Development and prototype testing of an agricultural nozzle clog detection device

Abstract

Agricultural nozzles are the main components that perform the spraying of agrochemicals, and their proper functionality is a key element for uniform spray application on crops. Because nozzles have small orifices, they can become clogged when there is debris from the agrochemical in the tank. Nozzle clogging during spray application results in poor pest and weed management and increased cost for re-spraying the affected crop row. Measures used to prevent nozzles from clogging include using screens or strainers to filter out debris before it reaches the nozzle tip, as well as performing regular checks on the nozzles. However, nozzle clogging still occurs during spraying despite the precautions taken. Thus, a device that can detect nozzle clogging during spraying is necessary to enable a quicker response that will ensure uniform application across each row of the crop. A novel, patented device for detecting clogged nozzles that is externally attachable to each nozzle on a sprayer boom was developed in the Precision Application Technology Lab at Arkansas State University. The main objective of this article is to present a general description of this prototype nozzle clog detection device and the nozzle clog detection system. Spray droplet size and pattern tests under controlled conditions and spray coverage tests under field conditions were conducted with and without the device to determine if there were significant differences in droplet size, spray pattern, or spray coverage between using and not using the device. The tests demonstrated that this new technology has potential for detecting clogged nozzles without significantly influencing spray quality for extended-range nozzles but not for ultra low-drift nozzles. To increase the reliability of the performance of this new technology, further improvements in the design need to be considered.