DEPOSITION STUDIES OF AN ELECTROSTATIC SPINNING DISC SPRAYER

Abstract

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine spray distribution patterns and deposition characteristics of an induction-type electrostatic spinning disc sprayer at various operating conditions. Spray distribution patterns were obtained using a spray pattemator table. Fluorometric analysis quantified tracer deposits on different elevations within aluminum targets modeled as soybean plants. Variables investigated were electrode voltage, disc rotational speed, liquid flow rate, application height, and disc tilt angle. The results showed that electrostatic charging resulted in 1.6- to 2.0-fold increase in deposition efficiency. Deposition efficiency improved as disc speed increased and deteriorated as flow rate increased. Between 2.2- to 6.5-fold relative increases in deposition was found at the intermediate and lower target levels, and between 1.1- to 1.7-fold on the top levels of the target. Leaf underside deposition occurred only at the upper levels of the target and accounted only between 4 to 10% of the total deposition. The spray distribution pattern uniformity improved while tilting the disc axis at 30° backward and utilizing two liquid feed tubes positioned 180° apart.