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Machinery Focus: Getting prepped for the sprayer test
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<blockquote data-quote="Agriland RSS" data-source="post: 7581833" data-attributes="member: 105608"><p><img src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.thefarmingforum.co.uk/images/agrilanduk.JPG" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Written by Justin Roberts</p><p></p><p>A sprayer, especially on a non tillage farm, is often neglected until required. This can result in poor, or even hazardous, operation when they are eventually pulled from the hedge and pressed into work.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The use of pesticides is already a target of public criticism and censure. In a bid to counter this pressure from the environmental lobby, the EU has adopted a stance of ensuring that those chemicals which are applied, are done so in a safe and responsible manner, through training operators and licensing equipment for use.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0984-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0984-1024x683.jpg" alt="Test base" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p>Sprayer should be mounted on the tractor used for spraying and parked on clean, level and well drained ground</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Sprayer tests</strong></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As part of this initiative, the Irish government was obliged to introduce a system of testing crop sprayers in 2015.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The legislation applies to all sprayers over five years old and more than 3m in width.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>It also apples to orchard misters and weed wipers, although it is the standard boom type crop sprayer we look at here.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1025-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1025-1024x683.jpg" alt="Handwash on sprayer" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p>Any peripheral items on the sprayer, such as handwash unit or toolbox, need to be in good order and firmly attached</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The test must be conducted every three years by an approved agricultural equipment inspector, who has the responsibility of ensuring the machine is safe to use and does not constitute an environmental hazard due to leakages or incorrect application rates.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Jim Dockery of Farm Relief Services (FRS) is one such inspector and here he guides us through the items that are examined on a sprayer to allow its continued use.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As with all inspections, a report is generated and this is then lodged online, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>However, it is not simply a matter of a <strong>pass</strong> or <strong>fail</strong> on the spot, the inspector can guide the farmer and work towards getting it through the test.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Jim’s first task is to identify the sprayer and pump, and these are recorded along with the type, capacity and working width of the unit.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>These are all noted before moving on to the equipment itself, and here the primary item is the safe condition of the PTO shaft. Click on the below images to enlarge and scroll across.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0976-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0976-1024x681.jpg" alt="PTO" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> The first step is to check the PTO guard is fully attached and chain is in place</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0982-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0982-1024x683.jpg" alt="Sprayer chassis number" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> The sprayer frame will need a legible manufacturer’s plate with model and serial number</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0979-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0979-1024x681.jpg" alt="Pump number" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> A manufacturer’s plate on the pump will give date, serial number and pumping capacity</li> </ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The general state of repair is also noted with any damage or leaks being noted and highlighted for attention.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The presence of drips and puddles, along with ‘wonky’ booms are a definite red flag and will need to be rectified before a certificate can be issued.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Constant pressure</strong></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1012-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1012-1024x683.jpg" alt="Main Sprayer gauge" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p>The main pressure gauge must be fitted downstream of its filter and be accurate to within 10% of a calibrated master gauge</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The key to accurate application of a chemical is the maintenance of an unvarying and uniform pressure throughout the system.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A large part of the examination is dedicated to ensuring that this happy state is achieved and maintained. The main gauge and cleanliness of the various filters being of particular importance.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0993-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0993-1024x683.jpg" alt="Pulsation damper" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> On a reciprocating pump the pulsations are usually damped by a silicone diaphragm with a pressure of 1 bar set on the outside</li> </ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Not only must the pressure being delivered to the the spray lines be equal, but there must a minimal pressure drop between the valves and the boom.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Neither must the pressure drop along the the spray lines themselves be greater than 10%</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1056-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1056-1024x683.jpg" alt="Master gauge sprayer" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> The sprayer’s pressure gauge is checked against an annually calibrated master gauge (left)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1051-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1051-1024x683.jpg" alt="Pressure drop sprayer" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> A gauge fitted at either end of a spray line checks for pressure drop along its length & must not exceed 10%</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1048-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1048-1024x683.jpg" alt="Gauge clamp on sprayer" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> The line pressure gauge may be attached directly to the nozzle mount, or clamped directly to the nozzle</li> </ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The function of the controls will be checked, with particular emphasis being on the immediate shut off of the sprayer.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>All nozzles must stop spraying and dripping within five seconds of the main valve being closed. Should they continue to drip, then the culprit is often a split diaphragm in the cut-off valve at the nozzle.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1035-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1035-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nozzle type" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> Nozzles are colour coded to indicate flow rate. Each set of nozzles need to be tested separately</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1045-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1045-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nozzle stop valve" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> Dripping nozzles are often caused by a damaged check valve diaphragm (bottom left)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1023-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nozzle filter" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> The final filter in the system usually sits above the nozzle. It will need to be cleaned before the test</li> </ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Flow rate</strong></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Having examined the components responsible for delivering the spray to the nozzles, these final items must also be checked.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The flow rate for each set that is in use, must be tested on a separate basis. This can be a long and arduous job, that is much relieved by the advent of digital flow meters.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1062-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1062-1024x683.jpg" alt="Flow rate test" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> Checking the flow rate from each nozzle is now performed by a meter rather than cylinder and stopwatch</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1041-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1041-1024x683.jpg" alt="Height" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> Checking the boom height. The nozzle tip should be between 70 – 75cm above the crop canopy</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><a href="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0995-scaled.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0995-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nozzle gap." class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a><br /> The spacing between nozzles must remain at 50cm. Pipes may become loose causing this to vary at the pivot points of the boom sections</li> </ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Having recorded all the information, it is uploaded to the department’s website which automatically works out the deviation of flow rate and coefficient of variation.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>If either of these are above 10%, the sprayer will fail. However, Jim notes that such problems are usually noticeable during the test and can be sorted out before the final figures are entered.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Ongoing care for your sprayer</strong></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Once compliance is achieved, Jim suggests the best way of ensuring it stays serviceable, is to simply use it.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Making sure it is well drained before putting it away is also essential and it may be necessary to disconnect hoses and filters to do so.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Extremes of heat and direct sunlight can also take their toll, so keeping it in a shed over winter is highly recommended.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>There is no reason why a well maintained and lightly used sprayer should not last for many years. A regular check up is an essential part of keeping it going.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/machinery-focus-getting-prepped-for-the-sprayer-test/" target="_blank">Machinery Focus: Getting prepped for the sprayer test</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.agriland.co.uk" target="_blank">Agriland.co.uk</a>.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/machinery-focus-getting-prepped-for-the-sprayer-test/" target="_blank">Continue reading on the Agriland Website...</a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Agriland RSS, post: 7581833, member: 105608"] [img]https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.thefarmingforum.co.uk/images/agrilanduk.JPG[/img] Written by Justin Roberts A sprayer, especially on a non tillage farm, is often neglected until required. This can result in poor, or even hazardous, operation when they are eventually pulled from the hedge and pressed into work. The use of pesticides is already a target of public criticism and censure. In a bid to counter this pressure from the environmental lobby, the EU has adopted a stance of ensuring that those chemicals which are applied, are done so in a safe and responsible manner, through training operators and licensing equipment for use. [URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0984-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Test base"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0984-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Sprayer should be mounted on the tractor used for spraying and parked on clean, level and well drained ground [SIZE=5][B]Sprayer tests[/B][/SIZE] As part of this initiative, the Irish government was obliged to introduce a system of testing crop sprayers in 2015. The legislation applies to all sprayers over five years old and more than 3m in width. It also apples to orchard misters and weed wipers, although it is the standard boom type crop sprayer we look at here. [URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1025-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Handwash on sprayer"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1025-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Any peripheral items on the sprayer, such as handwash unit or toolbox, need to be in good order and firmly attached The test must be conducted every three years by an approved agricultural equipment inspector, who has the responsibility of ensuring the machine is safe to use and does not constitute an environmental hazard due to leakages or incorrect application rates. Jim Dockery of Farm Relief Services (FRS) is one such inspector and here he guides us through the items that are examined on a sprayer to allow its continued use. As with all inspections, a report is generated and this is then lodged online, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). However, it is not simply a matter of a [B]pass[/B] or [B]fail[/B] on the spot, the inspector can guide the farmer and work towards getting it through the test. Jim’s first task is to identify the sprayer and pump, and these are recorded along with the type, capacity and working width of the unit. These are all noted before moving on to the equipment itself, and here the primary item is the safe condition of the PTO shaft. Click on the below images to enlarge and scroll across. [LIST] [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0976-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="PTO"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0976-1024x681.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The first step is to check the PTO guard is fully attached and chain is in place [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0982-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Sprayer chassis number"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0982-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The sprayer frame will need a legible manufacturer’s plate with model and serial number [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0979-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Pump number"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0979-1024x681.jpg[/IMG][/URL] A manufacturer’s plate on the pump will give date, serial number and pumping capacity [/LIST] The general state of repair is also noted with any damage or leaks being noted and highlighted for attention. The presence of drips and puddles, along with ‘wonky’ booms are a definite red flag and will need to be rectified before a certificate can be issued. [SIZE=5][B]Constant pressure[/B][/SIZE] [URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1012-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Main Sprayer gauge"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1012-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The main pressure gauge must be fitted downstream of its filter and be accurate to within 10% of a calibrated master gauge The key to accurate application of a chemical is the maintenance of an unvarying and uniform pressure throughout the system. A large part of the examination is dedicated to ensuring that this happy state is achieved and maintained. The main gauge and cleanliness of the various filters being of particular importance. [LIST] [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0993-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Pulsation damper"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0993-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] On a reciprocating pump the pulsations are usually damped by a silicone diaphragm with a pressure of 1 bar set on the outside [/LIST] Not only must the pressure being delivered to the the spray lines be equal, but there must a minimal pressure drop between the valves and the boom. Neither must the pressure drop along the the spray lines themselves be greater than 10% [LIST] [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1056-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Master gauge sprayer"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1056-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The sprayer’s pressure gauge is checked against an annually calibrated master gauge (left) [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1051-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Pressure drop sprayer"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1051-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] A gauge fitted at either end of a spray line checks for pressure drop along its length & must not exceed 10% [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1048-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Gauge clamp on sprayer"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1048-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The line pressure gauge may be attached directly to the nozzle mount, or clamped directly to the nozzle [/LIST] The function of the controls will be checked, with particular emphasis being on the immediate shut off of the sprayer. All nozzles must stop spraying and dripping within five seconds of the main valve being closed. Should they continue to drip, then the culprit is often a split diaphragm in the cut-off valve at the nozzle. [LIST] [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1035-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Nozzle type"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1035-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Nozzles are colour coded to indicate flow rate. Each set of nozzles need to be tested separately [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1045-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Nozzle stop valve"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1045-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Dripping nozzles are often caused by a damaged check valve diaphragm (bottom left) [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1023.jpg'][IMG alt="Nozzle filter"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1023-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The final filter in the system usually sits above the nozzle. It will need to be cleaned before the test [/LIST] [SIZE=5][B]Flow rate[/B][/SIZE] Having examined the components responsible for delivering the spray to the nozzles, these final items must also be checked. The flow rate for each set that is in use, must be tested on a separate basis. This can be a long and arduous job, that is much relieved by the advent of digital flow meters. [LIST] [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1062-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Flow rate test"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1062-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Checking the flow rate from each nozzle is now performed by a meter rather than cylinder and stopwatch [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1041-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Height"]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_1041-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Checking the boom height. The nozzle tip should be between 70 – 75cm above the crop canopy [*][URL='https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0995-scaled.jpg'][IMG alt="Nozzle gap."]https://cdn.agriland.ie/uploads/2021/05/DSC_0995-1024x683.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The spacing between nozzles must remain at 50cm. Pipes may become loose causing this to vary at the pivot points of the boom sections [/LIST] Having recorded all the information, it is uploaded to the department’s website which automatically works out the deviation of flow rate and coefficient of variation. If either of these are above 10%, the sprayer will fail. However, Jim notes that such problems are usually noticeable during the test and can be sorted out before the final figures are entered. [SIZE=5][B]Ongoing care for your sprayer[/B][/SIZE] Once compliance is achieved, Jim suggests the best way of ensuring it stays serviceable, is to simply use it. Making sure it is well drained before putting it away is also essential and it may be necessary to disconnect hoses and filters to do so. Extremes of heat and direct sunlight can also take their toll, so keeping it in a shed over winter is highly recommended. There is no reason why a well maintained and lightly used sprayer should not last for many years. A regular check up is an essential part of keeping it going. The post [URL='https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/machinery-focus-getting-prepped-for-the-sprayer-test/']Machinery Focus: Getting prepped for the sprayer test[/URL] appeared first on [URL='https://www.agriland.co.uk']Agriland.co.uk[/URL]. [url="https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/machinery-focus-getting-prepped-for-the-sprayer-test/"]Continue reading on the Agriland Website...[/url] [/QUOTE]
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