TREE CROPS - MACADAMIAS, CITRUS, PECANS - From litres per hectare to litres per minute.

As explained in the previous post, spreadsheets can't be inserted or attached. Here's the link showing calibration and determining the volume per planted hectare using a set of existing nozzles. 

http://chemiconsa.blogspot.com/2014/10/nut-and-fruit-trees-mist-blower.html  

The image below is the print out of the spreadsheet covering the mistblower calibration starting off with a pre-determined volume per planted hectare.  You still have to enter the data to determine speed and inter-row spacing.  Just send an email to chemiconteejet@gmail.com and I'll send you the files. 

In my opinion, this is the correct way to undertake spray-applications.  The problem is that farmers are sold spray-rigs with an ex-works set of nozzles which are suitable for spraying Olives, Vines, Apples and Pears etc.  They eventually discover that this is not a plug and play unit especially when it can't cope with big trees. 

Once you have the spreadsheet you fill in the essential data as marked with **. Nozzle tip flow rates are taken from the suppliers information.

chemicon@multispray.com



Mobile Intl:    +27832890327

Mobile Natl:   0832890327

NUT AND FRUIT TREES - MIST BLOWER CALIBRATION SPREAD SHEET

Greetings!

The weblog does not allow a spread sheet file to be inserted or attached.  If you need the spread sheet please email  chemiconteejet@gmail.com  and I'll send the file.

Here's the print out of the file.  The data entered is merely for illustrative purposes.  

Remember this calibration uses an existing nozzle-tip configuration. I will be presenting the calibration exercise IN FUTURE  starting off with a given spray-volume per planted hectare or litres per tree and then calculating the total nozzle-tip volume in litres per minute.  A nozzle-tip configuration then has to be worked out to match the total output. Simple.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT NOZZLE-TIPS YOU HAVE IN YOUR SPRAYER?  HAVE YOU GOT THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TIPS AT VARIOUS PRESSURES?  DO YOU KNOW HOW TO CALCULATE THE FLOW RATE AT PRESSURES NOT SPECIFIED?  I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS ASPECT IN PREVIOUS POSTINGS.  GOOD SEARCHING. 

chemicon@multispray.com

Intl Mobile  +27832890327

Natl Mobile 083 289 0327

MIST BLOWERS, AIR BLAST SPRAYERS - IMPORTANT POINTS

MIST BLOWERS, AIR BLAST SPRAYERS  - a "pre-flight" check.

Before you even calibrate a sprayer or attempt a spraying application make sure you check the following.

PRESSURE   Do not use the pressure setting at the pump.  Make sure that  you have a good quality guage fitted at a nozzle position furthest from the pump.  In most cases there is a 25%........ yes 25% variation between the two guages.  20 bar at the pump and 15 bar at the boom/nozzle guage.

On the right,  showing various adaptors to secure the guage to a nozzle body.

CHECK THE FLOW RATE OF EACH NOZZLE-TIP.  Use a hose and capture the liquid in a calibrated measuring cylinder or jug.   Any tip with a flow rate variation of more than 5% from the specified flow rate and pressure, will need replacing.  If more than 2 are worn replace the set.

FILTERS OR IN-LINE STRAINERS.  Check for damaged or blocked filter elements. Refer to my earlier posting regarding mesh sizes. Blocked filter elements will starve the pump and reduce the flow.  Broken elements will result in blockages at the nozzle.  Use slotted strainers with all  disc and core combinations irrespective of materials used.

Here's a image showing a common problem. The element was placed into the filter bowl and then screwed onto the filter head. As you can see the element frame has been crushed.

A SIMPLE RIBBON TEST

Make a few ribbons and attach them to the nozzle assemblies to get an idea of where the wind in taking the spray cloud.

Where possible adjust the air deflector vanes.

Be very careful.  Even though the nozzles are facing up the air stream can still force the spray-cloud in the wrong direction.

DON'T, FOR A MINUTE, THINK BECAUSE YOU SEE SOME MIST THAT ITS GETTING TO THE TARGET. YOU COULD BE WASTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MATERIAL OR NOT PUTTING DOWN ENOUGH.

NEXT POSTING: A SPREAD SHEET TO SORT OUT ALL THE LITTLE SUMS FOR CALIBRATION. YOU JUST PLUG IN THE NUMBERS!!!

chemicon@multispray.com




Intl Mobile:      +27 832890327

Local Mobile:  083 289 0327

TOWER SPRAYERS COMING UP.  THAT MIST IS GOING TO DRIVE SOME CRAZY.