Measuring spray droplet size from agricultural nozzles using laser diffraction
The spreading of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in modern agricultural industries takes place in liquid form as a spray. This means the active substances are being absorbed by the green parts of plants and are made available quickly and efficiently. A fine spray mist ensures an even distribution to the plant. The spread of the spray is influenced by the environment, especially by wind - known as spray drift.
Spray drift can cause damage to nearby crops, natural flora and fauna and can be a health risk for people in the immediate environment. Size distribution of spray droplets plays a crucial part here. The larger the amount of droplets below 105 microns, the higher the potential risk for people and environment. Nozzle design also contributes to the desired output of spray substances.
- Detection of broad distributions in agricultural sprays
- Fine and coarse droplets exist together in one spray
- Typically wide spray plumes
- Droplet sizes differ depending on spot of measurement in the plume
- Reliable detection of fine fraction < 105 µm and coarse fraction > 2 mm
- High spray concentration possible
- Rugged and versatile test components to operate in a variety of spray environments
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Application strengths
- Adaptable to different test stand designs
- Sensor can be mounted into wind tunnels and spray chambers or a variety of customized environments
- Wide measuring range allows repeatable recording of critical values
- Measurements possible even in highly concentrated sprays
- Fast, automatic measurement without cleaning
- Variable measuring range (123 mm – 1,400 mm) can be adjusted to application using a detector separable from light source by long optical bench (2,020 mm)
- Dynamic nozzle position traverses laser beam | Allows integral and position dependent measurements
