ASTM E549-87(2008)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Preparing Field Sprayer Calibration Procedures
Standard Guide for Preparing Field Sprayer Calibration Procedures
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide provides information on the calibration of boom-type field sprayers used for broadcast, band, or row applications. It is easily adapted to boomless and air-carrier type sprayers for broadcast applications and to rotary atomizers such as spinning disks. A single calibration procedure that is applicable in all situations is not feasible because of the nature of the variables involved in pesticide application. Electronic controllers and other aids should be calibrated by one of these methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is for those who prepare field sprayer calibration procedures. The purpose is to encourage methods that will improve uniformity, accuracy, and safety of pesticide application with field sprayers.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, 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. For specific hazard statements see Section 4.
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Designation: E549 − 87(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
Preparing Field Sprayer Calibration Procedures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E549; 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 3.1.5 Timing Device—A watch with a sweep second hand,
or a stop watch.
1.1 This guide is for those who prepare field sprayer
calibration procedures. The purpose is to encourage methods
4. Hazards
that will improve uniformity, accuracy, and safety of pesticide
application with field sprayers. 4.1 A cautionary statement for the safe handling, storage,
and disposal of agricultural chemicals shall be included with
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
applicator calibration procedures.
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa- 4.2 Use water alone to calibrate the sprayer unless the flow
rate of the actual spray mixture varies more than 5 % from the
tion only and are not considered standard.
flow rate of water. (See 5.1.1.2.)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.3 Calibration with Actual Spray Mixture:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3.1 Wear suitable approved safety equipment and protec-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- tive clothing. Avoid contact with the spray.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
4.3.2 Avoid contamination of the area. Collect all nozzle
statements see Section 4. output. Calibrate only when the wind speed is below 8 km/h (5
mph).
2. Significance and Use
5. Recommendations
2.1 This guide provides information on the calibration of
boom-type field sprayers used for broadcast, band, or row
5.1 The volume of spray material applied to a given area
applications. It is easily adapted to boomless and air-carrier
depends on three variables. Each variable must be determined
typesprayersforbroadcastapplicationsandtorotaryatomizers
when developing a specific calibration procedure.
such as spinning disks. A single calibration procedure that is
5.1.1 Nozzle Flow Rate—The nozzle flow rate varies with
applicable in all situations is not feasible because of the nature
the following:
of the variables involved in pesticide application. Electronic
5.1.1.1 Nozzle Capacity—Select the orifice size that will
controllers and other aids should be calibrated by one of these
best fit the requirements of application, volume, pressure, and
methods.
ground speed.
5.1.1.2 Nature of Fluid—If the spray mixture will be altered
3. Apparatus
considerably by the addition of adjuvants, compare the flow
3.1 Apparatus needed will depend on the method of cali-
rate of the mixture to that of water. If the rate difference is 5 %
bration. Common items include the following:
or more, use the actual spray mixture in the calibration.
3.1.1 Measuring Device—Tape of at least 25 m (50 ft) in
5.1.1.3 Fluid Pressure—A constant pressure should be
length, or other suitable measuring devices.
maintained to achieve uniform application. Flow rate is gen-
3.1.2 Marking Devices—Stakes or flags for marking a
erally proportional to the square root of the pressure drop
measured course.
across the nozzle.
3.1.3 Container,largeenoughtocollectnozzleoutputfor30
5.1.2 Ground Speed of Sprayer—This does not apply to
s, and graduated to allow accuracy within 1 %.
ground-driven pumps. This parameter has an inverse relation-
3.1.4 Pressure Gage, accurate and of the proper range.
ship to the spray volume. It is the easiest factor to change for
minor corrections in the application rate. Ground speed should
be maintained uniformly for uniform application, even when
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on Pesticides,
Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agentsand is the direct responsibility of
ground-driven pumps or electronic controllers are used.
Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems.
5.1.3 Sprayed Width per Nozzle—Calibration procedures
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2008. Published November 2008. Originally
should be used to determine the amount (in litres or gallons) of
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as E549 – 87 (2002).
DOI: 10.1520/E0549-87R08. liquid applied per unit area (hectare or acre) actually treated
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E549 − 87 (2008)
with the agricultural chemical. For band application, the area ProcedureA, or (c) for a suitable given time such as 5 min. Use
treated is the area in the band and not the area of cropland an accurate liquid level mark, or fill the tank to overflowing
covered. Some pesticide recommendations are based on the before a calibration run; and then measure the amount required
area of cropland covered rather than the area actually sprayed. torefilltooverflowingaftertherun.Theboomandlinesshould
In thesecases,thespraywidthusedinthecalibrationshouldbe be full before and after operation. For accurate measurement,
based on the row spacing and not on the band width. See Note the sprayer must be in exactly the same position (preferably
in 7.1. level) before and after operation. Determine the spray applica-
tion rate using the equation in
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