Air Velocity Measurement System for In-field Characterization of Air-Assisted Agricultural Spray Equipment

Abstract

Measurement of unsteady and turbulent air flows from air-assisted agricultural spray equipment is discussed. Air velocity measurement equipment capable of exposure to dust, liquids and flying debris, is described. Pitot tubes connected to piezoelectric pressure transducers can successfully record turbulent air flows at frequencies lower than 200 Hz. This information can be used to map air flow patterns from moving sprayers in actual field conditions. Results of measuring a conventional and a tower sprayer are presented.