Investigation of drift reduction potential with air-induction nozzles and conventional nozzles

H. Zhu, R.C. Derksen, C.R. Krause, USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit
H. Guler, H. E. Ozkan, The Ohio State University
L.E. Bode, University of Illinois

Hypothesis:

The spray performances (deposition, coverage and drift reduction potential) of air induction nozzles can be achieved with conventional nozzles by lowering the operating pressure

Droplet size analysis using a laser imaging system	Facts of air induction nozzles: pressure loss due to venturi effect: air induction nozzles are configured with two small holes on the nozzle chamber upstream from nozzle orifices; pressure loss due to high restrictions to flow: the internal fluid chamber of air induction nozzles has very small diameter and is much longer than the conventional hydraulic nozzles.  droplet size increase due to large orifice size: air induction nozzles use much larger orifice than the conventional nozzles.
Controlled spray boom and target system for evaluation of spray coverage	Wind tunnel used to evaluate nozzle drift reduction potential
Results: With the same orifice size and flow rate, air induction nozzles and conventional flat fan nozzles have no differences in drift reduction, but air induction nozzles use much higher pressure than the conventional nozzles

For more information contact:
Heping Zhu