Simulation of Chemical Application Accuracy for Injection Sprayers

Abstract

Theoretical chemical application rates were derived for injection sprayers with a constant flow rate of spray mixture and a spray mixture concentration proportional to ground speed. Computer simulations were developed to predict chemical application accuracies for injection sprayers accelerating at 1.6 km/h/s from rest to constant speed. Comparisons were made among injection sprayers with conventional and modified plumbing systems downstream from the injection point and conventional tank-mix sprayers without sprayer controllers. Performances were compared for sprayers in three categories: broadcast sprayers used by private applicators, broadcast sprayers used by commercial applicators, and band sprayers used by private applicators. Ratios of the area receiving unacceptable chemical application rates to the total area sprayed in a pass 402 m (0.250 mi) in length were calculated. In each sprayer category, the ratio was smaller for the tank-mix sprayer than for any of the injection sprayers.