Technical Note: Spray Pattern Investigation of an Axial-Fan Airblast Precision Sprayer Using a Modified Vertical Patternator

Abstract

Evaluation of the spray patterns is essential for making adjustments to an agricultural sprayer that would result in less chemical usage, less spray run-off onto the ground, and increased spray targeting accuracy. Therefore, in this study, a vertical patternator was fabricated to evaluate an axial-fan airblast sprayer. The airblast sprayer was retrofitted with variable rate nozzles and adjustable air-assist flow control, for citrus tree-specific precision spraying. Tests involved evaluating spray patterns at different nozzle flow rates and air-assist settings. Also, the air-assist measurements between the pair of nozzles were measured while the sprayer was stationary (no spray).