Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
parts of the sprayer from undue wear and avoids time loss and uneven applica-
tion caused by clogged nozzle tips.
Filtering should be progressive, with the largest mesh screens in the filler
opening and in the suction line between the tank and the pump. They should
be keyed to the size of the nozzle opening. Total screen area should be large
enough to prevent pump starvation. This requires at least 2 square inches of
screen area for each gpm of flow in the suction line. Put a smaller mesh
strainer in the pressure line between the pump and the pressure regulator, with
at least one square inch of screen area for each gpm of flow. Put the finest
mesh strainer nearest the nozzles. Do not use a strainer in the suction line of
a centrifugal pump, but be sure the tank has a strainer to take out large trash
particles.
Strainers should be placed:
•
on the filler opening (12 to 25 mesh)
•
on the suction or supply line to the pump (15 to 40 mesh)
•
between the pressure relief valve and the boom (25 to 100 mesh)
•
on the nozzle body (50 to 100 mesh).
Clean strainers after each use, or during use if they become clogged. A
shut-off valve between the tank and suction strainer is necessary to allow
cleaning the strainer without draining the contents of the tank. Replace dam-
aged or deteriorated strainers.
Strainers are the best defense against nozzle plugging and pump wear.
Nozzle screens should be as large as nozzle size permits; however, the screen
opening should be less than the nozzle opening. Nozzle catalogs specify the
proper screen size for each nozzle.
Figure 8.16
illustrates strainers, filters or
screens.
Figure 8.16
Strainers, filters, or screens. Pump intake strainer and nozzel
tip strainer.
