Method for controlling the flow of a fluid in a spraying system.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling fluid flow in a spraying system comprising a boom including a nozzle, supply means, at least one pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal generator, and a pressure sensor. The method comprises the following steps: a) setting a reference pressure (Pr); b) calculating a percentage flow reduction to be applied as a function of said pressure (Pr), said percentage flow reduction corresponding to the expected flow rate; c) generating a control signal corresponding to said expected flow rate; d) spraying a liquid, while measuring the supply pressure (Pt) of said nozzle; e) measuring the flow rate of liquid supplied to the boom; f) determining the flow rate of liquid exiting said nozzle; g) modifying the generator control based on a comparison between the determined exiting liquid flow rate and the expected flow rate. Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Method for controlling the circulation of a fluid in a spraying system. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic method for determining at least one modeling parameter of a fluid spraying system. Such a fluid allows the treatment of soil or crops; it may be a fertilizer or a phytosanitary product, for example. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the field of spraying fluid and in particular phytosanitary product in liquid form, for the treatment of soil or crops, it is known to carry on a motorized vehicle, such as a tractor, a spraying system comprising a spray boom. Agricultural spray booms generally comprise nozzle holders distributed uniformly over the entire length of the spray boom, for spraying phytosanitary product in liquid form on rows of plants by means of spray nozzles.

[0003] According to the manufacturer's instructions for this liquid, a certain dose must be applied per hectare and the flow rate of the liquid to be supplied to the boom is calculated according to the working width of the boom and the speed of the machine on which the spraying system is mounted. It is known to adapt the flow rate of product supplied to the boom according to the speed of the machine, in order to obtain a dose per hectare that is as constant as possible.

[0004] The flow rate of phytosanitary product supplied to the boom can be measured using a flow meter which takes a direct reading of the flow rate of liquid circulating in a supply line of the boom. This type of measurement requires the number of nozzles of the boom actually used to be constantly recorded, this number being able to vary during a spraying operation, in particular to take into account the actual geometry of the field being treated, this field not necessarily being rectangular and not necessarily having a width which is a multiple of the total length of the boom.

[0005] It is known from patent FR2995179 that the pressure of the phytosanitary product supplied to the boom can, like the flow rate of said product, be adapted to the boom according to the speed of the machine, in order to obtain a controlled dose per hectare. The technologies used for pressure regulation are different from those used for flow rate regulation. Pressure regulation of the phytosanitary product allows better spraying precision than regulation by flow meter for low flow rates.

[0006] In addition, pulse width modulation coils can be added to the spraying system to maintain a constant pressure of the liquid sprayed through the nozzles throughout the spraying, while allowing modulation of the liquid flow rate. However, said pulse width modulation coils generate a non-linearity between the pulse width control and the liquid sprayed by the nozzles. Depending on the user's needs, the liquid sprayed can vary, as can the type of nozzles. Thus, the spray correction curve to compensate for this non-linearity of the flow rate can also vary depending on the liquid sprayed or the type of nozzle. It is therefore not possible to know and adjust, in real time, the spraying according to the specific use.

[0007] The invention aims to resolve the drawbacks of the state of the art, in particular by proposing an automatic method for determining at least one modeling parameter of a liquid spraying system integrating a pulse width modulation generator of a control signal allowing spraying work at constant pressure but at a modulatable flow rate, in real time, depending on a specific use. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] More specifically, the invention relates to a method for controlling the circulation of fluid in a spraying system. In particular, said system comprises a spraying ramp comprising at least one spraying nozzle, means for supplying said nozzle with liquid and at least one control unit configured to control the supply means as a function of a set value of the supply pressure of said at least one nozzle with liquid. Said spraying system comprises at least one pulse width modulation generator of at least one control signal and at least one pressure sensor. Said method comprises the following steps: a. setting a reference supply pressure of said at least one nozzle; b. calculate a percentage of flow reduction to be applied based on said reference pressure by means of said control unit, said percentage of flow reduction corresponding to the expected flow; then c. generate a control signal corresponding to said expected flow rate, by means of said control unit; d. spraying a liquid, using the reference pressure as the supply set pressure of said at least one nozzle and measuring the supply pressure of said at least one nozzle; e. measure by means of a flow meter a flow rate of feed liquid of the ramp; f. determining the flow rate of liquid exiting said at least one nozzle; g. change the pulse width modulation generator control to based on a comparison between the determined outgoing liquid flow rate and the expected flow rate.

[0009] Advantageously, the method comprises, following step e) and before step f), a step e') measuring, by means of another flow meter, a continuous circulation return flow rate, step f) then being carried out by the difference between the measured feed flow rate and the measured continuous circulation return flow rate.

[0010] The pulse width modulation generator of a control signal allows spraying at constant pressure and at a modulatable flow rate, in real time, depending on the need.

[0011] In the case of non-continuous fluid circulation in the spraying system, the flow meter measures the flow rate of liquid supplying the spray bar. The determined flow rate of liquid leaving the nozzle or nozzles corresponds, in this case, to the flow rate measured by the flow meter, i.e. the flow rate of liquid supplying the bar because there is no return to the tank.

[0012] The expected flow rate corresponds to a calculated flow rate, pre-recorded and readjusted according to real-time data such as speed, dose per hectare, etc. The control of the pulse width modulation generator is therefore modified according to the comparison between the liquid flow rate measured by the flow meter supplying the spray boom and the calculated liquid flow rate. This calculated flow rate can change according to different parameters, such as for example the forward speed of the agricultural machine.

[0013] In the case of continuous fluid circulation in the spraying system, the flow meter measures the flow rate of the liquid supplying the spray bar and the other flow meter measures the flow rate of the liquid of the continuous circulation return, i.e. the flow rate of the liquid which has not been sprayed by the spray nozzle or nozzles. The determined flow rate of liquid leaving the nozzle or nozzles corresponds, in this case, to the difference between the flow rate measured by the first flow meter (the one measuring the flow rate of the liquid supplying the spray bar) and the flow rate measured by the other flow meter (the one measuring the flow rate of the liquid of the continuous circulation return). The flow rate of liquid sprayed by the spray nozzle or nozzles is thus determined, in real time.The control of the pulse width modulation generator is therefore modified according to the comparison between the liquid flow rate measured by the first flow meter supplying the spray bar and the liquid flow rate measured by the other continuous circulation return flow meter.

[0014] Advantageously, the spray bar of the spray system comprises a plurality of spray nozzles and the flow rate of outgoing liquid determined during step f) is determined for the entire ramp.

[0015] The plurality of spray nozzles makes it possible to cover an area that can be adapted according to the user's needs. The nozzles of the plurality of nozzles are spaced apart from each other, so as to cover said area but their spacing also makes it possible to adapt to the need, for example by allowing a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the user's crop rows to allow row spraying or inter-row spraying. The flow rate of outgoing liquid is determined for the entire boom, that is to say it is determined in real time, whether in the case of continuous circulation of fluid in the spraying system or non-continuously, the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the spray nozzles.The control of the pulse width modulation generator is therefore modified according to the comparison between the liquid flow rate measured by the first flow meter supplying the spray boom for the entire boom and the calculated liquid flow rate or the liquid flow rate measured by the other flow meter for continuous circulation return.

[0016] Advantageously, a pulse width modulation generator of at least one control signal is associated with each of the nozzles of the plurality of spray nozzles.

[0017] Individual control of each of the nozzles is therefore permitted.

[0018] Advantageously, the boom comprises at least two boom sections, each boom section comprising at least one spray nozzle and in that steps b), c), d), e), f) and g) are implemented section by section.

[0019] The distribution by section allows spraying adapted to the user's needs and / or according to the liquid to be sprayed.

[0020] Advantageously, steps a) to g) are repeated for several reference pressure values.

[0021] Advantageously, the method is implemented automatically by means of a computer.

[0022] The invention also relates to a spraying system on board a rolling machine for implementing a method as previously described. The spraying system comprises: • at least one tank of liquid to be sprayed; • at least one spray bar comprising at least one spray nozzle; • means for supplying the ramp from said tank; • a pulse width modulation generator of at least one signal of order ; • a sensor for the pressure of the liquid in a supply pipe of the ramp; • a flow meter configured to measure the flow of treatment product feeding the ramp; • a control unit configured to: • determine the flow rate of liquid exiting said at least one nozzle; • determine a set value (Pc) for the supply pressure of the ramp with liquid to be sprayed as a function, on the one hand, of a set value for the flow rate of liquid to be sprayed and, on the other hand, of the determined flow rate of outgoing liquid; and • control the ramp supply means according to the pressure setpoint value

[0023] The spraying system of the invention allows spraying of the liquid according to the method described above.

[0024] Advantageously, the system further comprises another continuous circulation return flow meter, the control unit then determining the flow rate of liquid leaving said at least one nozzle as the difference between the flow rate of liquid supplying the ramp measured by the flow meter and the continuous circulation return flow rate measured by the other flow meter.

[0025] Advantageously, the spray bar comprises a plurality of spray nozzles, a pulse width modulation generator of at least one control signal being associated with each of the nozzles of the plurality of spray nozzles. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and in which:

[0027] [Fig.l] is a schematic diagram of the spraying system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] is a block diagram of the method for controlling the fluid circulation of the spray system of [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig. 3] is a schematic diagram of the spraying system according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] [Fig.4] is a variant of the block diagram of the method for controlling the fluid circulation of the spraying system of [Fig.2].

[0031] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable the invention to be implemented; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The invention relates to a method for controlling the circulation of fluid in a spraying system 1.

[0033] According to a first embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 1], the spraying system 1 comprises at least one tank 2 of liquid to be sprayed, a spraying boom 3 and means for supplying the spraying boom 3 from the tank 2.

[0034] The spray boom 3 is intended to be carried or towed by a vehicle, in particular an agricultural machine, here an agricultural sprayer.

[0035] The ramp 3 comprises a main conduit 6 intended to convey the liquid transmitted by the supply means of the spray ramp 3 from the tank 2, to at least one spray nozzle 4 connected to the spray ramp 3.

[0036] As shown in [Fig.l], the spray bar 3 comprises a plurality of sections 5, here three sections 5, and a plurality of spray nozzles 4. The spray nozzles 4 are distributed over each of the sections 5.

[0037] In a first embodiment, as shown in [Fig.l], each section 5 of the spray bar 3 comprises the same number of spray nozzles 4, here three spray nozzles 4.

[0038] In another embodiment not shown, the sections may comprise a different number of spray nozzles.

[0039] In particular, the main conduit 6 connects the tank 2 to a set 8 of solenoid valves intended to control the supply of liquid to the spray bar 3.

[0040] The main conduit 6 comprises a first conduit portion 60 which connects the tank 2 to a pump 7, for example a volumetric pump, a second conduit portion 61 which connects the outlet of the pump 7 and a valve 9, which selectively supplies a third conduit portion 62 of the main conduit 6 or a conduit 63 for returning liquid to the tank 2. The valve 9 can be a three-way valve or a two-way valve.

[0041] The set 8 of solenoid valves here comprises three solenoid valves: a first solenoid valve 80, a second solenoid valve 81, a third solenoid valve 82, respectively controlling the circulation of the liquid from the main conduit 6 to one of the sections 5, through a pipe 83.

[0042] As examples, the solenoid valves 80, 81, 82 may be flap valves or any other type.

[0043] According to a variant not illustrated, the solenoid valves of the set of solenoid valves 8 intended to control the supply of liquid to the spray bar 3 are replaced by a manifold which directly supplies the spray nozzles 4.

[0044] The term feeder corresponds to a tubular device provided with connections, allowing several circuits, here several spray nozzles, to be supplied by each of its connections, from a central point.

[0045] The spraying system 1 further comprises a control unit 10 capable of controlling the set of solenoid valves 8, the pump 7, the valve 9.

[0046] In particular, the control unit 10 is configured to transmit a control signal S1 to the set of solenoid valves 8, a control signal S2 to the pump 7 and a control signal S3 to the valve 9.

[0047] The control unit 10 comprises a memory 100 and a calculator 101 configured to allow the performance of logical and arithmetic operations.

[0048] In this first embodiment, the spraying system 1 further comprises a pulse width modulation generator of a control signal, a liquid pressure sensor in a supply conduit of the ramp 3 and a flow meter 13.

[0049] The control unit 10 is capable of controlling the pulse width modulation generator.

[0050] The spraying system 1 is mounted on a machine such as an agricultural tractor T provided with at least one wheel R.

[0051] The spraying system 1 comprises a sensor 11 for the rotation of the wheel R which transmits to the control unit 10 an electrical signal S4 representative of the rotation of the wheel R. Knowing the dimensions of the wheel R, the control unit 10 can deduce therefrom the speed of movement of the tractor T as well as the distance traveled from a point of origin.

[0052] According to a variant, the speed of movement of the tractor T can be determined by means of a radar or a satellite positioning system (GPS) for example.

[0053] The spraying system 1 comprises a sensor 12 for measuring the pressure of the treatment liquid in the third portion of conduit 62 of the main conduit 6.

[0054] The flow meter 13 is configured to detect the flow rate of treatment product or liquid in the main conduit 6, supplying the spray bar 3.

[0055] The sensor 12 and the flow meter 13 each transmit an electronic signal S5, respectively S6, to the control unit 10.

[0056] The signals SI to S6 can be transmitted by power lines or by wireless communication means, for example by radio.

[0057] The pulse width modulation generator makes it possible to maintain the pressure of the liquid circulating in the main conduit 6 while allowing its flow rate to be modulated.

[0058] The control unit 10 makes it possible to control the pump 7 and the valve 9 as a function of a set value of the supply pressure of the set of solenoid valves 8 in liquid treatment product. However, the pump 7 can be, for example, manually controlled by the user. Thus, the starting of the pump 7 and its control can be carried out by various means.

[0059] The pressure sensor 12 makes it possible to send a return signal, or feedback signal, to the control unit 10, since it delivers a signal representative of the pressure in the third portion of conduit 62 of the main conduit 6, the pressure in this third portion of conduit 62 being able to be considered as equal to the supply pressure of the set of solenoid valves 8.

[0060] The regulation used in the spraying system 1 is based on a modeling of the operation of each nozzle 4 where the flow rate in liters / minute is considered to be proportional to the square root of the pressure in bars.

[0061] When commissioning the spraying system 1, the method represented by the block diagram of [Fig.2] is implemented.

[0062] In a first step 1000, a value is set for a reference pressure Pr for supplying the nozzles 4.

[0063] In a second step 1010, the control unit 10 calculates a percentage of flow reduction to be applied as a function of the reference pressure Pr. The percentage of flow reduction corresponds to the expected flow rate.

[0064] The expected flow rate here corresponds to a calculated, pre-recorded flow rate. This flow rate can be readjusted based on real-time data such as speed, dose per hectare, etc.

[0065] Then, said control unit 10 generates a control signal SI to each section 5 of spray bar 3, then, each pulse width modulation generator associated with each of the spray nozzles 4 generates a control signal S101 with a chopping frequency corresponding to the expected flow rate.

[0066] It should be noted that the control signal generated by each pulse width modulation generator associated with each of the spray nozzles 4 may be different.

[0067] In a third step 1020, the spraying system 1 sprays liquid using the reference pressure Pr as the set pressure Pc for supplying the nozzles 4. In other words, the valve 9 is controlled to supply the nozzles 4 with a pressure Pr delivered to the assembly 8. It is considered here that the pressure in the third portion of conduit 62 is equal or substantially equal to the supply pressure of the nozzles 4, the pressure losses in the valves 80 to 82 and in the conduits 83 being taken into account in the prior calibration of the pressure sensor 12.

[0068] When the system 1 is operating in steady state, and while the nozzles 4 are spraying liquid, the flow meter 13 is used to measure the total effective flow rate of liquid in the main conduit 6 of the ramp 3. It provides a corresponding signal S6 to the unit control 10.

[0069] At the same time, throughout step 1020, the sensor 12 provides the control unit 10 with a signal S5 representative of the supply pressure of the nozzles 4. In established operation, the value of the total measured pressure Pt transmitted by the signal S5 must be equal to the value of the set pressure Pc, within measurement tolerances.

[0070] In a fourth step 1030, the control unit 10 determines the flow rate of liquid leaving the nozzles 4 as being the flow rate of liquid feeding the ramp. This flow rate determination is carried out on the basis of the signal S6.

[0071] At the end of this step and during step 1040, the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the nozzles 4 is therefore determined, taking into account the value of the reference pressure Pr set in step 1000, directly or through the pressure Pt, and for the entire spray bar 3, considering that the nozzles 4 all behave in the same way.

[0072] From the previously calculated representative value of the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the nozzles, the control signal of the pulse width modulation generator is modified according to the expected flow rate which is the calculated flow rate. The modification of the control signal, in other words its correction, is represented by the numerical reference 105 in [Fig.2].

[0073] It is noted that the method of [Fig.2] can be carried out completely automatically, by means of a computer configured for this purpose, since the operator only needs to launch step 1000 for the following steps to take place automatically.

[0074] Furthermore, the selection of the reference pressure in step 1000 can take place automatically, on the basis of one or more values ​​stored in the memory 100. Furthermore, the steps of controlling and calculating the method of the invention are carried out by the computer 101 and the value(s) of the flow rate calculated as a result of this method is or are stored in the memory 100, for later use.

[0075] In summary, this first embodiment corresponds to the case where the circulation of fluid in the spraying system 1 is non-continuous. The flow meter 13 measures the flow rate of liquid supplying the spray bar 3. The then determined flow rate of liquid leaving the spray nozzles 4 corresponds to the flow rate of liquid measured by the flow meter 13, that is to say the flow rate of liquid supplying the spray bar 3. The expected flow rate here corresponds to a calculated flow rate, pre-recorded in the control unit 10. The flow rate measured by the flow meter 13 is then compared with said calculated flow rate. The control of the pulse width modulation generator is therefore modified as a function of this comparison between the flow rate of liquid measured by the flow meter 13 supplying the spray bar 3 and the calculated liquid flow rate.

[0076] The calculated flow rate can vary depending on different parameters, such as the forward speed of the agricultural machine.

[0077] Alternatively, the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the nozzles 4 can be determined for each boom section 5. To do this, steps 1000 to 1040 are implemented boom section 5 after boom section 5, by selectively opening and closing the solenoid valves 80, 81, 82.

[0078] This approach increases the precision of the determination of the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the nozzles 4 and, consequently, of the correction obtained thanks to the unit 10 when the latter controls the valve 9 and the assembly 8, taking into account the feedback signal S5 delivered by the sensor 12.

[0079] A set value for the dose of liquid per hectare Q can be supplied to the unit 10 in the form of an electronic signal Sq, the computer 100 is capable of determining, at each instant during operation of the system 1, and as a function of the working width of the boom 3 and the forward speed of the tractor T, an instantaneous set flow rate of product to be sprayed.

[0080] Steps 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 and 105 can, also in this variant, be implemented in a fully automatic manner.

[0081] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.3].

[0082] This second mode corresponds to the case of continuous fluid circulation. in the spray system 1.

[0083] The common parts between the first embodiment and the second embodiment have the same numerical references.

[0084] This mode is similar to the first embodiment except that the main conduit 6 connects the tank 2 to a manifold 84 intended to control the supply of liquid to the spray bar 3, rather than a set of solenoid valves.

[0085] In this mode, the spraying system 1 further comprises another flow meter 14.

[0086] The flow meter 14 is a continuous circulation return flow meter and configured to detect the flow rate of treatment product or liquid not sprayed by each boom section 5, and therefore by the spray boom 3.

[0087] The flow meter 14 transmits an electronic signal S7 to the control unit 10.

[0088] Signal S7, like signals SI to S6, can be transmitted by lines electrical or by wireless means of communication, for example by radio.

[0089] When commissioning the spraying system 1, the method shown in the block diagram of [Fig.2] is also implemented.

[0090] In the first step 1000, a value is set for a reference pressure Pr for supplying the nozzles 4.

[0091] In the second step 1010, the control unit 10 calculates a percentage of flow reduction to be applied according to the reference pressure Pr. The percentage of flow reduction corresponds to the expected flow.

[0092] Then the control unit 10 can generate a control signal SI to each section 5 of the ramp, then each pulse width modulation generator associated with each of the spray nozzles 4 generates a control signal S101 with a chopping frequency corresponding to the expected flow rate.

[0093] In the third step 1020, the spraying system 1 sprays liquid using the reference pressure Pr as the set pressure Pc for supplying the nozzles 4. In other words, the valve 9 is controlled to supply the nozzles 4 with a pressure Pr delivered to the manifold 84. It is considered here that the pressure in the third portion of conduit 62 is equal or substantially equal to the supply pressure of the nozzles 4, the pressure losses in the manifold 84 and in the conduits 83 being taken into account in the prior calibration of the pressure sensor 12.

[0094] When the system 1 is operating in steady state, and while the nozzles 4 are spraying liquid, the flow meter 13 is used to measure the total effective flow rate of liquid in the main conduit 6 of the ramp 3. It provides a corresponding signal S6 to the control unit 10.

[0095] At the same time, throughout step 1020, the sensor 12 provides the control unit 10 with a signal S5 representative of the supply pressure of the nozzles 4. In established operation, the value of the total measured pressure Pt transmitted by the signal S5 must be equal to the value of the set pressure Pc, within measurement tolerances.

[0096] In addition, the flow meter 14 is used to measure the return liquid flow rate in continuous circulation. It provides the electronic signal S7 to the control unit 10.

[0097] In step 1030, the control unit 10 determines the flow rate of liquid leaving the nozzles 4 as the difference between the flow rate of the feed liquid of the ramp 3 and the return flow rate of continuous circulation. This flow rate determination is carried out on the basis of the signals S6 and S7.

[0098] At the end of this step and during step 1040, the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the nozzles 4 is therefore determined, taking into account the value of the reference pressure Pr fixed in step 1000, directly or through the pressure Pt, and for the entire spray bar 3.

[0099] From the previously calculated representative value of the flow rate of liquid sprayed by the nozzles, the control signal of the pulse width modulation generator is modified according to the expected flow rate which is the sprayed flow rate. The modification of the control signal, in other words its correction, is represented by the numerical reference 105 in [Fig.2].

[0100] It is noted that the process of [Fig.2] can be carried out completely automatically, by means of a computer configured in this sense, since it is sufficient for the operator to launch step 1000 so that the following steps take place automatically.

[0101] Furthermore, the selection of the reference pressure in step 1000 can take place automatically, on the basis of one or more values ​​stored in the memory 100. Furthermore, the control and calculation steps of the method of the invention are carried out by the computer 101 and the value(s) of the flow rate calculated as a result of this method is or are stored in the memory 100, for later use.

[0102] In summary, this second embodiment corresponds to the case of a continuous circulation of fluid in the spraying system 1. The flow meter 13 measures the flow rate of liquid supplying the spraying bar 3 and the other flow meter 14 measures the flow rate of liquid from the continuous circulation return, that is to say the flow rate of the liquid which has not been sprayed by the spraying nozzles. The determined flow rate of liquid leaving the nozzle 4 corresponds, in this case, to the difference between the flow rate measured by the first flow meter 13 (the one measuring the flow rate of liquid supplying the spraying bar 3) and the flow rate measured by the other flow meter 14 (the one measuring the flow rate of liquid from the continuous circulation return). The flow rate of liquid sprayed by the spraying nozzles 4 is thus determined, in real time.The control of the pulse width modulation generator is therefore modified according to the comparison between the liquid flow rate measured by the first flow meter 13 supplying the spray bar 3 and the liquid flow rate measured by the other continuous circulation return flow meter 14.

[0103] Thus, the invention allows spraying work at constant pressure and at a modulatable flow rate, in real time, depending on a specific use. The difference between the two calculated flow rate measurements on the one hand between a calculated flow rate and a boom feed flow rate or on the other hand between a flow rate measured by a first flow meter 13 and a second flow meter 14 makes it possible to determine the liquid sprayed by the nozzles 4, in real time. Also, the expected flow rate of sprayed liquid is compared with the flow rate of liquid actually sprayed, a correction of the control of the modulation generator can then be made so that the two flow rates correspond. Consequently, the spraying is adaptable to the type of sprayed liquid, the type of nozzle, the actual geometry of the field, etc.

[0104] Furthermore and as illustrated in [Fig.4], whether it is the first or the second embodiment, the duty cycle can vary from 30% to 90%. Reference 107 illustrates the intermediate step during which the value of the pulsations is determined and compared to the values ​​of the 30% and 80% limits. If the result of the calculation of the correction of said control does not tend towards these limits, then the modification of the control signal, in other words its correction, is carried out (reference 105). If the result of the calculation of the correction of said control tends towards these limits, the value of the set pressure Pc is recalculated (reference 106) and the process returns to step 1010.

[0105] It will also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed appear to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

[0106] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set out in the present description, but should be interpreted to include all equivalents whose prediction is within the reach of those skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for controlling the circulation of fluid in a spraying system, said system comprising a spraying ramp comprising at least one spraying nozzle, means for supplying said nozzle with liquid and at least one control unit configured to control the supply means as a function of a set value (Pc) of the supply pressure of said at least one nozzle with liquid, said spraying system comprising at least one pulse width modulation generator of at least one control signal and at least one pressure sensor, said method comprising the following steps: a. setting a reference pressure (Pr) for supplying said at least one nozzle; b. calculate a percentage of flow reduction to be applied as a function of said reference pressure (Pr) by means of said control unit, said percentage of flow reduction corresponding to the expected flow; then c. generate a control signal corresponding to said expected flow rate, by means of said control unit; d. spraying a liquid, using the reference pressure (Pr) as the set pressure (Pc) for supplying said at least one nozzle and measuring the supply pressure (Pt) of said at least one nozzle; e. measure, using a flow meter, a flow rate of liquid supplying the ramp; f. determining the flow rate of liquid exiting said at least one nozzle; g. modify the pulse width modulation generator control based on a comparison between the determined outgoing liquid flow rate and the expected flow rate.

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising following step e) and before step f) a step e') measuring by means of another flow meter a continuous circulation return flow rate, step f) then being carried out by the difference between the measured feed flow rate and the measured continuous circulation return flow rate.

3. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the spray bar of the spray system comprises a plurality of spray nozzles and the outgoing liquid flow rate determined in step f) is determined for the entire bar.

4. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein a pulse width modulation generator of at least one control signal is associated with each of the nozzles of the plurality of spray nozzles.

5. Method according to claim 1, in which the boom comprises at least two boom sections, each boom section comprising at least one spray nozzle and in that steps b), c), d), e), f) and g) are implemented section by section.

6. Method according to the preceding claim, in which steps a) to g) are repeated for several reference pressure values ​​(Pr).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is implemented automatically by means of a computer.

8. Spraying system on board a rolling machine for implementing a method according to any one of the preceding claims, said spraying system comprising: • at least one tank of liquid to be sprayed; • at least one spray boom comprising at least one spray nozzle; • means for supplying the boom from said tank; • a pulse width modulation generator of at least one control signal; • a sensor of the pressure of the liquid in a supply conduit of the boom; • a flow meter configured to measure the flow rate of treatment product supplying the boom; • a control unit configured to: • determine the flow rate of liquid leaving said at least one nozzle;• determine a set value (Pc) for the supply pressure of the ramp with liquid to be sprayed as a function, on the one hand, of a set value for the flow rate of liquid to be sprayed and, on the other hand, of the determined flow rate of outgoing liquid; and; • control the ramp supply means according to the pressure setpoint value.

9. A spray system according to the preceding claim, further comprising a further continuous circulation return flow meter, the control unit then determining the liquid flow rate exiting said at least one nozzle as the difference between the flow rate of the boom feed liquid measured by the flow meter and the continuous circulation return flow rate measured by the further flow meter.

10. A spray system according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the spray bar comprises a plurality of spray nozzles, a pulse width modulated generator of at least one control signal being associated with each of the plurality of spray nozzles.

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