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Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Measuring Spray Droplet Size from Agricultural Nozzles Using Laser Diffraction

DOI: 10.3791/54533-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Measure spray droplet size using laser diffraction technology
  • ✓ Apply standardized protocols for ground-based nozzle testing
  • ✓ Apply standardized protocols for aerial nozzle testing
  • ✓ Interpret volume-weighted droplet size distributions from spray data
Protocol

We present protocols to be used in the measurement of spray droplet size from agricultural nozzles used in both aerial and ground based agrochemical applications. These methods presented were developed to provide consistent and repeatable droplet size data both inter- and intra-laboratory, when using laser diffraction systems.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~1-2 hours per nozzle (depending on number of replicates and laser diffraction system equilibration)

Steps

1
Measure droplet size from ground nozzles

Set up and operate laser diffraction equipment to measure spray droplet size distribution from ground-based agricultural nozzles. Collect consistent, repeatable measurements following standardized protocols.

▶ 00:39
2
Measure droplet size from aerial nozzles

Configure laser diffraction system for aerial nozzle spray characterization and acquire droplet size data across operational pressures. Apply equivalent measurement protocols used for ground-based systems.

▶ 03:19
3
Interpret volume-weighted droplet distributions

Analyze and compare volume-weighted droplet size distribution results from multiple aerial spray nozzles operated at consistent pressure. Generate graphical representations of droplet size data.

▶ 05:39
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