Developed jet-centrifugal spray devices: experimental testing to establish the possibility of their application in plants spraying technologies

Abstract

Purpose: Experimentally substantiate the possibility of using the developed jet-centrifugal spraying device in plants spraying technologies. Design/methodology/approach: Many years of experience in creating spraying devices for solving practical problems in various industries made it possible to propose a design diagram of a single-phase jet-centrifugal spraying device. The tests were aimed at achieving device characteristics that are acceptable for use in plants spraying technologies such as jet coverage distance, droplet size and droplet deposition area (spray diameter). For this a several tests series with different design parameters was done. Before testing, the tightness of the device body was checked (the holding time under a pressure of 1 MPa is not less than 2 minutes). Findings: Based on the obtained jet coverage distance, droplet size and droplet deposition area, the developed spray device of some modifications can be used in plants spraying technologies. However, it is necessary to determine the quality of the spray device according to the BCPC classification; the device should be tested with some insecticides, fungicides and in plants spraying technologies to develop recommendations for their use. Research limitations/implications: The influence of design features of developed jet-centrifugal spray device on the jet coverage distance, droplet size and droplet deposition area was studied. Practical implications: The results obtained are useful in the field of improving national plants spraying technologies in order to improve the quality of the plant protection agent application and reduce the loss of the drug into the environment. Originality/value: To ensure maximum efficiency the proposed design of the jet-centrifugal spray device can be upgraded directly by the farmer by installing interchangeable nozzles that are attached with a union nut. Replaceable nozzles have different diameters and modifications and can be selected depending on the required jet coverage distance and spraying dispersion according to the current environmental conditions.