The effect of fan setting, air-conveyor orientation and nozzle configuration on airblast sprayer efficiency: Insights relevant to trellised vineyards

A step-by-step laboratory procedure was used to identify the optimal configuration of a tower-shaped trailed sprayer intended for application in vertical shoot trellised vineyards. Different fan settings, air-conveyor orientation, and nozzle were tested their effect on both airflow pattern spray distribution. The rate at outlet velocity crop target distance identified different settings obtained by combination two gear speeds three Power Take Off (450, 500 540 rev min ?1 ). difference between factory air deflector adjusted ones tested. Once setting selected, use 12 or 16 active nozzles 4 types also profiles determined based defined thresholds i) coefficient variation, ii) amount liquid lost above height iii) symmetry indices. low speed combined with PTO set 450 result best option reduce obtain adequate velocities. adjustment deflectors allowed exactly match canopy height. Concurrently, drastically reduced losses Finally, configurations out 18, featured type number nozzles, met all criteria profile. • Laboratory trials aimed find airblast vineyard performed. Optimal reducing rotation speed. right plays key role minimize losses. Four nozzles' able guaranteeing coverage uniformity. adopted objectively evaluate efficiency increase.