Practical implementation of drift-reducing nozzles in orchards

Proefcentrum fruitteelt vzwFruittuinweg 1, B-3800 Sint-Truiden – 0032 (0)11 69 70 80 – pcfruit@pcfruit.be

Kris RuysenSuproFruit 2019

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW2Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

Starting situation (January 2017)(drift-reducing nozzles were not mandatory)

How often will my nozzles clogg?

How can I see if the nozzles keep on spraying ?

What about biological efficacy ?

Is my old sprayer suited for this?

Using driftreducing nozzles ?

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW3Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

Demonstration Project Drift-reduction

Project goals Eliminate the bottlenecks why growers do not want to work with drift-reducing nozzles

1. Identify bottlenecks and generate possible solutions 2. Translate possible solutions into recommendations for growers3. Test recommendations at 10 pilot companies (growers)4. Show growers by demonstration how drift-reducing nozzles can be

used without disadvantages

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW4Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

(1) Identify bottlenecks and generate possible solutions

Used method : FMEA• Definition: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis • A systematic method of identifying and preventing problems

(failure modes) in a process• Helps to identify cause & effect relationships• Highlights risks and possible solutions • Creates more robust processes

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW5Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

(1) Identify bottlenecks and generate possible solutions

• Base of FMEA is process from growers point of view Connect sprayer Fill sprayer Treat orchard(s) Clean and rinse sprayer Disconnect sprayer

• Evaluation of main failures :1. Clogged nozzle2. Insufficient efficacy

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW6Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

Failure modes were ranked from 1 (not severe) to 10 (severe)1. Severity of effect (S)2. Probability of Occurrence (O)3. Ability to Detect the failure mode (D)

The Risk Priority Number (RPN) = (S) x (O) x (D) – Gives priority ; a higher RPN indicates a higher failure risk

Possible solutions were generated en re-evaluated in order to lower the RPN

(1) Identify bottlenecks and generate possible solutions

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW7Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

(2) Translate possible solutions into recommendations for growers

1. Adaption and calibration of the sprayer– Nozzles (300 l /ha LWA ) – Section Filters (80 or 100 mesh) –– Nozzle filters (50 mesh) – Min pressure from supplier

2. Method to assemble new components and to rinse first time– Attention to remove historical pollution into the sprayer

3. Adjustment of sprayer by moving test bench– To guarantee an optimal liquid distribution

4. The correct method to spray– Attention to mixing PPP’s and rinsing

Recommendations were created to get the highest level of • biological efficacy (e.x. sufficient water volume, pressure)

• robustness (e.x. the use of nozzle filters)

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW8Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

• Sprayer calibration has been individually pre-calculated

• The method to assemble new components and to rinse the sprayer first time was explained

• All sprayers have been adjusted with the vertical patternator

• Growers were reminded to mix the PPP properly and to rinse after the treatment

(3) Test recommendations at 10 pilot companies (fruit growers)

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW9Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

FAQ growers:Calibration : Nozzle size , water-volume, pressure & driving speed?

Which nozzle to use from the official Belgian list?Selection of nozzles and testing

– Pressure range & available sizes (ISO)– The value of drift-reduction (from 75%)– The material (preferably ceramic)– The length of the nozzles (risk to break)

(3) Test recommendations at 10 pilot companies (fruit growers)

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW10Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

(4) Show growers by demonstration how drift-reducing nozzles can be used

• Hollow cone nozzles or flat fan nozzles ?• The use of hollow cone nozzles is commonplace.• Previous research at pcfruit was mainly with hollow cone nozzlesThe goal was to show growers the differences.

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flat f

an?

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW

Demonstration of droplet size & horizontal distribution at different pressures

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75%

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6bar

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10 b

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size

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50cm

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW12Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

Demonstration of vertical distribution IDK TVI

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW13Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

Why losing in height with hollow cone nozzles ?Top view on section A-A

All droplets directly sprayed into the airstream

Part of droplets sprayed besides the airstream resulting into falling droplets

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW14Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

Project Results

• With support of our recommendations 10 pilot companies were able to run 2 seasons

– Without clogging– With a good biological efficacy– Proven at different types of sprayers

• Benefits of flat-fan nozzles are clear– A more even vertical distribution– Easier to position the nozzles to reach the top of the trees.– Stable distribution at low pressure form 3,5 bar.

• In the course of this project drift-reducing nozzles became mandatory, but growers now know how to deal with it.

PROEFCENTRUM FRUITTEELT VZW15Milieu & TechniekKris Ruysen

How often will my nozzles clogg?

How can I see if the nozzles keep-on spraying ?

What about biological efficacy ?

Is my old sprayer suited for this?

Using driftreducing nozzles ?

Sprayer calibration is necessary

No risk if you use the right filters and work

properly with attention to mixing and rinsing

Adjust your sprayer

Thanks for your attention !