Spraying Information

SELECTION OF SPRAY TIP OR NOZZLE
To provide the variety of spray patterns and capacities used in farm spray applications, Spraying Systems Co. offers a complete line of nozzles and spray tips. Generally, standard flat spray TeeJet tips, with tapered pattern edges, mounted on a boom with overlapping spray patterns are used for applying herbicides and some insecticides. For band spraying applications requiring even spray distribution, the flat Even spray TeeJet tips are considered ideal. For spraying insecticides and fungicides hollow cone type ConeJet spray tips or disc core tips are used. This cone spray pattern provides better foliage coverage and is usually applied at higher pressures. For the surface application of liquid fertilizers, FloodJet tips and FloodJet nozzles - as well as boomless type FlieldJet nozzles are usually recommended especially for suspension and slurry type fertilizers. In all cases follow the recommendations of the chemical manufacturers, Agricultural Extension Service and the USDA keeping driftage to a minimum.

USEFUL FORMULAS

GPM (Per Nozzle) = GPA x M.P.H. x W*
                                                  5940

GPA = 5940 x GPM (Per Nozzle)
                              M.P.H. x W*

*W - Nozzle spacing (in boom spraying) or spray swath (in boomless) in inches.

SIZE SELECTION OF SPRAY TIP OR NOZZLE
Based on the chemical manufactruer's recommendations on GPA application rates and nozzle types, a suitable spray tip size is chosen from the catolog tabulations. Since all the tabulations are based on spraying water, which weighs 8.34 lbs. per USA gallon, conversion factors must be used when spraying solutions which are heavier or lighter than water. Using conversion factors from the tables below multiply by the catolog tabulated GPM and GPA rates - to arrive at the values for the solution to be sprayed.

NOZZLE SPACING
If the nozzle spacing on your boom is different than those tabulated, also multiply the tabulated or calculated GPA coverages by one of the following factors.

BEFORE YOU GO INTO THE FIELD
Check all your equipment - make certain that all components are clean including the tank, pump, control valves, check valves, hoses, boom, strainers, nozzles, and spray tips. WARNING: never use a metal object in cleaning nozzle orifices. Use a plastic or wooden probe.
Check the flow rate from all nozzles using a master pressure gauge mounted in the boom close to the nozzles. (After the test remove the master pressure gauge and plug the connection). While this nozzle flow test is being conducted, check the pressure reading on the rig pressure gauge to compare its reading to the pressure at the nozzles. The flow rates can be determined from the flow charts contained in this catolog. Remember, the catalog tabulations are based on pressures at the nozzles.
NOTE: If the ball type check valves are used, the actual nozzle pressure will be approximately 5 P.SI. lower than the gauge reading, depending on spring rating and flow rate.

CHOICE AND CARE OF SPRAY EQUIPMENT
All the factors in todays spraying application, including chemical costs, pollution and driftage control, point to the importance of choosing the proper spray equipment and maintaining it in an efficient operating order. Therefore, the original purchased equipment should be made of materials which resist corrosion and wear such as stainless steel spray tips. Since usage of spray nozzles usually brings about orifice clogging problems, erosion, etc., it is very important that the tips be cleaned after each operation, and tested before using again. Finally even when using precision spray tips, it is necessary to control all the other factors in the spraying application - such as rig speed, spraying pressure, spray height, etc., in order to place the proper amount of chemicals in the proper areas. An established routine of proper maintenance will soon pay for itself.