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Title: Atomization from agricultural spray nozzles: Effects of air shear and tank mix adjuvants

Author
item Fritz, Bradley - Brad
item Hoffmann, Wesley
item BAGLEY, WILLIAM - Wilbur-Ellis Company
item KRUGER, GREG - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: International Symposium on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/8/2013
Publication Date: 4/22/2013
Citation: Fritz, B.K., Hoffmann, W.C., Bagley, W.E., Kruger, G. 2013. Atomization from agricultural spray nozzles: Effects of air shear and tank mix adjuvants. Proceedings of the 10th Annual International Symposium on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. April 22-26, 2013. Foz de Iguacu, Brazil.

Interpretive Summary: The success of any agrochemical application depends on the applicator’s ability to properly select, setup, and operate their equipment based on pest and crop type to insure that appropriate spray systems and adjustments are used to minimize off-target losses. Spray adjuvants can have a substantial impact on spray atomization from agricultural nozzles; however, this process is also affected by the nozzle type, operating pressure and, for aerial applications, the airspeed of application. Proper selection and use of any adjuvant must consider the type of nozzle, as changes in nozzle type may change the effect of adjuvant has an resulting droplet size. For aerial conditions, airspeed is the dominant factor, particularly at higher airspeeds where the ability to control drop size, particularly the fine portion of the spray generated, becomes increasingly difficult with spray solution effects diminishing, though proper selection and use of an adjuvant can be beneficial.

Technical Abstract: Spray adjuvants can have a substantial impact on spray atomization from agricultural nozzles; however, this process is also affected by the nozzle type, operating pressure and, for aerial application, the airspeed of application. Different types of ground spray nozzle can dramatically affect the impact a spray adjuvant has on the atomization process requiring careful consideration of the nozzle used when selecting an adjuvant. For aerial application, while nozzle and spray formulation influence drop size, at higher airspeeds the solution effect decreases.