Overview of spray nozzles for plant protection from manned aircrafts: Present research and prospective

Authors: CHEN, HAIBO - South China Agricultural University; Fritz, Bradley - Brad; LAN, YUBIN - South China Agricultural University; SHENG, WEN - South China Agricultural University; JINGFU, ZHENG - South China Agricultural University

Submitted to: International Journal of Precision Agricultural Aviation (IJPAA)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2020
Publication Date: 6/30/2020
Citation: Chen, H., Fritz, B.K., Lan, Y., Sheng, W., Jingfu, Z. 2020. Overview of spray nozzles for plant protection from manned aircrafts: Present research and prospective. International Journal of Precision Agricultural Aviation (IJPAA). 3(2):1-12. https://doi.org/10.33440/j.ijpaa.20200302.76.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33440/j.ijpaa.20200302.76

Interpretive Summary: As the spray nozzles involved in the application process are a vital component to the precise and safe delivery of applied products, this work reviews and summarizes the state-of-the-art in aviation nozzle technology. Two main types, along with their working principle, the factors that have the most impact to the atomization process, and new drift reducing technologies are discussed. Understanding the current state of the art and the critical limitations with respect to nozzle technologies will help guide research and development moving forward in improving nozzles for enhanced spray delivery.

Technical Abstract: Aerial application is a critical component of modern agriculture, and it is crucial for aerial application of pesticides to be environmentally protective and efficacious. The spray nozzles involved in the application process are a vital component in the precise and safe delivery of applied products. This paper reviews and summarizes the state-of-the-art in aviation nozzle technology and the physical processes of nozzle atomization on manned platforms. Highlighted are two main aerial nozzle types along with their working principle, the factors that influence atomization performance and new technologies for reducing drift and enhancing application efficiency. Moving forward, research focused on the development and evaluation of drift-reducing and variable-rate technologies, enhanced atomization models, the impacts of aerial tank mix adjuvants, and non-conventional application technologies (such as electrostatic or pulse-width modulation systems) are likely to have the most significant impact on the aerial application industry. This review provides a summary of the history and advancements in nozzle technologies and encourages further development.