DRAFT
4.4Testing
Any new sprayer must be tested to ensure the following:
1.That the sprayheads all rotate at the correct speed.
2.That the chemical flow from each sprayhead is equal and that the flow can be adjusted over the full range required.
3.That the sprayheads are correctly positioned to give the required coverage without any tendency to ‘striping’. No spray droplets should be blown towards the operator or onto the structure of the sprayer.
Full details of the procedures to achieve the above are given in the Section 5, (‘OPERATION’) and Section 7 (‘CALIBRATION’) sections of this handbook.
5.0 OPERATION
As with all sprayers, optimum results will only be obtained from a machine fitted with Turbofan Sprayheads if it is correctly calibrated, operated and maintained.
It is important that every operator who uses Micron sprayheads is completely familiar with their calibration and use. The following sections emphasise points of particular importance.
5.1 Daily inspection
All parts of the sprayer should be checked at least once a day. A complete check list for the sprayheads is included in the Maintenance section of this Handbook. However, particular attention must be paid to the condition of the atomiser discs, chemical feedpipes and restrictors and all hydraulic hoses and fittings. All atomisers must run smoothly without vibration.
5.2Calibration Procedure
Before use, the sprayer must be calibrated for application rate. Full details are given in the Section 7 (‘CALIBRATION’). It is important to note that the graphs and tables are based on performance with water and are intended only as a guide. Actual performance will vary according to the type and formulation of chemical being used. It is therefore vital that the calibration of the system is checked whenever a new chemical is used.
5.3 Position of Sprayheads
The position and angle of sprayheads must be checked and adjusted as necessary before use. When sprayheads are mounted on a boom, the boom height must be adjusted to suit the crop being sprayed. See Section 4.1 (‘Mounting of Sprayheads’) for details of recommended positions and angles of sprayheads.
When a sprayer is used for the first time on a new crop, the coverage of spray droplets on the foliage should be checked to ensure that the sprayheads are correctly positioned.
The coverage can sometimes be assessed visually if the colour of the active material leaves a clearly defined droplet (as with some fungicides). However, it is preferable to place water sensitive papers in the foliage and to check the coverage by the droplet density on the papers. Alternatively, a fluorescent dye can be added to the spray mixture
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