Abstract
Assessment of the quality of the operation of agricultural nozzles on the basis of transverse volume distribution and spatial methods of analysis for stream spraying spectra is insufficient, and positive result do not guarantee that the intended and effective spraying effects are obtained. Tests were carried out to assess the quality of nozzles on the basis of transverse volume distribution analysis, microstructure characteristics, and detailed analysis of places where an unexpected change in the nature of the transverse volume distribution (increase in volume) was noted. The subjects of the study were RS11003 flat fan nozzles and a measuring stand equipped with a grooved table, which was used to carry out tests. During the tests, the unit flow rate from the nozzles, the transverse volume distribution of liquids from individual table grooves, and the corresponding CV distribution coefficients of variation were recorded. Detailed tests were carried out for the selected nozzle, consisting of spot measurement of droplet characteristics in individual liquid stream bands. The widths of these bands were constant and equal to the width of the measuring table groove. Measurements were made using analyzer 2D-Laser Doppler Anemometry/Phase Doppler Anemometry (2D-LDA/PDA) from Dantec Dynamics. The analysis of the results obtained from the grooved table and the droplet characteristics in individual stream bands showed clear and unexpected changes in the nature of the transverse volume distribution for all tested nozzles. These changes, consisting of a local increases in droplet diameters (with a reduced number of occurrences), can cause a significant reduction in the quality and effectiveness of spraying, despite the positive fulfillment of generalized normative criteria for their assessment.
Highlights
There is no doubt that the droplet size spectra produced by different nozzle types [1] and by liquid atomization [2] affect the efficiency of spray application and the efficacy of chemical plant protection products (PPP)
Conventional flat fan nozzles, characterized by hydraulic atomization, are the most commonly used in spraying of arable field crops [6,7,8] and for herbicide applications in 3D crops [9,10]
12–20 ◦ C and relative humidity above 60%, maximum pressure range 1.5–5 bar [21]. Certification tests for this group of nozzles were carried out for a pressure of 3 bar, as a result of the tests obtaining a unit flow rate of 1.15 dm3 /min, spray angle α of 103◦, and a coefficient of uniformity of the transverse volume distribution of 7.6%
Summary
There is no doubt that the droplet size spectra produced by different nozzle types (e.g., air induction or conventional) [1] and by liquid atomization (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic) [2] affect the efficiency of spray application and the efficacy of chemical plant protection products (PPP). Conventional flat fan nozzles, characterized by hydraulic atomization, are the most commonly used in spraying of arable field crops [6,7,8] and for herbicide applications in 3D crops [9,10]. The selection of nozzle type according to the needs of the treatment specifications should aim to achieve the required total application volume rate, taking into account the spray quality [11], to both maximize the efficacy of treatments and minimize the drift risk. The PPP label recommendations should be taken into account to select the best working
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