The choice of nozzles fitted to the sprayer is often a secondary thought after the decision about which sprayer (or spraying system to use) has been made.

Perhaps this approach should be reconsidered, by determining what volumes and spray qualities are required and which spraying system can best maintain the spray qualities you require, at the range of spraying speeds and application volumes you are likely to operate at.

The spraying system must be able to produce the flow and pressure at the nozzle for all of the sets of nozzles that are to be fitted to the machine. The nozzles are an important part of the whole equation. Matching the nozzles to the sprayer’s capabilities and the operator’s requirements will ensure that when the sprayer is delivered it is able to be used as intended.

Often it is difficult to decide what the most appropriate nozzles should be before the operator has established what spraying speeds will actually be used. For single line sprayers using a standard rate controller it is critical to determine what the average and minimum spraying speeds will be in a range of paddocks. Unless the operator has driven the sprayer under field conditions at their enterprise, this is almost impossible to know.

For multi-step systems or PWM systems, knowing the exact spraying speed may be less critical, provided the sets of nozzles supplied with the sprayer are able to deliver the required application volumes and spray qualities at a range of spraying speeds and application volumes. The operator needs to supply the machinery dealer with information about what they expect the sprayer to be able to do, so the most appropriate sets of nozzles can be supplied with the machine.

Find out more

For more information:

• Module 3: nozzle design and function

• Module 5: spray plans

• Module 17: pulse width modulation systems

• Module 18: multi-step systems