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.
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.
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