1 minute read
O Voo na Prática | Tracy Thurman
Scientifically Proven: Newest Travicar/SPE Electrostatic Doesn’t Change Droplet Size
In early December 2021, Ag-Flite Specialties participated in wind tunnel testing to demonstrate that the extensive work that Bradley Fritz, Lead Research Engineer, in producing the USDA-ARS aerial spray nozzle models are consistent with Travicar/SPE’s latest electrostatic hardware.
College Station Research Leader Bradley Fritz:
“The USDA-ARS Aerial Spray Nozzle Models were developed to provide aerial applicators with a tool for determining the droplet size resulting from an application scenario based on the nozzle used and the operational conditions of the application. They provide a quick and easy interface depicting droplet size and classification information.
Applicators are responsible for appropriate setup and operation of their spray system to ensure applications meets product label requirements and provide the most efficient delivery of the product to the target while mitigating off-target movement. Complying with the label requirements, related to spray system set up, typically means falling within a specified spray rate and targeted droplet size or spray classification.”
The recent testing used two spray tips that produced medium sized spray droplets: a 8006 Teejet flat fan, and a CP 4006 flat fan; angled at 15 degrees. Both were analyzed in the latest standardized, calibrated USDA-ARS wind tunnel. The wind tunnel is computer controlled for producing simulated air speeds and utilizes the latest laser diffraction equipment for determining droplet size spectrums.
Travicar/SPE state that their electrostatic kits charge the whole spray cloud produced behind the aircraft reducing hang time because of the attraction to the plants and earth. The smaller the droplet, the greater the static charge, the greater the attraction to the plant that results in less contaminants to the atmosphere and environment all without physically changing droplet size.
The spray tips were tested with the electrostatic turned on at 6,000 volts, and 12,000 volts. The results substantiate all previous data: the USDAARS spray droplet models matched previous