ASTM E641-01(2006)
(Test Method)Standard Methods for Testing Hydraulic Spray Nozzles Used in Agriculture
Standard Methods for Testing Hydraulic Spray Nozzles Used in Agriculture
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The purpose of these methods is to provide uniform testing procedures for evaluating the performance criteria of hydraulic spray nozzles used for agricultural purposes.
The procedures set forth in these methods are for spray nozzles of the hydraulic energy type in which the spray material is forced through an orifice under pressure, providing fluid break-up into droplets.
Droplet producing nozzles that operate by means other than hydraulic energy are not applicable to these methods.
SCOPE
1.1 These methods cover procedures for testing hydraulic spray nozzles used in agriculture. The methods herein cover the following performance parameters: nozzle flow rate, nozzle spray angle, liquid distribution, spray droplet size, and nozzle wearability.
1.2 These methods are applicable to hydraulic spray nozzles which produce the following spray patterns: flat-fan, hollow cone, and full cone.
This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: E641 − 01(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Methods for Testing
Hydraulic Spray Nozzles Used in Agriculture
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E641; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope used. It is used primarily on field-type sprayers when broad
coverage at lower pressures is desired.
1.1 These methods cover procedures for testing hydraulic
2.1.1.4 hollow cone and full cone nozzle—the hollow cone
spraynozzlesusedinagriculture.Themethodshereincoverthe
nozzle normally provides uniform distribution throughout a
following performance parameters: nozzle flow rate, nozzle
hollow cone pattern area. The full cone nozzle, provides
spray angle, liquid distribution, spray droplet size, and nozzle
uniform distribution throughout its full cone pattern. Both
wearability.
typesareusedextensivelyforsprayingoffruitsandvegetables,
1.2 These methods are applicable to hydraulic spray nozzles
some row crops with pesticides, and aerial applications.
which produce the following spray patterns: flat-fan, hollow
cone, and full cone.
3. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety
3.1 The purpose of these methods is to provide uniform
concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
testing procedures for evaluating the performance criteria of
user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
hydraulic spray nozzles used for agricultural purposes.
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
3.2 The procedures set forth in these methods are for spray
tions prior to use.
nozzles of the hydraulic energy type in which the spray
material is forced through an orifice under pressure, providing
2. Terminology
fluid break-up into droplets.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3 Droplet producing nozzles that operate by means other
2.1.1 The types of hydraulic spray nozzles considered are
than hydraulic energy are not applicable to these methods.
categorized according to spray characteristics, as follows:
2.1.1.1 flat-fan “tapered edge” type spray nozzle—this
4. Apparatus
nozzle provides a range of atomization sizes throughout the
4.1 This section covers equipment used in testing hydraulic
pattern area. Its edges are tapered to permit the overlapping of
spray nozzles. The equipment and apparatus listed are suffi-
spray patterns from adjacent nozzles, thereby providing rela-
cient for use in all methods described herein.
tively uniform overall distribution. These nozzles are popular
on field-type crop sprayers where uniform coverage is desired 4.2 Fundamental equipment common to all of the test
across the swath. methods are as follows:
2.1.1.2 flat fan “even edge” type spray nozzle—this nozzle 4.2.1 Water Reservoir or Retaining Vessel—A water reser-
provides relatively uniform atomization size as compared to voir or vessel sufficiently large to provide smooth continuous
the “tapered edge” type nozzle and uniform distribution flow to the nozzle(s) throughout the duration of a particular
throughout the spray pattern. There is no requirement for test.
overlap of adjacent spray patterns when using this nozzle. It is 4.2.2 Pump or Source of Water Pressure—Apump or source
used primarily to spray uniform strips or bands in fields. of water pressure sufficient to maintain the required test
2.1.1.3 flooding or deflector-fan type spray nozzle—this pressure with less than 62 % deviation from the nominal
nozzle produces a low impact spray with a wide-angle flat pressure.
pattern having uniform distribution when low pressures are 4.2.3 Pressure Gage:
4.2.3.1 A pressure gage with an accuracy of 62 % at the
actual working pressure. It should have a maximum pressure
reading on the dial face such that the test pressure can be as
These methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on
near the midrange of the gage as possible.
Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and are the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery
4.2.3.2 The pressure gage should be calibrated prior to use
Systems.
at each of the required test pressures by using a Certified Dead
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2006. Published November 2006. Originally
Weight Gage calibrator or a suitable manometer capable of
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as E641 – 01. DOI:
10.1520/E0641-01R06. gage calibration.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E641 − 01 (2006)
4.2.4 Pressure Regulator,
4.2.5 Control Valves,
4.2.6 Inline Strainer,
4.2.7 Piping,
4.2.8 Union Tees,
4.2.9 Union Elbows.
4.3 General equipment and arrangement schematics used in
testing each of the performance criteria are as follows.
4.3.1 Discharge Rate:
4.3.1.1 Apparatus Schematic—See Fig. 1.
4.3.1.2 Cylinders, Graduated, sized to meet specific test
requirement.
4.3.1.3 Stop Watch, having 0.2-s resolution or better.
4.3.1.4 Collecting Vessel, glass, metal or plastic, sized to
meet test requirements.
4.3.1.5 Laboratory Beakers,
4.3.1.6 Flowmeter, Electronic or manual with accuracy of
63 % of scale
4.3.1.7 Balance, top loading with sensitivity of 60.01g or
better accuracy of 0.1g or better.
4.3.2 Spray angle:
4.3.2.1 Apparatus Schematic—See Fig. 2.
4.3.2.2 Spray Pattern Distribution Testing Table.
4.3.2.3 Spray Protractor, having a minimum arm length of
300-mm (12-in.).
4.3.3 Distribution:
FIG. 2 Spray Angle Test Equipment
4.3.3.1 Apparatus Schematic—See Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.
4.3.3.2 Spray Pattern Distribution Testing Table.
4.3.3.3 Spray Pattern Distribution Testing Racks, Troughs,
and Beakers.
4.3.3.4 Balance, as in 4.3.1.7.
4.3.3.5 Stop Watch, as in 4.3.1.3.
FIG. 1 Discharge Rate Test Equipment FIG. 3 Distribution Table
E641 − 01 (2006)
5. Spray Medium
5.1 It has been accepted practice to use clean, clear water as
a standard. However, testing procedures do not preclude using
these methods for other liquids.
5.2 Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be
understood to mean clean, clear, filtered water at a temperature
of 20 to 25°C (68 to 70°F).
6. Procedure
6.1 Pressure Adjustment:
6.1.1 Pump Method:
6.1.1.1 Add the spray media to the system.
6.1.1.2 With the recirculation valve open and the spray
valve closed, turn on the spray pump.
6.1.1.3 Open the spray valve and slowly close the recircu-
FIG. 4 Distribution Rack
lation valve until the desired spray pressure is reached.
6.1.2 Air Pressure Method:
6.1.2.1 Add the spray media to the system.
4.3.4 Particle Size—Sincethereisnoagreementonmethods
6.1.2.2 With both the spray valve and pressure regulator
of sampling and measurement, this section is omitted at this
closed, apply air pressure to the system.
time. (Note the section on reporting of measurements, 6.5.)
6.1.2.3 Open the spray valve and slowly open the pressure
4.3.5 Wearability:
regulator until the desired spray pressure is obtained.
4.3.5.1 Apparatus Schematic—See Fig. 5.
6.2 Discharge Rate:
4.3.5.2 Pressure Tank, with agitator and air regulator.
6.2.1 The discharge rate of a nozzle is normally denoted in
4.3.5.3 Wear Media.
volume-time units such as litres per minute, litres per second,
4.3.5.4 Imhoff Settling Cone, 1000-ml.
4.3.5.5 Spray Pattern Distribution Testing Table. or gallons per minute.
4.3.5.6 Spray Pattern Distribution Testing Racks, Troughs, 6.2.2 The discharge rate can be determined by a method
and Beakers.
such as an actual volume-time measurement, an actual weight-
4.3.5.7 Collection Vessel, as in 4.3.1.4. time measurement, or a volume-time measurement observed
4.3.5.8 Balance, as in 4.3.1.7.
directly from an accurately calibrated flow meter. The dis-
4.3.5.9 Stop Watch, as in 4.3.1.3. charge rate of the nozzle may determine what method of
4.3.5.10 Cylinder, as in 4.3.1.2.
measurement is practical. (See Fig. 1.)
4.3.5.11 Flowmeter, as in 4.3.1.6.
6.2.3 Volume-Time Measurement Method:
6.2.3.1 Adjust spray pressure to desired setting.
6.2.3.2 Pass water through the nozzle and collect it in a
clean, dry, graduated cylinder for an interval of at least 1 min,
as measured by a stop watch. The nozzle discharge during the
time interval should fill at least 75 % of the cylinder graduated
volume.
6.2.3.3 Readtheamountofwatercollecteddirectlyfromthe
graduated cylinder to the nearest units denoted, thereby pro-
viding the volume-time discharge rate.
6.2.3.4 Repeat this procedure three separate times and use
an average of the three observations as the measured discharge
rate.
6.2.3.5 Report—Nozzle type and size, test pressure, spray
time, average discharge rate, graduated cylinder capacity and
lowest unit of measure, and spray media.
6.2.4 Weight-Time Method:
6.2.4.1 Establish the tare weight of a collection vessel.
6.2.4.2 Adjust spray pressure to desired setting.
6.2.4.3 Spray water into the collection vessel for an interval
of at least 1 min, as timed by a stop watch.
6.2.4.4 Establish the net weight of the discharged water by
FIG. 5 Wearability Test Equipment reweighing the collection vessel to the nearest 0.1 g.The result
E641 − 01 (2006)
is a weight-time discharge rate that is mathematically con- 6.3.4 Width-of-Coverage Method:
verted to the volume-time values normally used to denote
6.3.4.1 Mount the nozzle at a predetermined distance above
discharge rate.
the spray distribution testing table.
6.3.4.2 Set the desired spray pressure as determined by the
L kg
5 31
specific spray application, according to the method given in
min min
6.1.
gal lb 1
5 3
S D
min min 8.32 6.3.4.3 Pass water through the nozzle for an interval of time
sufficient to define spray pattern. Allow the water to run down
6.2.4.5 Repeat this procedure three separate times and use
the “V” grooves on the table and collect in the graduated
an average of the three observations as the measured discharge
cylinders positioned under the grooves.
rate.
6.3.4.4 Determine the actual width of the spray pattern by
6.2.4.6 Report—Nozzle type and size, test pressure, spray
observing the cylinders outermost from the spray center
time, average discharge rate, net weight, net weight of dis-
retaining a sufficient amount of water to define the spray width.
charge, and spray media.
6.3.4.5 Obtain the effective spray angle by using the follow-
6.2.5 Flow Meter Method:
ing trigometric calculation:
6.2.5.1 Calibrate the flowmeter by an actual volume-time
procedure as described in 6.2.3. Exercise caution when using
2 3 tan 21 width/height
S S DD
flowmeters since water temperature, build up of mineral
deposits and age of meters can seriously alter accuracy.
6.4 Spray Volume Distribution:
6.2.5.2 Pass water directly through the flow meter at the
6.4.1 The relative volume distribution of a nozzle is deter-
desired test pressure to provide “direct” discharge rate read-
mined by dividing the width-of-spray pattern into equal seg-
ings. An average of at least two meter reading should be used
ments and comparing the amount of water collected in each
for determining the discharge rate. One reading should be
segment with those adjacent to it. The distribution is normally
taken by slowly increasing the pressure up to the desired test
represented in volumetric units such as milliliters per minute,
pressure. A second reading should be taken by increasing the
litres per minute, gallons per minute, or relative volumetric
pressure beyond the desired test pressure and slowly lowering
units.
the pressure back to the desired pressure.
6.4.2 The volume distribution of the four different types of
6.2.5.3 Report—Nozzle type and size, test pressure, spray
spray nozzles may be determined by an actual volume-time
time, average discharge rate, type and scale of flowmeter, and
measurement or a weight-time measurement.The size and type
spray media.
of nozzle may determine which method of measurement is
practical. The majority of the flat-fan type nozzles and the
6.3 Spray Angle:
cone-type nozzles would encourage the use of the volume-time
6.3.1 The spray angle of a nozzle is normally denoted in
method. Large capacity flat-fan type nozzles and the flooding
terms of degrees and is a measure of the angular segment
type nozzles would favor the weight-time method (see Fig. 3
formed by the nozzle orifice and the outermost edges of its
and Fig. 4).
generated spray.
6.4.3 Volume-Time Method:
6.3.2 The spray angle of the four different types of spray
nozzles can be determined by an angular measure using a 6.4.3.1 Mount the nozzle at a predetermined distance above
calibrated protractor or on a spray distribution testing table by the spray distribution testing table.
measuring the effective pattern width and using the spray
6.4.3.2 Set the desired spray pressure according to the
height to calculate the angle. The size of the nozzle may
method given in 6.1.
determine which method of measuring is practical. (See Fig.
6.4.3.3 Pass water through the nozzle for a short period of
2.)
time to allow the troughs to become wetted and provide
6.3.3 Angular Measurement:
uniform dripping from the valleys of the groves.To ensure that
6.3.3.1 Set the desired spray pressure, as determined by the no water enters the graduated tubes cylinders located at the end
specific spray application, according to the method given in
of the troughs during this process, a graduated tube holding
6.1. mechanism which allows the tubes cylinders to be quickly
6.3.3.2 Pass water through the nozzle and position the swung in and out of the spray’s run-off is used.
calibrated protractor above the spray.
6.4.3.4 Collect the water in the graduated tubes for a given
6.3.3.3 Open the protractor arms wider than the spray interval of time.
pattern to be measured and position the vertex of the angle as
6.4.3.5 In some cases it may be impractical to swivel the
close to the point of spray discharge as possible. Then slowly
tube holding mechanism. Under such circumstances it is
narrow the protractor’s arms to where they become parallel for
desirable to use a shutter-type procedure in conducting the
the longest distance with the edges of the spray pattern.
distribution test. Set the test pressure while diverting the spray
6.3.3.4 Read the relative spray angle directly from the away from the collection device until the pressure has stabi-
protractor.
lized.Thenquicklyreleasethedeflectiondeviceandcollectthe
6.3.3.5 Repeat this testing procedure three separate times spray for the approp
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