Replacing Your Spray Nozzle

Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Robert E. Wolf Extension Specialist Application

Technology

Productivity

Efficacy

Off-site protection

The applicationtriangle

Powered Boom Sprayers:

Sprayer Components:• Tanks (contamination issues) • Pump, Strainers, Agitation• Pressure gauge• Hoses, Flow control assemblies• Electronics: monitors-

computers- controllers (GPS/GIS)

• Distribution system• Nozzles!!!!!!!!!

Nozzle Technology:• Nozzles designed to reduce drift• Improved drop size control• Emphasis on ‘Spray Quality’

Nozzles Replacement:

•Replacing worn spray nozzles protects against the danger of a chemical misapplication.

•A combination of calibration and visual observation can be used to determine whether nozzles need to be replaced. –Increased flow rate–Poor patterns

Nozzle Replacement:

• Influenced by:– Nozzle material– Sprayed solution– Pressure used– Cost of application error vs

nozzle replacement cost

MATERIALS AND WEAR

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Brass

Zytel

Stainless

Kematal

Hard Stainless

Thermoplastic

11.4

7.5

6.1

2.1

1.2

0.4

Percent increase in nozzle flow rateFlat-fan spray nozzles after 40 hour test

Nozzles are important because:

• Control the amount – GPA.• Determine uniformity of

application.

• Affects the coverage.• Influences the drift potential.

Where do you start?

• Calibration• Pattern quality

Calibration!!!!

Ensuring that the spray output is what it is supposed to be!

Calibration includes:

• Calculating the amount of product needed.• Mixing properly and safely.• Adjusting the equipment to deliver the

desired rate uniformly.• Determining effective swath/overlap.• Checking accuracy during operation.• Detecting and correcting errors.• On a regular basis.

Electronics/Rate Controllers:

• What is the purpose?• How does your system

work when speed changes?

• Is it pressure based? • What is the effect of

going slower?• What is the effect of

going faster?

Rate Controller systems include….• Speed sensor• Servo-valve/flow

meter• Calculation• Adjustment on-the-go

Electronic Control Systems:Electronic Control Systems:

Control the Amount applied:

Nozzle Flow Rate is affected by:

• Orifice size• Pressure• Solution

characteristics

Rated Pressure =40 psi for most nozzle types10 psi for turbo flood nozzles

Nomenclature:

Stainless Steel Insert Orifice

Trade Name

Fan angle and flow rate-orifice size

Extended Range

VisiFlo Color Coding

(S,H,P,K,SS)

Typical nozzle numbering system:Extended-rangeflat-fan

XR 11004 XR Extended-range

110 110 degree fan angle

04 0.4 GPM @ 40 psi

Even flat-fan –(Band applications)

8002E E Even spray pattern

80 80 degree fan angle

02 0.2 GPM @ 40 psi

Turbo flood – Turf Turf flood(small capacity)

TF-4TTJ- 04

TF-TTJ Turbo Turf Flood

4 .4 GPM @ 10 psi.4 GPM @ 40 psi

Turbo flood –(Floater capacity)

QCTF - 40 QCTF Quick attach turbo flood

40 4.0 GPM @ 10 psi

Calculations

GPA=

5940

#$!@&%!#$!@&%!

Calibration/Nozzle Selection:

• What is the first step?• Use label to select the

– application volume– product rate

• Choose an appropriate travel speed• Effective width of application

– nozzle spacing• Calculate GPM – Flow rate per nozzle• Select the correct size of nozzle!

Calculations

GPA=

5940

Ok, now I remember!Ok, now I

remember!

Flow Rate Equation:

GPMGPA x MPH x W

5940

Equation # 2

• Calculates for amount of flow from one nozzle

• Represents the size of nozzle to put on the sprayer

• Calculates for amount of flow from one nozzle

• Represents the size of nozzle to put on the sprayer

GPM Example Solution:

GPMGPA x MPH x W

5940

5940

20x3.5x60GPM

Answer.71

• Calculate GPM (formula)• Look under GPM column• Match to pressure-psi• Choose the size needed• Operate at given

pressure and speed used in formula to achieve GPA

Selecting the proper nozzle….

.71

Checking for accuracy!!!

MEASURE SPEED

Speed(MPH)Distance(ft) x 60

Time(seconds) x 88

(1 MPH = 88 Feet traveled in 60 seconds)

Measure the ground speed in an area similar to the conditions of the area to be sprayed!

Set up for Uniformity:

Goal is to put the material on evenly from nozzle to nozzle, end of boom to end of boom, and across the entire area.

20-inch spacing requires 17-19” above target for 50-60% overlap. Nozzle mount angle?

Replacement decision:Pattern quality

Pattern Quality

The benefits:

• Replacing worn nozzles protects against possible chemical misapplication

• Combining calibration and visual observation for best decisions

• Must be done on a regualar basis• Can be done ahead of time to prevent

wasting valuable time• Change when flows and patterns are

not up to standards.

Nozzles, tools and information:

• Spraying Systems – TeeJet (nozzles and calibration tools)

• http://www.teejet.com/ms/teejet/

• Greenleaf Technologies (nozzles and calibration tools)

• http://www.turbodrop.com/

• Hypro Pumps (nozzles, fittings, ect.)• http://www.hypropumps.com/

• Redball LLC (pattern check device)• http://www.redballproducts.com/

US Open - 2003