Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
or jets are located at the bottom of the tank. The agitator is connected to the
pressure side of the pump. Jet agitator nozzles should never be placed in the
bypass line. The pump and tank capacity and operating pressure determine the
minimum jet number and size:
•
55 gallon = 1 or more jets
•
100 to 150 gallon = 3 or more jets
•
200 gallon and larger = 5 or more jets.
b.
Mechanical Agitation
Wettable powder formulations are best mixed and kept in suspension with
mechanical agitation. The mechanical agitator usually consists of flat blades
or propellers mounted on a shaft which is placed lengthwise along the bottom
of the tank. The paddles or propellers are rotated by the engine to keep the
material well mixed. Mechanical agitators are usually found only on large,
high-pressure hydraulic sprayers.
8.
Control Valves
Quick-acting cutoff valves should be located between the pressure regula-
tor and the nozzles to provide positive on-off action. These control valves
should be rated for the pressures you intend to use and should be large enough
not to restrict flow when open. Cutoff valves to stop all flow or partial flow
to any section of the spraying system should be within easy reach of the
sprayer operator.
There are many kinds of control valves. Mechanical valves must be ac-
cessible to the operator's hand; electrically operated valves permit remote con-
trol of flow. For tractors or self-propelled sprayers with enclosed cabs, the
remote-controlled valves permit all hoses carrying pesticides to be kept safely
outside the cab.
9.
Nozzles
Nozzles are made up of four major parts: the nozzle body, the cap, the
strainer (screen), and the tip or orifice plate. They may also include a separate
spinner plate. Successful spraying depends on the correct selection, assembly,
and maintenance of the nozzles.
Figure 8.17
illustrates a typical cone pattern
nozzel with its parts.
