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Nozzle Information

All Sprays International nozzles are moulded in Polyacetal, which is a highly stable polymeric material with outstanding wear characteristics and chemical resistance.

Selection of Nozzles

Correct nozzle selection is essential if maximum efficiency and economy are to be achieved. Always follow the chemical manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that the correct nozzle type, application rate and spray quality is chosen to suit your particular treatment and application method. Many chemical manufacturers now recommend the appropriate nozzle for applying their product by printing the BCPC (British Crop Protection Council) nozzle coding and/or spray quality on the product label. This code incorporates the nozzle type, spray angle, output, rated pressure and spray quality.

Nozzle Type Spray
Angle °
Nozzle Output
litres/min @
rated pressure
Rated
Pressure
*
Spray
Quality
Hollow cone - 0.8 3 medium
Deflector - 0.92 1 bar coarse
Even Fan 80 0.8 3 medium
Standard 110 0.8 3 medium
Enviroguard 110 0.8 3 medium

*3 bar is standard and 1 bar for Deflector and low pressure fan nozzles

In the absence of information being available, a medium spray quality should be selected, also taking into account the target, the product and the prevailing wind conditions. All Sprays International nozzle tips and application date sheets carry the BCPC codes.

Maintenance

Nozzles are generally considered to the most critical component in the spraying system chain, and yet the most neglected. Worn or damaged nozzles result in over application of expensive chemicals, crop damage and environmental contamination.

Nozzles should be examined and checked regularly. Using water, check the flow rate by timing the discharge at the specific pressure into a calibated meausring jug over a one minute interval, comparing the result with the flow rate specified on the data sheet. If the value is 10% or more above that specified replace the nozzle. Always keep a quantity of spare nozzles with the machine for immediate replacement in the field when necessary.

A visual assessment of the nozzle discharge pattern will show up any streaking due to damaged nozles. Always keep a new nozzle to one side for a comparison. Blocked nozzles should be soaked in clean, warm water with a mild detergent added if necessary, and carefully cleaned with only a soft brush or an air line.  Never attempt to clear a nozzle by blowing through it by mouth or attempt to remove stubborn deposits with pins, wire or other sharp implements.

Clean all filters regularly and replace if necessary. Remember, no matter how good the associated spray machinery, it is the nozzle quality and condition that determines just how effectively an expensive chemical is applied.

It is strongly recommended that nozzles are renewed once a year or at the first signs of deterioration, whichever is first. The cost of renewing a complete set of nozzles is only a fraction of the potential costs due to chemical wasteage and crop damage caused by worn/damaged nozzles.

Filtration

Effective spraying requires adequate filtration which should be installed at all stages of the spraying system commencing with a coarse filter at the tank filler, progressing through to a fine filter at the nozzle. Cylindrical filters are preferred for nozle protection since they provide a large filtration area than cup filters and tend not to block as quickly. Use 100 mesh for nozzle sizes 01 and 015, and 50 mesh for all sizes above.

Safety

Always wear protective gloves, eye shields and the recommended protective clothing when handling and using nozzles. All spray operatives and associated personnel should be familiar with all codes of practice and legislation controlling the use and storage of spray chemicals.Full details of the requirements are available from any branch of the Health & Safety Executive.

Further information and guidance on the selection of nozzles and the calibration and maintenance of spraying equipment is available from the ATB (Agricultural Training Board) and BCPC (British Crop Protection Council) in the UK or the equivalent organisations overseas.