Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Jyh-Rong Tsay and H. Erdal Ozkan

Abstract:

Spray drift is a major concern for users of pesticides as well as people who live in areas where pesticides are sprayed. Using spray shields has been among the strategies recommend­ ed for reducing spray drift. Even though many studies pertaining to mechanical shields had shown positive effect on reducing spray drift, little information about the use of pneumatic shields was available. In this study, the design evaluation of pneumatic shielded spraying system based on comparing effects on drift reduction was conducted by using a computational fluid dynamic software, FLUENT. For purpose of relative comparisons, conventional spraying using nozzles, air-assisted spraying and air-shear spraying were also included. Main conclusions drawn from this study were as follows. Not all simulated cases of pneumatic shielded spraying provided better drift control. To ensure a better drift reduction and reduce the power required for pneumatic shielded spraying, the optimal operating parameters for the dominant variables appeared to be jet velocity of 40 m/s, jet flow rate of 1.7 m3/s/m, and jet angle of 15 degrees. The optimal operating parameters obtained from a multifactor analysis of variance conforms with some previous studies about air-assisted spraying and air-shear spraying. Except air-assisted spraying and pseudo air­ shear spraying, pneumatic shielded spraying with jet velocity larger than 40m/s, jet flow rate larger than 1.7m8/s / m and jet angle of 15 degrees might be a promising alternative to reduce spray drift.

Key words:Pneumatic shielded, Spraying system, Design evaluation, CFD, FLUENT.

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