Sprayer Nozzle Testing in Class

Earlier this year in March, the Pesticide Management class had an assignment to test different nozzles. This included calibrating flow rates and looking at distribution and drift. The small sprayer we used had a roller pump and 8 nozzles. We used water colored with blue dye.

The first task we did was calibrating the nozzles. As shown in the picture, we gathered spray from each nozzle for 30 seconds and compared them. It was acceptable for them to be within 5% of the average.A couple nozzle orifices were damaged and were changed. Under a microscrope you could see why the spray coming from the nozzle was not even.

We learned that flow rates can help you discover when you have a damaged nozzle or a plugged nozzle. It will effect the distribution of the spray. It is also important to look at the spray coming from each nozzle as the spray should always be even. This way you can detect bad nozzles as well.


Next we tested a series of different nozzles. They all had the same flow rate. We used the 8002 as a standard. We also tested the Wilgar Drift Guard 8002, Turbo Tee Jet 11002, Twin Jet 11002 and an Air Induction 11002. It was interesting to see the various types of nozzles and how they work. As you see in the picture, we measured the distribution between 3 nozzles. When the variation was less than 15% it was acceptable. In the picture, that nozzle was below 15% variation and was acceptable. The nozzles with larger drops were less prone to drift.

By doing hands-on work in class, we get to see for ourselves how things work. It was fun to test different nozzles and compare results. That is one of the biggest beneifts of this program. In other classes we do labs as well. In Seeding Systems class we calibrate and test the seed distribution on a seed drill. In Plant Botany class we do germination tests. In Soils class we do texture and soil density tests. In Combine class we do labs to set the combine for various crops. So as you can see, this program focuses on the hand-on experience. It is a great way to learn!


April Stanko
2nd year Crop Technology student