scholarly journals Development and Prototype Testing of an Agricultural Nozzle Clog Detection Device

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61
Author(s):  
Chin Nee Vong ◽  
Peter Ako Larbi

HighlightsPrototypes of an agricultural nozzle clog detection system (for 18 nozzles) have been successfully developed.Spray quality characteristics (droplet size, pattern, and coverage) were not significantly affected when testing the device with extended-range nozzles (TeeJet XR8004).Most of the spray quality characteristics were significantly affected when testing the device with ultra low-drift nozzles (John Deere PSULDQ2004).Abstract. Agricultural nozzles are the main components that perform the spraying of agrochemicals, and their proper functionality is a key element for uniform spray application on crops. Because nozzles have small orifices, they can become clogged when there is debris from the agrochemical in the tank. Nozzle clogging during spray application results in poor pest and weed management and increased cost for re-spraying the affected crop row. Measures used to prevent nozzles from clogging include using screens or strainers to filter out debris before it reaches the nozzle tip, as well as performing regular checks on the nozzles. However, nozzle clogging still occurs during spraying despite the precautions taken. Thus, a device that can detect nozzle clogging during spraying is necessary to enable a quicker response that will ensure uniform application across each row of the crop. A novel, patented device for detecting clogged nozzles that is externally attachable to each nozzle on a sprayer boom was developed in the Precision Application Technology Lab at Arkansas State University. The main objective of this article is to present a general description of this prototype nozzle clog detection device and the nozzle clog detection system. Spray droplet size and pattern tests under controlled conditions and spray coverage tests under field conditions were conducted with and without the device to determine if there were significant differences in droplet size, spray pattern, or spray coverage between using and not using the device. The tests demonstrated that this new technology has potential for detecting clogged nozzles without significantly influencing spray quality for extended-range nozzles but not for ultra low-drift nozzles. To increase the reliability of the performance of this new technology, further improvements in the design need to be considered. Keywords: Clogged nozzle, Detection, Droplet size, Prototype device, Spray coverage, Spray pattern.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 7826
Author(s):  
Marco Grella ◽  
Antonio Miranda-Fuentes ◽  
Paolo Marucco ◽  
Paolo Balsari ◽  
Fabrizio Gioelli

Pneumatic spraying is especially sensitive to spray drift due to the production of small droplets that can be easily blown away from the treated field by the wind. Two prototypes of environmentally friendly pneumatic spouts were developed. The present work aims to check the effect of the spout modifications on the spray quality, to test the convenience of setting the liquid hose out of the spout in cannon-type and hand-type pneumatic nozzles and its effect on the droplet size, homogeneity and driftability in laboratory conditions. Laboratory trials simulating a real sprayer were conducted to test the influence of the hose insertion position (HP), including conventional (CP), alternative (AP), outer (OP) and extreme (XP), as well as the liquid flow rate (LFR) and the airflow speed (AS) on the droplet size (D50, D10 and D90), homogeneity and driftability (V100). Concurrently, the droplet size spectra obtained by the combination of aforementioned parameters (HP × LFR × AS) in both nozzles were also classified according to the ASABE S572.1. Results showed a marked reduction of AS outside the air spout, which led to droplet size increase. This hypothesis was confirmed by the droplet size spectra measured (D50, D10, D90 and V100). A clear influence of HP was found on every dependent variable, including those related with the droplet size. In both nozzles, the longer the distance to CP, the coarser the sprayed drops. Moreover, LFR and AS significantly increased and reduced droplet size, respectively. A higher heterogeneity in the generated drops was obtained in XP. This position yielded V100 values similar to those of the hydraulic low-drift nozzles, showing an effective drift reduction potential. The classification underlines that the variation of HP, alongside AS and LFR, allowed varying the spray quality from very fine to coarse/very coarse, providing farmers with a wide range of options to match the drift-reducing environmental requirements and the treatment specifications for every spray application.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sekhar ◽  
K. Sasirekha ◽  
P. S. Raja ◽  
K. Thangavel

Abstract Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) have received more attention to safeguarding the vital information in a network system of an organization. Generally, the hackers are easily entering into a secured network through loopholes and smart attacks. In such situation, predicting attacks from normal packets is tedious, much challenging, time consuming and highly technical. As a result, different algorithms with varying learning and training capacity have been explored in the literature. However, the existing Intrusion Detection methods could not meet the desired performance requirements. Hence, this work proposes a new Intrusion Detection technique using Deep Autoencoder with Fruitfly Optimization. Initially, missing values in the dataset have been imputed with the Fuzzy C-Means Rough Parameter (FCMRP) algorithm which handles the imprecision in datasets with the exploit of fuzzy and rough sets while preserving crucial information. Then, robust features are extracted from Autoencoder with multiple hidden layers. Finally, the obtained features are fed to Back Propagation Neural Network (BPN) to classify the attacks. Furthermore, the neurons in the hidden layers of Deep Autoencoder are optimized with population based Fruitfly Optimization algorithm. Experiments have been conducted on NSL_KDD and UNSW-NB15 dataset. The computational results of the proposed intrusion detection system using deep autoencoder with BPN are compared with Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN), BPN, and Autoencoder with Softmax. Article Highlights A hybridized model using Deep Autoencoder with Fruitfly Optimization is introduced to classify the attacks. Missing values have been imputed with the Fuzzy C-Means Rough Parameter method. The discriminate features are extracted using Deep Autoencoder with more hidden layers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1549-1558
Author(s):  
Daran R. Rudnick ◽  
Matt Stockton ◽  
Saleh Taghvaeian ◽  
Jason Warren ◽  
Michael D. Dukes ◽  
...  

HIGHLIGHTSUniversity extension has been playing a larger role, serving a larger number of irrigated farms.Extension programs in irrigation water management (IWM) have been transitioning away from lectures and field tours as the primary means of knowledge transfer.New IWM programs focus on experiential learning, development of practitioner networks, and industry participation.Abstract. Promotion and adoption of irrigation water management (IWM) technology, tools, and best management practices are important as water availability concerns are addressed. Traditional extension programs have relied on lecture presentations, field tours, fact sheets, and on-station demonstrations to promote IWM practices and tools. However, these platforms tend not to provide the experience and opportunity for growers to identify and become comfortable with innovative solutions, such as new technology. To address these challenges and to appeal to an ever-changing client base, innovative and locally relevant extension and outreach programs have been devised to engage and educate growers. This article describes some of these programs that extend beyond previous traditional programs to connect growers with IWM. Keywords: Demonstrations, Experiential learning, Grower competition, Outreach, Practitioner networks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 1635-1646
Author(s):  
Emilio Gil ◽  
Mariana Bueno ◽  
Javier Campos ◽  
Montserrat Gallart ◽  
Joao P. A. R. Da Cunha

HighlightsHorizontal distribution according ISO Standard 16119 is a measurement procedure to evaluate boom sprayers.ISO Standards 5682-1 and 5682-2 establish technical requirements for horizontal patternators.In this study, three types of patternators were evaluated to test their capability to meet the standards.The evaluated patternators showed similar results for spray distribution patterns.Minor deviations from ISO Standard 5682 did not imply differences according ISO Standard 16119.Abstract. Uniformity of spray volume distribution is one of the officially established measurements for the evaluation of horizontal boom sprayers according to ISO Standard 16119 and requirements established by ISO Standard 16122. Measurement of spray distribution patterns requires the use of specific devices such as horizontal patternators, which are included in the technical specifications for ISO Standards 5682-1 and 5682-2. Three such devices were tested, including two manual patternators (fixed and mobile) and one electronic patternator. According to information provided by the manufacturers, all three patternators align with ISO requirements. This study evaluated and compared the results obtained with the three patternators. Specifically, the horizontal distributions measured by the patternators were evaluated and compared using four nozzle types (XR 11003, AIXR 11003, TTJ60 11003, and AITTJ60 11003), three boom heights, and three operating pressures. Tests were conducted to quantify single-nozzle spray patterns, the coefficient of variation (CV) of the entire boom distribution, the liquid recovery capability of the three patternators, and the ability to simulate the entire boom spray distribution from a single-nozzle spray pattern. Results demonstrated correct functioning of all three patternators, resulting in identical conclusions considering the requirements established in the ISO standards. The CV values of the horizontal distributions were less than 10% for all cases. Moreover, the trends in values for all the evaluated factors (nozzle type, boom height, and operating pressure) were the same, independent of the patternator used. Keywords: ISO 16119, ISO 16122, ISO 5682, Liquid recovery, Nozzle spray pattern, Patternator, Spray boom, Transverse distribution, Uniformity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-176
Author(s):  
Lisa Gardiner

SUMMARYSexual and relationships difficulties are not uncommon among psychiatric patients. A presenting complaint of anxiety or depression may relate to an underlying sexual or relationship difficulty; commonly used psychotropic medications cause sexual side-effects that can have a significant impact quality of life, relationship maintenance and treatment adherence; patients may exhibit unusual or excessive sexual behaviours when acutely unwell, including risky use of apps to meet sexual partners and accessing online pornography in unsafe ways; patients may have used technology such as the internet to harm others or they may be victims of such harm; the internet and social media might even be influencing sexual expression, for example gender identity. Therefore, psychosexual history-taking remains a key competency for psychiatrists. They must also understand the new language used to describe sexuality, sexual behaviours and the use of social media, apps and so on to form relationships. This article outlines the key areas to consider in carrying out a structured psychosexual assessment. It also gives an overview of current sexual terminology, observed influences of the internet on sexuality and sexual behaviour, and its implications for mental health and potential sexual offending.LEARNING OBJECTIVESAfter reading this article you will be able to: •outline a framework for psychosexual history-taking•recognise emerging terminology relating to sexual behaviours and identity•understand the relevance of the internet, social media and technology-based apps to human relationships, including the use of technology in sexual offendingDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadeem Abbasi ◽  
Irfan Ali ◽  
Ishfaq Hafiz ◽  
Mekhled Alenazi ◽  
Muhammad Shafiq

The peach industry faces serious economic losses because of the short “green” life of the fruit at postharvest. In the present study, we investigated the effects of putrescine (PUT) application on the quality characteristics, pattern of ripening, storage behaviour and shelf life of peach fruit during low-temperature storage. The aqueous solution of PUT (0, 1, 2 and 3 mM) was applied to the peach trees at three distinctive stages of fruit growth and development. The fruits, harvested at the commercial stage of maturity, were stored at 1 ± 1 °C and 90 ± 2% relative humidity for 6 weeks. The data for fruit firmness, total soluble solids (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AsA) content, rate of ethylene production, chilling injury (CI) index and colour perception were collected at harvest and then on a weekly basis throughout the storage period. The results showed that spray application of PUT significantly reduced the incidence of CI and reduced the rates of fruit softening, loss in fruit weight, SSC, TA, AsA content and fading of skin colour during storage, regardless of the doses of PUT applied, or the time of application. However, the positive effects on the quality characteristics of peach fruit, including CI, were more pronounced with the higher doses of PUT, specifically when applied at 2 mM. In conclusion, CI in peach fruit may be substantially alleviated by the spray application of 1–3 mM PUT during fruit growth without compromising the quality of the fruit for up to 6 weeks in low-temperature storage.


1997 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Mueller ◽  
Alvin R. Womac

When spray mixtures were examined using a laser spray droplet analyzer, the new isopropylamine glyphosate formulation produced more small droplets than a previous isopropylamine salt of glyphosate formulation or glyphosate–trimesium plus nonionic surfactant. The use of a pre-orifice flat-fan nozzle and an impact type flat-fan nozzle reduced the amount of small droplets produced compared to an existing extended range flat-fan nozzle, while maintaining a spray droplet distribution that could still provide good weed control. The new nozzle technologies could provide a useful management tool to manage potential drift situations.


Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ondřej Krištof ◽  
Pavel Bulejko ◽  
Tomáš Svěrák

Spiral nozzles are widely used in wet scrubbers to form an appropriate spray pattern to capture the polluting gas/particulate matterwith the highest possible efficiency. Despite this fact, and a fact that it is a nozzle with a very atypical spray pattern (a full cone consisting of three concentric hollow cones), very limited amount of studies have been done so far on characterization of this type of nozzle. This work reports preliminary results on the spray characteristics of a spiral nozzle used for gas absorption processes. First, we experimentally measured the pressure impact footprint of the spray generated. Then effective spray angles were evaluated from the photographs of the spray and using the pressure impact footprint records via Archimedean spiral equation. Using the classical photography, areas of primary and secondary atomization were determined together with the droplet size distribution, which were further approximated using selected distribution functions. Radial and tangential spray velocity of droplets were assessed using the laser Doppler anemometry. The results show atypical behavior compared to different types of nozzles. In the investigated measurement range, the droplet-size distribution showed higher droplet diameters (about 1 mm) compared to, for example, air assisted atomizers. It was similar for the radial velocity, which was conversely lower (max velocity of about 8 m/s) compared to, for example, effervescent atomizers, which can produce droplets with a velocity of tens to hundreds m/s. On the contrary, spray angle ranged from 58° and 111° for the inner small and large cone, respectively, to 152° for the upper cone, and in the measured range was independent of the inlet pressure of liquid at the nozzle orifice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1447-1453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Richardson ◽  
Carol A. Rolando ◽  
Mark O. Kimberley ◽  
Tara M. Strand

HighlightsThe swath pattern was measured from an Agras MG-1 UAV spraying fine and extra-coarse droplet spectra.The recommended lane separation of 3.6 m did not differ for the two droplet size classes tested in this study.The applied spray deposited within the swath was higher with extra-coarse (>90%) than with fine (73%) droplets.There was potential for substantial downwind drift with fine droplets, even when flying close to the ground at low speed.Abstract. While there is increasing interest in the use of small, multi-rotor UAVs for application of agrichemicals, there is also uncertainty about their performance. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to quantify the performance of an Agras MG-1 with modified nozzle positions that, at the time of writing, was being used for commercial spraying in New Zealand. The approach was to release spray from the UAV along a single 50 m line. Spray deposits were measured using horizontal collectors placed on the ground in three 15 m transects centered on, and perpendicular to, the flight line. Airborne deposits were measured with a 10 m mast that supported spherical samplers at 1 m vertical intervals. Analysis of deposition data was undertaken to quantify factors influencing overall swath pattern variability, lane separation associated with a coefficient of variation (CV) of deposition of 30%, and spray application efficiency, which is the proportion of applied spray deposited within the swath. For two droplet size classes (extra-coarse and fine), the lane separation associated with a CV of 30% was about 3.6 m, with no significant effect of droplet size. This is a surprising result and may reflect the relatively small range of environmental conditions experienced during the field tests, including wind speed, which was relatively low for all tests. We speculate that this result may also be a consequence of the strong downwash. The swath width was positively correlated with wind speed. Spray efficiency was shown to be high (>90%) for the extra-coarse droplets but dropped significantly (73%) with the fine droplet spectrum. Combining in-swath deposition with the amount of airborne spray sampled in a 10 m vertical profile close to the edge of the swath accounted for 98.0% of the spray released with the extra-coarse spectrum but only 88.6% of the spray with the fine droplet spectrum. These results highlight that even with UAVs flying relatively close to the ground at a low forward speed, there is potential for substantial drift downwind of the swath when using smaller droplet size classes. Overall, the swath pattern was reasonably consistent across the two droplet size classes and for the narrow range of operational and meteorological conditions tested. Keywords: Aerial spraying, Pesticides, Spray application efficiency, Spray deposition, Swath pattern, UAV, Unmanned aerial vehicle.


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