Open AccessDevelopment and Prototype Testing of an Agricultural Nozzle Clog Detection Device
Author(s) -
Chin Nee Vong,
Peter Ako Larbi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
transactions of the asabe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.396
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 2151-0040
pISSN - 2151-0032
DOI - 10.13031/trans.13519
Subject(s) - nozzle , sprayer , clogging , spray nozzle , spray characteristics , environmental science , precision agriculture , engineering , marine engineering , automotive engineering , process engineering , mechanical engineering , environmental engineering , agriculture , ecology , archaeology , biology , history
HighlightsPrototypes of an agricultural nozzle clog detection system (for 18 nozzles) have been successfully developed. Spray quality characteristics (droplet size, pattern, and coverage) were not significantly affected when testing the device with extended-range nozzles (TeeJet XR8004). Most of the spray quality characteristics were significantly affected when testing the device with ultra low-drift nozzles (John Deere PSULDQ2004).Abstract . Agricultural nozzles are the main components that perform the spraying of agrochemicals, and their proper functionality is a key element for uniform spray application on crops. Because nozzles have small orifices, they can become clogged when there is debris from the agrochemical in the tank. Nozzle clogging during spray application results in poor pest and weed management and increased cost for re-spraying the affected crop row. Measures used to prevent nozzles from clogging include using screens or strainers to filter out debris before it reaches the nozzle tip, as well as performing regular checks on the nozzles. However, nozzle clogging still occurs during spraying despite the precautions taken. Thus, a device that can detect nozzle clogging during spraying is necessary to enable a quicker response that will ensure uniform application across each row of the crop. A novel, patented device for detecting clogged nozzles that is externally attachable to each nozzle on a sprayer boom was developed in the Precision Application Technology Lab at Arkansas State University. The main objective of this article is to present a general description of this prototype nozzle clog detection device and the nozzle clog detection system. Spray droplet size and pattern tests under controlled conditions and spray coverage tests under field conditions were conducted with and without the device to determine if there were significant differences in droplet size, spray pattern, or spray coverage between using and not using the device. The tests demonstrated that this new technology has potential for detecting clogged nozzles without significantly influencing spray quality for extended-range nozzles but not for ultra low-drift nozzles. To increase the reliability of the performance of this new technology, further improvements in the design need to be considered. Keywords: Clogged nozzle, Detection, Droplet size, Prototype device, Spray coverage, Spray pattern.