Abstract
A simple and robust monodroplet generator was constructed for drop-on-demand application of aqueous solutions of pesticides to crop plants and weeds. A short current impulse regulated the opening of a solenoid valve, allowing pressurised nitrogen gas to flow into a liquid chamber. Once a jet is released from the nozzle, one single droplet is detached, and the remaining part is retracted back into the cylinder as the excess gas is exhausted. The effects of the impulse width, pressure, diameter of the orifice, and the surface tension of the liquids as influenced by adjuvants were evaluated in terms of droplet diameter and generation potentiality. In general, increasing the impulse width and orifice diameter led to an increase in the droplet diameter. In contrast, increased pressure and reduced surface tension of the liquid led to a decreased diameter, although the effect was observed only at lower impulse widths and larger orifice diameters. With an optimum adjustment, we were able to generate monodroplets with diameters ranging from 533 to 1819 μm, although the range could be varied easily by changing the parameters.
Published Version
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