Technology

A new smart spraying system from Altek and Lykketronic offers automatic flow adjustment and turn compensation with conventional twin or quad nozzle bodies.

Unlike pulse width modulation, which changes the rate by rapidly switching nozzles on and off, the Smart C Spray 124 system uses GPS and algorithms to automatically adjust the amount of chemical dispensed along the length of the spray line.

For example, a progressively higher rate is used towards the tip of the outer boom when performing a turn to account for the higher speeds. It will also switch off any nozzles on the inside boom that happen to be travelling in reverse.

The system adjusts flow by automatically switching between nozzles or using a combination of all four – a process that takes a fraction of a second. It is compatible with all nozzle types, including air inclusion and twins, and operators can select which are most suitable for the water volumes, speeds and pressure ranges they would like to work at.

As well as turn compensation, auto nozzle switching works in the body of the field to ensure the most suitable size is used for the speed at a given time. This means a smaller nozzle can be selected for rough headlands or when accelerating, with a larger one, or a combination, taking over once up to speed. By employing multiple nozzles at one time, accurate spraying is theoretically possible at speeds of 20km/h or more.

Nozzle selection

The process of deciding which nozzle or combination of nozzles should be used at a given time is calculated by some ingenious software from Lykketronic.

This runs on the firm’s own 10in touch-screen terminal, but it can also feed into any ISObus spray controller, albeit with a slightly cruder set of graphics.

Calculations start by using a GPS fix – in this case from the firm’s own NavGuide receiver – to work out how tight the vehicle is turning. Based on this information and the width of the boom, some clever algorithms work out how fast each section of the boom will be travelling.

It will then select which nozzle or combination is the most appropriate for delivering the correct rate at each location. It isn’t quite clever enough to auto-detect nozzle types, but the operator just keys in which ones are fitted in each location. With the nozzle types, water volume, operation speeds and pressures entered it will also do a quick check to make sure there is sufficient overlap between nozzles to deliver a consistent rate.

CANbus control

Once the software has done its job, the switching signals are sent to each nozzle body via Lykketronic’s INC 2.0 modules.

One of these units can control two nozzle bodies (up to eight nozzles) typically set at 0.5m spacings. However, other less conventional setups can be used, which might require different length leads.

Although the process of switching nozzles sounds convoluted, it all takes place in just 0.2 of a second, so there is no discernible interruption to the spray pattern.

Unlike some systems with individually programmed modules, the INC 2.0 units are identical and self-assign their location as soon as they are connected. This makes installation straightforward, as they just need to be plugged together like a daisy chain. Flashing LEDs on each module show that they are working correctly and they will display any errors on the screen, along with the location of that error.

Blockage detection

This option also allows the system to detect blockages. By adding Altek’s line clamp flow meters to each body, the modules can spot any deviation in flow compared with other nozzles of the same size.

If the fluctuation drops below a certain percentage, the driver will be alerted that there is a blocked or partially blocked nozzle at that location.

The Smart C Spray 124 system is most effective with quad nozzle bodies, but it will also work with twins, albeit with a narrower speed and pressure range.

In operation, drivers can choose to run the system in three modes. Manual allows the selection of a single nozzle for jobs such as liquid fertiliser application, Auto switches on speed-related nozzle switching in the body of the field and Turn allows it to operate while cornering.

The system is available to order now and prices for retro-fit kits start at £25,000 for a 24m twin setup and £31,000 for a quad nozzle version.

Developed specifically for drift reduction with pulse width modulation (PWM), the new AccuPulse TwinJet nozzle from TeeJet uses a novel, patent-pending recirculating flow to improve spray distribution and create large droplets.

This provides a new option for PWM users looking for a replacement for existing air induction nozzles, which cannot be used with the system. This is because the pulsing – the quickly on/off switching, causes the venturi to break down and liquid can squirt out of the air inlets.

The non-air induction, twin spray tip forms two 110° patterns, spaced 60° apart and creates drift resistant, ultra coarse and coarse droplets. It has a suggested spray pressure range of 1.5-7 bar and is available in eight sizes from an 015 (green) to an 08 (white). Operating at 3 bar the 03 (blue) creates ultra coarse droplets, at flowrate of 117 litre/min at 12km/h.

Recirculating flow

To reduce drift the nozzle creates large drops, by passing the liquid through a flow control pre-orifice before it enters an induction chamber. Here it recirculates through special ducts before passing out through one of two concave exits. This process results in low velocity, ultra-coarse droplets.

TeeJet says the coverage, droplet size spectrum and twin spray pattern from AccuPulse make it ideal for a variety of pre- and post-applications of systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate.