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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #109493
Title: EVALUATION OF SPRAY DRIFT FROM CAPSTAN SYNCRO BLENDED PULSE SPRAY CONTROL SYSTEM

Author
item Smith, Lowrey
item Mulrooney, Joseph - Joe
item Elmore, Carroll
item STEELE, M. - DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2000
Publication Date: 1/26/2000
Citation: SMITH, L.A., MULROONEY, J.E., ELMORE, C.D., STEELE, M. EVALUATION OF SPRAY DRIFT FROM CAPSTAN SYNCRO BLENDED PULSE SPRAY CONTROL SYSTEM. PROCEEDINGS OF SOUTHERN WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY. 2000.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The SYNCRO Blended Pulse Spray Control (SBPSC) allows the use of a single nozzle for a wide range of application rates while maintaining a constant pressure on the spray boom. The SBPSC breaks the link between pressure and flowrate. An applicator can tailor the application by selecting the nozzle and pressure for the desired droplet size. The application rate can then be set to achieve the desired delivery of active chemical. Pressure and application-rate adjustments can be conveniently made on-the-go from the cab of the sprayer. Nozzle selection should be based on droplet size needed and the highest speed and application rate anticipated. Flowrate is controlled by cycling the nozzles on and off at a rate of 10 Hz. The controller adjusts the on-time relative to the off-time within the 0.1 s cycle to achieve the required application rate. Versatility of the SBPSC was demonstrated by using a single nozzle- pressure combination to make 5, 10, 15, and 18 gal/acre applications at 10 mile/hr. This same setting was also used to apply 10 gal/acre at 6, 10, 14, 16, and 18 mile/hr. Conventional sprayers with TT11003 and TT11004 nozzles had significantly higher drift than the SBPSC system using TT11008 nozzles except at the lowest application rate and lowest speed. Drift from conventional systems with the Hardi Injet nozzles was slightly less than, but statistically similar to, drift from the SBPSC for speeds and application rates tested. Drift from a hooded boom sprayer with XR11002 nozzles was statistically similar to that from the SBPSC at a 6 mile/hr speed.