B&G Care and Repair&

Material FormulationsTypes - Advantages - Disadvantages

B&G Care and Repair

Figure 1The brass nozzle should be cleaned with a toothbrush and a detergent; don't use a metal brush or sharp objects on the nozzle

Nozzle (see figure 1) - The brass nozzle determines the pattern (pin-stream or fan) of the liquid spray. The nozzle is made of thick brass and will survive being knocked around in the back of service trucks. However, with extended use, the openings for the fan sprays and the pin-stream will gradually enlarge. This increase will change the angle (80 degrees for the fine fan, 50 degrees for the coarse fan) of the spray, and the distribution of the liquid in the fan may become uneven.

The general appearance of the nozzle may not indicate that the openings have enlarged or are damaged. Replace the nozzle every two years to maintain an accurate spray pattern and flow rate.

Figure 2The filter is located between the hose and the valve; loosen the fitting, remove the filter and clean with a toothbrush. This filter keeps dirt out of the valve and nozzle, replace if it is lost.

Filter/Strainer (see figure 2) - The small filter/strainer should be removed, cleaned and replaced regularly. Regardless of the water source or insecticides used, small pieces of dirt and debris often get into the tank. The strainer keeps dirt from clogging the valve and blocking the spray. A toothbrush can be used to clean the strainer.

Figure 3A 3/8-inch, open-end wrench can be used to tighten the packing nut if the valve develops a leak.

Valve (see figure 3) - The Extenda-Ban valve is designed for long service without leaking. A leak in the gaskets may result in a small amount of liquid on the handle or at the end of the valve. Small leaks can be corrected by slight tightening of the packing nut (use a 3/8-inch wrench).

Figure 4The check valve, at the base of the pump cylinder, can be removed and cleaned, and the base of the cylinder (around the holes) should be cleaned of residue. Tightly replace the check valve, and be certain it is secure.

Check Valve (see figure 4) - The check valve at the base of the pump cylinder admits air into the tank as the pump handle is depressed. It can become worn and deposits around its edge (on the pump cylinder) can cause it to leak. Replacing the check valve (PV-266) will keep the pump working and maintain proper tank pressure. Cleaning the bottom of the pump cylinder with a small brush will remove deposits that build up around the edge of the check valve.

FormulationsTypes - Advantages - Disadvantages

D – dustG – granularS – solution WP – wettable powderEC – emulsifiable concentrateDF – dry flowableWDG – water dispersible granule

This is a listing of the more common abbreviations that describe formulations.

Formulations

• Evaluate advantages and disadvantages

• Do you have the right application equipment?

• Can the formulation be applied when and where it is needed?

• Will the formulation reach the target pest and be there long enough?

Selecting a Formulation

There are choices for you to make when selecting a product and the formulation

type can play a key role in your selection process.

Wettable Powders (WP)Emulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC)

MicroencapsulatedSelecting a Formulation

Theses are four popular formulations.

SUSPENSION CONCENTRATE (SC)

MicroencapsulatedParticles of pesticide active ingredient (liquid or dry) surrounded in a plastic coating; formulated product mixed with water and applied as spray. Following application the capsule releases the pesticide slowly or on contact by the insect.

Untreated Surface(un-painted wood-brick-concrete)

MicroencapsulatedNot absorbed by

Untreated Surfaces –Leaves behind

capsules that explode when disturbed

Mc Mc Mc

MicroencapsulatedADVANTAGES

increased safety to applicator; easy to mix, handle and apply; slow release of pesticide

DISADVANTAGES

constant agitation required; bees may pick capsules and take back to their hive

Active ingredient (liquid) dissolved in a petroleum-based solvent with

an emulsifier added

Turns white when mixed.Smells of solvents.

Emulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC)

Product Dilution

Untreated Surface(un-painted wood-brick-concrete)

Ec EcEc

Emulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC)Easily absorbed

by Untreated Surfaces

Ec

Emulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC)

ADVANTAGES• Easy to handle• Little agitation• Relatively easy on

equipment• Leaves little residue• Quicker knockdown

DISADVANTAGES

• Phytotoxic – plant injury

• Easily absorbed by the skin

• Flammable• Deterioration of

rubber and plastic hoses

Wettable Powders (WP)Wettable powders settle out quickly, therefore

require constant agitation in the spray tank

Product Dilution

Untreated Surface(un-painted wood-brick-concrete)

Wettable Powders (WP)Not absorbed by

Untreated Surfaces – leaves a film

(powder)behind

WP

Wettable Powders (WP)ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Inhalation hazard Constant agitation Difficult to mix in

hard water Abrasive to pumps

and nozzles Visible residues

Easy to store Easy to measure/mix Relatively less harmful to

plants, animals and surfaces than ECs

Less absorption by human skin and eyes

Suspension ConcentrateA stable suspension of solid pesticide(s) in a fluid usually intended for dilution with water before use. Ideally, the suspension should be stable (i.e. not settle out).

Suspension ConcentrateADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

A.I. tends to settle out over time.

Easy to store Easy to measure/mix Relatively less harmful to

plants, animals and surfaces than ECs

Untreated Surface(un-painted wood-brick-concrete)

Suspension ConcentrateNot absorbed by

Untreated Surfaces –

Choose a pesticide formulation that will best suit your pest problem and target site– Safety, ease of use

– Human exposure concerns

– Phytotoxicity; visible residues

– Application equipment considerations

Formulation Summary