Research and development of the cannon type orchard mistblower.
Kwangwaropas M., Onkong N.
Author Affiliation: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
Kasetsart Journal, Natural Sciences 29 : 219-230
Abstract : An orchard mist blower was designed and manufactured. The machine consisted of 2 centrifugal type blowers which were mounted in line on a trailer and driven by the p.t.o. of a 50 hp tractor. Two expansion chutes were put on both outlets in order to divide the air stream. The spray droplets were injected through the hollow cone nozzles by a hydraulic pump under 25 bar of fluid pressure. With blower capacities of 170 and 90 m³/min, the spray droplets were delivered quite uniformly by strong wind to cover the entire target area. When tested on mango (Mangifera indica) trees of height ~5 m, it was found that the density of droplets was about 58 drops/cm². The average time to cover one tree was about 7.2 s, with delivery of 2.0 litres of liquid. For better uniformity of droplet density, especially in large trees with dense foliage, it is recommended that both sides of the tree are sprayed, doubling the time taken and the amount of liquid consumed.