MSU Extension Chapter 6 Equipment & Calibration

MSU Extension Equipment Selection n Depends on… –target –type of application –pest to be controlled –pesticide formulation n Equipment –liquid sprayers, granular applicators, injectors, aircraft

MSU Extension Calibration of equipment is crucial to obtain the correct application rate according to the label.

MSU Extension Pesticide Deposit n Deposit on target depends on… –concentration in tank –rate of discharge –equipment speed –swath width F evaporation and drift excluded

MSU Extension Application Equipment Components n Tanks n Agitators n Strainers n Pumps n Pressure Regulators n Pressure Gauge n Hoses n Nozzles

MSU Extension Tanks n Large enough for tasks n Stainless steel and fiberglass are best n Shut off valve required

MSU Extension Agitators n Pesticide formulation determines agitation requirement –liquid conc., soluble powders, emulsions…. F Less…. By- pass –wettable powers F more… mechanical

MSU Extension Agitators n Mechanical n Hydraulic –by pass from pressure relief valve may not be sufficient

MSU Extension Strainers n Prevent foreign material from plugging working parts n Nozzle strainers not a substitute for pressure line strainer

MSU Extension Centrifugal Pump n High volumes at low pressures n Used with abrasive materials n Not self- priming n Pressure regulators not needed n Inexpensive

MSU Extension Gear Pump n Simple & low cost n Low pressure n Not affected by solvents n Disposable when worn

MSU Extension Roller Pumps n Low pressure, positive displacement, self- priming n Similar to gear pumps, but abrasion resistant, repairable n Somewhat more costly

MSU Extension Diaphragm Pump n Similar in pressure & volume to gear pumps n Very abrasion resistant

MSU Extension Piston Pumps n High volumes n High pressures n Rugged & versatile

MSU Extension Pressure Regulators n Controls pressure –rate deliver to nozzles n By -passes excess material back to tank

MSU Extension Pressure Regulators n Two types –simple relief valves –pressure unloaders

MSU Extension Pressure Gauge n Essential –pressure affects delivery n Gauges do wear out or become clogged

MSU Extension Hoses n Composition (chief liner material) n Construction –reinforcement, rigidity, flexibility n Working pressure n Size

MSU Extension Nozzles n Complete assembly consists of.. –Body –Screen –Cap –Tip or orifice plate n Many designs are available –all spread a liquid into droplets

MSU Extension Manufacturer tech sheets are crucial. Application rate depends on ground speed and pressure

MSU Extension Never operate at higher pressures to compensate for the wrong size. This will cause nozzle wear and drift.

MSU Extension Nozzle Materials n Aluminum n Brass n Ceramic n Plastic n Nylon n Stainless steel n Tungsten carbide

MSU Extension Carbide & stainless steel are most abrasion resistant.. More expensive. No single material is perfect for all applications methods.

MSU Extension Regular Flat Fan Nozzle n Used for broadcast spraying on boom n 30-50% pattern overlap, 40 psi n Calibrate frequently to check for nozzle wear

MSU Extension Off Center Nozzles n Roadside and railroad work n Specialized booms for obstructions n Possible wide application in a single pass

MSU Extension Other Nozzle Types n Boomless –wide swath without a boom –affected by winds n Whirling disks –reduce fine droplets

MSU Extension Sprayers for Right-of-Way Maintenance n Backpacks to aircraft n Often specialized for tasks –don’t try to clean herbicides from sprayers used for other pesticide applications –*ammonia or detergent at 1 qt per 25 gallons of water F * test before using

MSU Extension Portable Sprayers n Compressed air –convenient spot and small zone treatment n Mist blower –greater coverage zone, faster –greater drift potential

MSU Extension Sprayers Carried by Vehicles n Higher pressure sprayer –wide range of uses, with modifications n Low pressure boom sprayers n Aerial sprayers

MSU Extension Boom Sprayer Adjustment n Nozzle spacing n Nozzle tip orifice n Pressure n Ground speed

MSU Extension Calibration n Correct & effective amount of pesticide is delivered n Saves money & legal problems –exceeding legal rate n Reduces off target movement

MSU Extension Calibrating Boom Sprayers n Check nozzles n Clean nozzles and screens n Check delivery for each nozzle n Select ground speed n Select pump pressure n Measure swath width

MSU Extension Calibrating Boom Sprayers n Measure watered deliver in one minute by all nozzles n Determine the amount of time to cover one acre Minutes per acre = 1 ground speed x swath width x.002

MSU Extension Calibrating Boom Sprayers n Convert to gallons per acre Gal per acre = gal per minute x min per acre

MSU Extension Calibrating Boom Sprayers n If amount delivered is too little… –increase pump pressure –decrease ground speed –use larger nozzles

MSU Extension Calibrating Boom Sprayers n If amount delivered is too much.. –decrease pump pressure –increase tractor speed –use smaller nozzles

MSU Extension Dosage Regulated Applications n Based on target size and material concentration –spray to drip –basal spraying –frill treatment –stump treatment

MSU Extension Error Factors n Improperly measuring and mixing n Over application

MSU Extension Chapter 7 Public Relations

MSU Extension Public Relations n Differences in perception n Carelessness n Other areas of concern –water ways –toxic plants –farm operations –pets –brown out

MSU Extension Avoid Job Problems n Choose contractors carefully n Write contacts carefully –follow up on performance n Consistent policies n Educate the public

MSU Extension Contractors n You’re selling your reputation n Choose employees carefully n Train employees n Keep records n Inspect work n Follow- up on complaints

MSU Extension Applicators Should... n Have product information –labels, MSDS n Respond to public inquiries n Be professional –be polite, overall appearance