Cyclical Wind Tunnel for Agricultural Spray Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind tunnel devices for agricultural spray analysis expose operators to potentially harmful sprays, and they are costly, making it difficult to control variables affecting spray drift, especially with the upcoming Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) program requiring more frequent and safer testing.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective, substantially enclosed wind tunnel system with a cyclical airflow configuration that recirculates air through a segmented enclosure, featuring a rectangular shape with transparent sidewalls and expansion cutouts to minimize exposure and facilitate aerodynamic flow, allowing for accurate analysis of spray particulates without external air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional wind tunnel devices are used for agricultural spray analysis, then spray particle analysis can be performed, but operators are exposed to potentially harmful agricultural sprays
Solution Approach 1:
The wind tunnel is divided into distinct enclosed segments including a spray chamber, test section, and recirculation system. The spray chamber is fully enclosed to contain hazardous sprays, while the test section allows for safe particle analysis, separating the harmful spray generation area from the analysis area to protect operators.
Solution Approach 2:
A recirculating airflow system acts as an intermediary, carrying spray particles from the enclosed spray chamber through the test section for analysis, then returning the air to the spray chamber. This closed-loop system allows particle transport and analysis without requiring operators to be in direct contact with harmful sprays.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional wind tunnel devices are used for agricultural spray analysis, then spray particle analysis can be performed, but the devices are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculating wind tunnel system serves multiple functions: it generates controlled airflow, contains and transports spray particles, provides a controlled testing environment, and enables repeated testing without requiring constant fresh air supply. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate systems and lowers overall costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculating airflow system maintains continuous operation by constantly circulating air through the spray chamber and test section. This eliminates the need to repeatedly start and stop the system for each test, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining operator safety through consistent enclosure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If field tests are used for spray drift evaluation, then real-world conditions can be observed, but weather conditions cannot be controlled and vary during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed wind tunnel system allows precise control of airflow parameters (velocity, direction, turbulence) to simulate various wind conditions that would occur in field applications. This enables repeated testing under identical controlled conditions while still evaluating spray drift behavior relevant to real-world scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a safe and efficient means to analyze spray particulates, reducing exposure risks and operational costs by recirculating airflow and using transparent sidewalls for accurate laser analysis, enabling precise evaluation of spray tips and adjuvants for drift reduction technology development.
Implementation Method 1
devices for facilitating an aerodynamic flow of the air through the system
Implementation Method 2
transporting airflow through the system to carry agricultural spray droplets past an analyzer
Implementation Method 3
transparent sidewalls free of openings adjacent to the analyzer
Data Source
AI summary
A wind tunnel device defines a cyclical tunnel to receive continuous airflow. Airflow is delivered through the tunnel to a testing region that includes a first portion carrying an arm including a spray tip configured to spray particulates in the testing region at an angle, and a second portion including an enlarged cutout region configured to receive the angled sprayed particulates. As airflow carries the angled spray particulates into the second portion, the enlarged cutout region enables the spray particulates to pass through and exit the second portion of the testing region. Analysis in the second region may be conducted through transparent walls free of openings to minimize exposure of the spray particulates to the exterior of the device. A scrubber is adapted to extract spray mist from the airflow as the airflow exits the testing region and is re-circulated through the cyclical tunnel.