Agricultural Sprayer parts & Functions: A complete guide
Introduction Agricultural Sprayer is the equipment used for spraying liquid solution to plants or fields. These can be fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. These come in different format and specifications as Power Sprayer or battery operated sprayer or hand operated sprayers. Parts of Agricultural Sprayer
1) Pump- Pumps are of different types: Roller pump, centrifugal pump and Hypro Sprayer pump 2) Nozzle- It is one of the important but less expensive parts of the system. The nozzle performs four basic functions: • Atomized liquid into droplets • Disperses the droplets in a specific pattern. • Meters liquid at a certain flow rate. • Provides hydraulic momentum. 3) Spray nozzle • Used for spraying in two different directions simultaneously • Nozzles can be fitted with different types of tips like hollow cone, solid cone or flat fan. • Suitable for high volume applications • The shape and size of Nozzle Tip orifice controls the spray angel, discharge rate and spray pattern. Spray angle influences the swath of a spray. 4) Tank Tank should be corrosion resistant, easy to fill and clean, its opening should be mounted well as per agitation process. Capacity markings must be there on its side panel to watch the amount of solution or mix. Drainage option must be there for thorough cleaning. Tanks are of different materials as Fibreglass, steel body, galvanized, aluminium tanks and polyethylene tanks. There is one strainer present in the tank lid. A complete Guide to maintain Agricultural Sprayer
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Sprayer should be well maintained during the spraying season. You should check and prepare Sprayer before the season starts for pesticide application
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Sprayer must be cleaned from outside and inner side to get best results. Sprayer should be lubricated thoroughly and regularly, especially all moving parts, before starting the work. Sprayers are physical equipments, so they get deteriorate and get worst with time, so regular maintenance is required, Worn out, broken and damaged parts should be replaced with time. If nozzle is not functioning properly or causing chemical wastage/ overflow, it must be replaced or get fixed. Follow the user manual for efficient operation of tool. Sprayer should be cleaned thoroughly, since residual chemical if left over for several months will corrode parts of sprayer. Filters and Nozzles should also be cleaned thoroughly. Corroded parts should be painted. The pump should be greased and operating / moving parts should be well oiled.
Sprayers are of different formats: Manually Operated Sprayers • •
The pump in the foot sprayer consists of a pump barrel and a pressure chamber. The plunger with a suction cup or piston drives into the pump barrel, thus sucking the liquid into the pressure chamber and expelling it through the discharge line. Knapsack Sprayers
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Also known as the Battery Sprayer, this model permits the use of more than one tank depending upon the number of operators employed. A separate charge pump with an inlet and an outlet device is used to fill the tank with air and liquid. The tank is first pumped with air upto a pressure of 40 – 50 psi and then charged with liquid, boosting the pressure to 100 – 110 psi. As soon as the liquid is completely discharged from the tank, a check valve designed like a float seals the outlet vent, preventing the air from escaping. • The tank is non-pressurised and made of brass, or galvanized steel. The pump may be fitted into or outside the tank, and sucks the liquid from the tank and expels it through the discharge line. • A spray boom or rig may be attached when wider areas have to be covered. The knapsack sprayer develops 30 – 40 psi pressure.
How to select a good Agricultural sprayer
It is a long term investment so you should research well and check its functions to select the good Agricultural Sprayer: • • • •
Is it suitable for job you are picking for Ease of operation and maintenance guide Check ease of availability of spare parts Cost and warranty
Application Technique used with Agricultural Sprayer: Check its Spray Volume which depends upon the volume of spray required per area the application is categorized. Spray should be applied from a proper height to get uniform Spray Pattern High Volume spraying technique is suitable for insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. It can be done with Knapsack power sprayers or tractor mounted sprayers. Low volume spraying is suitable for insecticides and fungicides which can be done by motorized knapsack sprayer. Application Method: • • • •
Apply pesticide on affected area or leaves covering it thoroughly. You should know in detail about where, when and how much amount of solution to be applied Apply with correct droplet size, density and distribution method. Pesticides are mostly applied on the target in the form of spray droplets. Droplets produced by hydraulic nozzle are not uniform in size.
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Sprays contain both fine and coarse droplets. They are defined in term of their diameter and density on the target.
Guide for use sprayers before spraying: 1) 2) 3) 4)
Identify the pest and analyze the damage done. Use pesticides only if pests are injuring at economical level Use least toxic pesticide for best yield Go through the instructions manual of pesticide and equipment thoroughly
5) Ascertain that all components are clean, especially filling and suction strainer, sprayer tank, cut off device and nozzle. 6) Replace worn out parts such as ‘O’ ring, seal, gasket, worn out nozzle tip, hose clamps and valves. 7) Test the sprayer and ascertain whether it pumps the required output at rated pressure. Check the nozzle spray pattern and discharge rate. 8) Calibrate the sprayer. Set spraying tank and nozzle swath by adjusting spray height and nozzle spacing. 9) Make sure that appropriate protective clothing is available and is used. Train all concerned with the application and also understand the recommendations. Ensure that soap, towel and plenty of water is available. 10) Pesticides should be kept in a dry, locked store. Tips for Using Sprayers during process: • • • • • • • • • •
Take adequate amount of pesticide for the day’s application from the store to the site. DO NOT transfer pesticides from original container and packing into the containers. Make sure pesticides are mixed in the correct quantities. Wear appropriate clothing while applying the pesticide and avoid contamination of the skin especially eyes and mouth. Liquid formulation should be poured carefully to avoid splashing. Do not spray in high wind, high temperature and rain. Avoid drift by selecting proper direction of spraying and also holding nozzle and boom at a proper height. Never eat, drink or smoke when mixing or applying pesticides. NEVER blow out clogged nozzles or hoses with your mouth. Follow correct spray technique. Spray plant crop thoroughly by operating sprayer at correct speed and correct pressure. Never allow children or other unauthorized persons to be nearby during mixing. NEVER leave pesticides unattended in the field. Never spray if the wind is blowing towards grazing livestock or pastures regularly used.
Tips for Using Sprayers after the process: • • • • • • • • •
Empty the tank and clean thoroughly after each pesticide application with proper care Never empty the tank into irrigation canals or ponds made near residential area After use, clean the agricultural sprayer, oil it and keep away in dry area or store room Never use empty pesticide containers for other purposes, it’s better to burn or bury them. Clean all the associated equipments as buckets, sticks, measuring jars which have been used in preparing the solution Remove and wash protective clothing and footwear. Wash yourself well and put on clean clothing. Keep an accurate record of pesticide usage. Prevent persons from entering treated areas until it is safe to do so. Mark the sprayed plots with a flag.
Conclusion Hope this guide will work best for you. For any queries, you can enquire with us at enquiry@chandakagro.com or call us at 9414481649