ASTM E550-87(1998)

Standard Guide for Preparing Granular Pesticide Ground Applicator Calibration Procedures

SCOPE
1.1 This guide is for those who prepare granular pesticide ground applicator calibration procedures. The purpose is to encourage methods that will improve uniformity and accuracy of application with granular applicators.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.  
1.3 The values stated in acceptable metric units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Mar-1998
• Technical Committee: E35 - Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents
• Drafting Committee: E35.22 - Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E550-87(2002) - Standard Guide for Preparing Granular Pesticide Ground Applicator Calibration Procedures
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact
ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 550 – 87 (Reapproved 1998)
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Guide for
Preparing Granular Pesticide Ground Applicator Calibration
Procedures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 550; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope tural chemicals shall be included with applicator calibration
procedures.
1.1 This guide is for those who prepare granular pesticide
ground applicator calibration procedures. The purpose is to
5. Recommendations
encourage methods that will improve uniformity and accuracy
5.1 The amount of granular material applied to a given area
of application with granular applicators.
is dependent on six factors. It is recommended that each of the
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
following variables be given consideration when developing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
specific calibration procedures:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1.1 Orifice Area—The area of the metering orifice must be
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
adjusted to regulate the flow rate. The orifice area is determined
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
by the orifice setting. Adjustments in the orifice setting should
statements see Section 4.
always be made in one direction only such as from closed to
1.3 The values stated in acceptable metric units are to be
open to reduce variability in output for a particular setting.
regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for
5.1.2 Ground Speed—A constant speed of the applicator
information only.
must be maintained for uniform application.
2. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—The flow of granules through the orifice is not necessarily
2.1 This guide covers the calibration of row, band, and
proportional to ground speed, even on applicators that use a rotor whose
speed varies with ground speed.
broadcast applicators. Attainment of accurate and more uni-
form application can reduce the quantity of active ingredient
5.1.3 Product—Each agricultural chemical applied requires
required for a given degree of control, thus improving envi-
a separate calibration since there is a wide variation in size,
ronmental quality and safety at a more economical cost. A
density, and shape of the granules. In addition, the nature of the
single-calibration procedure applicable in all situations is not
inert materials varies.
feasible because of the nature of the variables involved in
5.1.4 Width of Treatment—Calibration procedures should be
chemical applications.
used to determine the amount in kilograms (or pounds) applied
per unit area of surface in hectares (or acres) actually covered
3. Apparatus
with the agricultural chemical. For band application, the area
3.1 Apparatus needed will depend on the method of cali-
actually treated is the area in the band and not the area of
bration. Common equipment items include the following:
cropland covered. Some row crop recommendations are based
3.1.1 Measuring Device—Tape of at least 25 m (50 ft) in
on treating “in-the-row” rather than the area actually covered.
length, or other suitable measuring device.
In these cases, recommendations are generally based on the
3.1.2 Marking Devices—Stakes or flags for marking a
amount of granules per row length (grams per 100 m or ounces
measured course.
per 1000 ft of row).
3.1.3 Containers—Paper, cloth, or plastic bags to collect
5.1.5 Rotor Speed—Consult the manufacturer’s literature
granules.
for recommended rotor speeds that will give maximum effi-
3.1.4 Weighing Device—A scale for weighing granules in
ciency.
grams (or ounces) or kilograms (or pounds).
5.1.6 Climatic Conditions—Calibration adjustments must
be made for changes in flow due to temperature and humidity
4. Hazards
variations.
4.1 A cautionary statement for the safe handling of agricul-
6. Calibration Proc
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