Abstract
A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the air flow generated by an air-assisted sprayer equipped with two axial fans was developed and validated by practical experiments in the laboratory. The CFD model was developed by considering the total air flow supplied by the sprayer fan to be the main parameter, rather than the outlet air velocity. The model was developed for three air flows corresponding to three fan blade settings and assuming that the sprayer is stationary. Actual measurements of the air velocity near the sprayer were taken using 3D sonic anemometers. The workspace sprayer was divided into three sections, and the air velocity was measured in each section on both sides of the machine at a horizontal distance of 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 m from the machine, and at heights of 1, 2, 3, and 4 m above the ground The coefficient of determination (R2) between the simulated and measured values was 0.859, which demonstrates a good correlation between the simulated and measured data. Considering the overall data, the air velocity values produced by the CFD model were not significantly different from the measured values.
Highlights
The air-assisted sprayers used in fruit production must be carefully and effectively regulated to ensure that crops are treated successfully
The air velocity values generated by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model were in good agreement with those obtained by [11] who showed, through a test with a stationary traditional sprayer, that the air velocities decreased with the distance and height from the sprayer, but increased with the air flow
CFD model will be an useful tool for sprayer manufacturers to improve the design phase of the machine by predicting, for different fan configurations, the characteristics of the air velocities generated by the sprayer in the vicinity of the machine which will let to analyse the influence of different designs of the machine, with different dispositions of the front and back fans
Summary
The air-assisted sprayers used in fruit production must be carefully and effectively regulated to ensure that crops are treated successfully. Most CFD models that have been developed to simulate the air flow generated by an air-assisted sprayer have assumed the use of the air velocity measured at the fan outlet as a boundary condition [6,11,20]. This type of model would be a flexible tool for simulating different air outlet geometries for a specific air flow, avoiding the need to measure the air speed at the fan outlet for each design In this case, the total air flow produced by the sprayer must be measured for each fan configuration, requiring experimental work that, in any case, the sprayer manufacturer must perform to obtain technical information on the air flow generated by the fan. The model was developed for different fan speeds and assuming the sprayer to be stationary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
