Determining the affect of flat-fan nozzle angle on aerial spray patterns and droplet spectrums

by

Robert E. Wolf, D. R. Gardisser, S. Bretthauer

Contact: Robert E. Wolf  email:  rewolf@ksu.edu

Summary:

The development of new technology for aerial applications continually changes the parameters used to apply crop protection products.  Concerns about pattern uniformity, swath width, and droplet size as it influences efficacy and drift are commonly expressed.  With the continued development of various equipment technologies, applicators seek to better facilitate making sound decisions regarding the use of these technologies with their applications.  Field studies were conducted to determine the influence of nozzle angle on the spray pattern and droplet spectrum for fixed wing aerial applications using CP11TT® Aerial Flat Fan nozzles.  The study involved using both a high and low speed aircraft equipped with flat fan nozzles at selected flow rates and a series of different angles.  The WRK String Pattern Analysis system and DropletScan™ were used to measure and analyze differences in patterns and droplet spectrum.  Comparisons to existing models were conducted.  This data should provide support to existing models and enable aerial operators to better understand the benefits of this technology for crop protection product applications.

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