Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Material selection guidelines Wear resistant materials such as ceramic maintain a constant flow rate over a longer period of use Brass materials wear quickly A brass nozzle may have an increase in flow of 10 15 after 50 hours of use depending on what product is being sprayed Plastic material with stainless steel or ceramic inserts cost less than solid stainless steel and will last longer than brass Plastic can in some cases be more fragile than other materials and can be damaged more easily However with advancements in manufacturing technique and with proper care the life expectancy of plastic nozzles can be quite good In fact with some nozzle designs plastic nozzles can wear as long as if not
28. ing you a savvy customer Catalogs technical publications and company web sites should do more than sell you products they should help you improve quality and efficiency in application of your crop protection products Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Size How many spray nozzles does the manufacturer produce annually How much manufacturing space is dedicated to spray nozzle production These are often good indicators of quality Manufacturers producing low quality nozzles won t have the same level of demand as those producing superior products Commitment Is the manufacturer actively involved in the international spray community Does it participate in conferences and technical committees Does it conduct research and share the findings with the industry to advance spray technology All of these items indicate a long term commitment to the industry and the environment both of which provide value to you A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 35 Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Herbicides Post Emergence Soil Incorporated Pre Emergence Contact Systemic Extended Range Flat Spray Excellent Wide Angle Pre orifice Flat Spray Air Induction Flat Spray Excellent Low Pressure Air Induction Flat Spray Excellent Excellent Twin Flat Spray Excellent Excellent a m Wide Angle Pre orifice Flood Spray Excellent Excellent Excellent Pre orifice Twin Flat Spray Air Induction Twin Flat Spray Excelle
29. llow cone spray nozzle forms a ring shaped pattern finely atomized spray and can be operated at high pressures These unique characteristics make hollow cone nozzles well suited for air blast applications as well as specialty and directed spray applications Hollow cone nozzles may be offered in a single piece tip design or a two piece disc and core design Air induction hollow cone nozzles are a recent development that produces a spray pattern like a traditional cone spray but with much coarser droplets to reduce drift FIGURE 5 amp 6 The full cone spray nozzle creates a full circular spray pattern Full cones typically produce coarser droplets and are offered in larger capacities than hollow cone nozzles These nozzles are typically used for directed spraying and other specialty applications Full cone nozzles may be offered in a single piece tip design or a two piece disc and core design FIGURE 7 FIGURE 5 nein Seas a r FIGURE 7 Hollow Cone Spray Pattern ene cHOn ee One Full Cone Spray Pattern Spray Pattern Streaming Nozzles Solid stream or broadcast streaming nozzles are offered in a variety of configurations and are commonly used for liquid fertilizer application The solid stream spray pattern reduces foliar coverage to minimize leaf burn while projecting the liquid more directly to the soil surface where it can be absorbed by the root system More to come on these nozzles in the next section Spray Tip Geometry The chart
30. longer than stainless steel Stainless steel will last longer than brass Ceramic will last the longest Comparing wear life of nozzle materials Plastic two to three times longer than brass four to six times longer than brass with some plastic nozzle designs Stainless steel four to six times longer than brass Ceramic 20 to 50 times longer than brass A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 33 Once again because spray nozzles are so small it may be easy to think of them as simple components However spray nozzles are highly engineered precision components and consideration should be given to the manufacturer and the manufacturer s capabilities Here s a list of credentials to look for Focus on agricultural and turf spray technology Is the manufacturer focused on spray nozzles and related equipment Is spray nozzle manufacturing a core competency or just a supplemental offering Manufacturers committed to the industry will invest more in research and development quality control and support than those producing spray nozzles as an auxiliary or secondary item Experience expertise and a willingness to share The manufacturer should have a proven track record in the industry preferably spanning decades The company should also demonstrate its understanding of the technology and changing trends by introducing new products on a regular basis Does the company share its knowledge and invest in mak
31. ly overlapped Making Maintenance a Priority What is Cv Coefficient of Variation is what it stands for The Cv is a statistical method used throughout the world for determining spray uniformity of nozzles across a spray boom The lower the Cv value the better the distribution quality For extremely uniform distributions the Cv can be less than or equal to 7 In some countries nozzles must conform to very strict Cv specifications while other countries require annual sprayer distribution testing These stipulations emphasize the importance of distribution quality and its impact on chemical effectiveness See the chart below for more information A th Hi VY ip HANS i An Hi Pitt SHEA WORN SPRAY TIPS DAMAGED SPRAY TIPS have a higher output with more Have a very erratic output spray concentrated under each tip overapplying and underapplying FIGURE 15 The Coefficient of Variation A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 45 SECTION SEVEN S P RAY ER CALIBRATION ENSURES OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE ee a en 5 ee a m i am TT aa pti mE Ga r a ni E T Es S ee ane My ins yp a iaae amp F F p i f xi You may think you re ready to spray but you need to calibrate your sprayer The time investment is well worth it as it can help you avoid a re spray Start by measuring your travel speed While GPS speed sensors have become increasingly popular and are very reliable many machin
32. nd width or swath width in inches or centimeters e For multiple nozzle directed applications W row spacing in inches or cm divided by the number of nozzles per row Use care when calculating for banding or directed applications Make sure to read the chemical label carefully and understand the rate that is specified Rates can be specified as Field Acres Field Hectares or Treated Acres Treated Hectares see FIGURE 19 Sprayer Calibration Ensures Optimal Performance Broadcast Banding Field Acres or Hectares Total Acres Hectares of area to be sprayed Treated Acres or Hectares Field Acres Band Width in or cm Hectares Row Spacing in or cm FIGURE 19 Formulas for Broadcast or Banding A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 51 52 SECTION EIGHT FUTURE TRENDS IN SPRAYING AND NOZZLE TECHNOLOGY New challenges lie ahead in the world of spraying Thankfully new advancements in spray technology are coming online to make those challenges more manageable We d like to use this final chapter to discuss these opportunities Herbicide Resistance and Next Generation Cropping Systems The extensive use of a fixed set of herbicides such as glyphosate and herbicide tolerant cropping systems has led to the emergence of numerous herbicide resistant weeds These weed escapes can have costly consequences for your operation if not managed properly and aggressively According to www weedscience org there
33. ng nozzles can lead to re spraying and reduced performance two problems no user should face Yo U r S u cce S S in any spraying season is dependent on many individual factors Some of these factors like the equipment you choose to use are controlled by you others like the weather are not The purpose of this guide is to assist you in an area where you have total control spray nozzle selection and use Even though spray nozzles are a physically small component in your overall operation they are vitally important Improper application of plant protection products can be extremely costly if re spraying is required performance is reduced or legal issues arise as a result of chemical drift However many users perceive spray nozzles as fairly simple components when in fact it is quite the opposite There are dozens of nozzle types from various manufacturers that offer very different performance This guide will help you e Learn more about the technical aspects of spray nozzles e Select the spray nozzles best suited to your specific application requirements e Maintain your spray nozzles for optimal performance A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 3 TON OD NE COSTLY CONSEQUENCES Pee SPRAYING 100 MUCH OF 700 LITTLE af Ma king sure you have the proper spray nozzles for your applica tion and that they are performing properly are two things that every user should practice to maximize performance and
34. nozzles can lead to re spraying or reduced performance two problems no user should face Giving serious consideration to your spraying objectives and studying your options shouldn t be shortchanged It s a small time investment that will help maximize your success Start by reviewing your spraying requirements and be prepared to have multiple nozzle sets on hand to meet your varying needs 1 What are you spraying Herbicides fungicides or insecticides for soil incorporated pre emergence or post emergence If post emergence contact or systemic Is it a wettable powder emulsifiable concentrate or flowable Will two or more chemicals be used in combination A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles J5 26 Ta ite a pay oer 2 How are you spraying Broadcast Banded Directed Mechanical air assisted The answers to these basic questions will get you started Consult the charts at the end of Section Four for recommended nozzle types Another good source of information on nozzle type is the pesticide label In addition to information on recommended nozzle types many chemical labels include information on gallons per acre GPA or liters per hectare l ha nozzle spacing and droplet size recommendations 3 What is your tolerance to drift If you answer yes to any of the following questions you may want to consider low drift nozzles Will you be applying near any residential areas Do you spray in an area with dif
35. nt Extended Range Wide Angle Pre orifice Air Induction Low Pressure Air Flat Spray Flat Spray Flat Spray Induction Flat Spray Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Fungicides Insecticides Drift Management Contact Systemic Contact Systemic _ oe one oe ee _ ot _ Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent co g ot aa Twin Flat Spray Pre orifice Twin Flat Air Induction Twin Wide Angle Pre orifice Spray Flat Spray Flood Spray A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 37 38 Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Banding Directed Spraying Mechanical Air Assisted Herbicides Post Emergence Pre Emergence 5 Contact Systemic Even Air Induction o a sot pane CE nk cnt Twin Even Flat Spray Even Air Induction Excellent Flat Spray a et Excellent Twin Flat Spray Air Induction Flat os Excellent Spray Hollow Cone Spray Excellent Air Induction a EE na ss E EE Selecting The Right Spray Nozzle Fungicides Insecticides Contact Systemic Contact Systemic Good Excellent Good Excellent Very Good Good Very Good Excellent Excellent Even Air Induction Good Excellent Excellent Flat Spray Good Good Good Good Very Good Very Good Twin Even Flat Spray Good Excellent Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Hollow Cone Spray Good Excellent Good Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Good weir are Air Induction Hollow Cone Spray A U
36. ou use See the example below Problems like this can be avoided by making sure you ve selected the proper spray nozzles for your application and that they are in good working order If you think there is a nozzle that may better meet your needs or you suspect that your nozzles are worn do not hesitate to replace them The cost of replacing nozzles is minor compared to the effects of poor spraying In fact you ll recoup the cost of the nozzles almost immediately by applying the proper amount of chemical in just a few acres Cost calculator for under or over application Under application of chemical causing re spray U S dollars 27 acre x 100 acres 2 700 27 acre x 1000 acres 27 000 27 acre x 2000 acres 54 000 Does not include time labor fuel or machinery expense Over application of chemical by 10 U S dollars 27 acre x 10 x100 acres 270 27 acre x 10 x 1000 acres 2 700 27 acre x 10 x 2000 acres 5 400 A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 5 SECTION TWO SPRAY NOZZLE FUNDAMENTALS Spray Patterns There are many types of nozzles and spray patterns available your best choice will depend on the application Three of the most common types are Flat fan e Cone spray Streaming nozzles Flat Fan The flat fan spray nozzle forms a narrow elliptical inverted V pattern commonly referred to as a tapered spray FIGURE 1 Deposition is heaviest at the center of the pattern and dissipat
37. profitability The spray nozzles you select will determine The amount of chemical applied to an area e The uniformity of the application e The coverage of the chemical on the target surface The amount of potential drift Using the wrong spray nozzle or a spray nozzle that isn t performing properly can result in over or under application Over application can be wasteful and costly under application can result in a reduction in performance or the need for re application The use of a rate controller can certainly help ensure the proper amount is sprayed You can also make minor adjustments to sprayer pressure or speed to apply the correct amount of chemical However the proper application volume doesn t necessarily mean maximum effectiveness EVEN A SPRAY NOZZLE WITH ONLY 10 WEAR MAY NOT GIVE YOU THE COVERAGE AND PERFORMANCE YOU EXPECT For example if you are using the wrong nozzle or if the nozzle is worn by as little as 10 the spray pattern may not be uniform across the boom and you will not get the spray coverage you expect Coverage may be streaky and some areas may receive more or less chemical than intended resulting in the need to re apply the product No matter the root cause over and under application both have high price tags thousands of dollars and in some cases tens of thousands of dollars The full cost of these losses will likewise depend on your operation and the plant protection products y
38. ray tip Monitoring systems like this can greatly reduce the likelihood of localized under or over application which in addition to environmental concerns can lead to yield loss chemical waste and reduced profitability Consider what individual tip flow monitoring technology may mean for your operation and for your peace of mind FIGURE 22 Individual Tip Flow Meter Pulse Width Modulation Control Systems When spraying your goal is to eliminate pests increase crop yields and maximize your profits The agronomic efficacy of your crop protection application and the field efficiency of your sprayer labor are critical for success New generation sprayer control systems are being offered today that incorporate pulse width modulation PWM technology This technology uses individual tip solenoid shutoffs which oscillate between open and closed several times per second By varying the amount of time the nozzle is on versus off known as duty cycle the operator is able to vary flow rate through the nozzle independent of boom pressure In other words droplet size and flow rate through a single tip can be controlled independently of each other PWM technology offers two key benefits depending on how you choose to use it First it allows the operator to adjust the size of your spray tip from the seat of the cab allowing you to maintain your target application rate across a wider range of ground speeds Secondly it allows you to sel
39. s 80 30 NR NR 110 20 30 NR 120 24 30 39 80 75cm NR NR 110 50cm 75cm NR 120 60cm 75cm 100cm FIGURE 9 Optimum spray heights Not recommended GPM V PSI GPM y PSI min y bar min NI bar FIGURE 10 Relationship between flow rate GPM or l min and pressure PSI or bar A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 11 12 Spray Nozzle Fundamentals Droplet Size Basics A nozzle s spray pattern is made up of many droplets of varying sizes Droplet size is the diameter of an individual spray droplet and measured in microns micrometers often notated with the symbol u One micron equals 0 001 mm 0 0000394 there are 25 400 microns in one inch For example the diameter of a human hair is about 100 microns Most nozzles have a wide array of droplet sizes These droplet sizes are commonly summarized by statistical analysis based on testing from sophisticated droplet size measuring equipment such as laser and imaging systems Droplets are then classified as shown to the right Figure 11 These classification categories enable comparisons to be made between nozzles The most reliable droplet size data will conform to the British Crop Protection Council BCPC standard in accordance with the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers ASABE standard 572 1 This standard provides strict conditions for spray droplet measurement and is preferred because it uses reference nozzl
40. s to the right provide information on the theoretical spray coverage of the included spray angle at various spray heights These values are based on the assumption that the spray angle remains the same throughout the entire spray distance In actual practice this does not happen due to the effects of gravity FIGURE 8 Spray Nozzle Fundamentals Always keep in mind that spray coverage will vary based on operating pressure spray height and nozzle spacing Follow the manufacturer s recommendations to achieve uniform coverage Optimum spray heights can be found in the table on the next page FIGURE 9 These heights are based on laboratory testing and provide the overlap required to obtain uniform distribution In many cases typical height adjustments are based on 1 1 nozzle spacing to height ratio For example 110 flat spray nozzles spaced 20 50 cm apart are commonly set 20 50 cm above the target 15 2 1 2 6 3 2 3 9 4 7 6 3 7 9 9 5 20 28 3 5 4 2 Be 6 4 8 5 10 6 12 7 25 3 5 44 5 3 6 6 8 0 10 6 133 15 9 30 43 5 4 6 4 8 1 97 128 16 1 193 35 5 0 63 76 9 5 11 3 15 5 18 9 22 7 40 5 8 7 3 8 7 10 9 13 1 17 5 21 8 26 2 45 6 6 8 3 9 9 124 149 19 9 24 8 29 8 50 7 5 9 3 11 2 14 0 16 8 224 28 0 33 6 f 55 8 3 10 3 12 5 15 6 18 7 25 0 31 2 37 5 RE 60 9 2 11 5 13 8 17 3 20 6 27 7 34 6 41 6 j 65 10 2 12 7 153 19 2 22 9 30 5 38 2 45 8 73 11 8 14 8 178 22 0 27 0 36 0 44 0 53 0 80 13 4 16 8 20 2 25 2 30 3 40 3
41. ser s Guide to Spray Nozzles 39 40 SECTION FIVE CONSULT T H E EXPERTS This booklet is filled with a tremendous amount of actionable information Its goal is to educate you and guide you through the spray nozzle selection process so you make the best decision possible However the process is complex because there are so many variables It is recommended you consult with spray nozzle experts for assistance during the selection process to validate your decision Local resources University and county extensions are always willing to help Tap into their personnel and request recent publications on spraying equipment These agencies have no manufacturer bias Third party research Broaden the scope of your knowledge There are several respected researchers in the field that publish technical data on a regular basis Ask your local university extension for additional information or consider researching on the Internet http www asabe org has a variety of helpful articles available Government sources State agricultural departments as well national and international departments shouldn t be overlooked Below is a list of a few of the many additional institutions who all have information to share The Spray Drift Task Force http www agdrift com The Environmental Protection Agency htto www epa gov The United States Department of Agriculture http www usda gov Chemical and spray nozzle manufacturers These
42. ta will come from independent testing agencies such as Food and Environment Research Agency FERA in the United Kingdom the Julius Kuhn Institute JKI in Germany and the Centre for Pesticide Application and Safety CPAS in Australia Certain agencies also conduct assessment testing on spray application systems Some of these agencies have rating systems and accreditation programs Ask to see these such ratings when evaluating drift potential The most popular rating system is the Local Environment Risk Assessment for Pesticides LERAP Spray Nozzle Fundamentals For more information please contact ASABE http www asabe org FERA http www fera defra gov uk JKI http www jki bund de en Pesticides Safety Directorate PSD http www pesticides gov uk CPAS http www uq edu au agriculture LERAP http www pesticides gov uk guidance industries pesticides topics usingpesticides spray drift leraps Helpful Drift Control Tips e Reduce operating pressure to increase droplet size Flow rate will be reduced so it may be necessary to go to a larger nozzle size to stay within the labeled application rate e Use nozzles that produce larger droplets such as drift reducing nozzles or nozzles of larger capacity e Lower boom height to reduce drift but maintain proper overlap for Spray coverage e Pay close attention to weather conditions throughout the day and adjust your application methods accordingly A User s
43. this critical droplet size information while chemical labels continue to provide more complete application recommendations However the burden is still on the applicator to ensure that their sprayer is delivering the proper droplet size during the actual spray application New generation sprayer controls and GPS guidance systems are now incorporating real time in cab droplet size reporting and recording capabilities As you investigate new technologies for your operation consider selecting products with this valuable feature Color Category Symbol code Extremely Fine Ultra Coarse FIGURE 20 FIGURE 21 Droplet Size Categories Droplet Size Monitor A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 53 54 Future Trends in Spraying and Nozzle Technology Tip Flow Monitoring A spray nozzle is only as good as the product coming out of it provided something is indeed coming out of it at all A familiar trend continues in the world of sprayers machines are getting larger are being operated at higher speeds and run for more hours per day These factors can make it more difficult to detect problems with your spray tips during operation It also means a problematic spray tip can Cause more problems across more acres faster than ever The technology is available today to precisely measure the flow rate through every tip mounted on the spray boom and provide instant feedback to the operator of a malfunction caused by a plugged damaged or missing sp
44. ve 30 to 40 PSI 2 to 3 bar produce finer droplets more prone to drift e Nozzles should be placed so patterns overlap a minimum of 30 on each spray pattern edge Extended Range Flat Fan Nozzle Know Your Nozzle Types Pre Orifice Flat Fan Nozzles Pre orifice flat fan nozzles reduce the operating pressure internally and produce a larger droplet than conventional flat fan nozzles The nozzle s pre orifice restricts the amount of liquid entering the nozzle and creates a pressure drop through the tip Fewer droplets prone to drift are produced creating excellent spray pattern uniformity Pre orifice nozzles are available in flat fan and plug resistant flooding versions Using pre orifice nozzles e Flat fan versions operate at pressures from 15 to 90 PSI 1 to 6 bar require a minimum of 30 overlap on the edge of each spray pattern and should be mounted so the preset spray angle is directed away from the direction of travel e Flat fan versions are widely used for the application of post emergence products e Compared to extended range flat fan nozzles drift can be reduced by as much as 50 e Carry a few spares The pre orifice is more difficult to clean than conventional nozzles and not practical for in field cleaning If in field cleaning is necessary keep a small can of compressed air on board the sprayer Pre Orifice Flat Fan Nozzle A User s Guide to Spray Nozzles 19 Know Your Nozzle Types Flooding
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