EVALUATION OF DROPLET SPECTRA OF THE SPRAY TIP AD 11002 USING DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

ABSTRACT Knowledge of droplet spectra generated by spray nozzle tips is important to ensure the quality of applications of plant protection products. However, there are different methods for this evaluation, which can cause difficulty in interpreting the results. This study aimed to evaluate the droplet spectra produced by the flat fan spray tip AD 11002 operated under different pressures and using different techniques and equipment. The volume median diameter (VMD), percentage of spray volume in droplets smaller than 100 µm diameter and relative spam (RS), considering pressures of 200, 300, and 400 kPa were determined using two direct measurement equipment (Spraytec and Shadow Sizer), based on laser diffraction and image analysis, respectively, and a measure based on indirect analysis, through the digitization of water-sensitive paper. Thus, the use of different analysis techniques led to variations of the analyzed parameters. Among the direct measurement equipment, a difference of up to 58% was observed in VMD. The use of water-sensitive paper to characterize droplet spectra must be carried out with great discretion because there is an underestimation of fine droplets. Pressure variations of 200 to 400 kPa did not influence VMD and RS.