Low-Volume Field Spraying With Coarse Droplets for Drift Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low volume spray applications using UAVs face challenges in achieving both low drift and good canopy coverage due to the use of fine droplets, which result in reduced coverage and increased drift, especially at spray volumes less than 100 l/ha.
Innovation Solution
The method involves spraying coarse droplets with a Volume Median Diameter (VMD) of at least 170 microns using hydraulic nozzles or atomizing discs, combined with specific adjuvants like sulfosuccinate metal salts and organosilicone ethoxylates, to achieve low drift and effective canopy coverage at low spray volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fine droplets are used for spray application, then good coverage of target crop is achieved, but drift to off-target areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the droplet size parameter from fine to coarse (VMD ≥ 170 microns for hydraulic nozzles, VMD ≥ 120 microns for atomizing discs) to reduce drift while maintaining canopy coverage through optimized spray volume and adjuvant formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adjuvant compositions (sulfosuccinate metal salts, organosilicone ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates) that replicate the coverage-enhancing effect of fine droplets through surface activity and adhesion properties, allowing coarse droplets to effectively cover the canopy
2Manufacturing precision
If high volumes of water are sprayed, then good coverage of target crop is achieved, but off-target spray and drift increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces spray volume parameter to less than 60 liters per hectare (preferably less than 40 L/ha, ideally less than 25 L/ha) and combines this with coarse droplet generation and adjuvant formulations to maintain effective canopy coverage while minimizing off-target spray
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjuvant compositions as intermediaries that facilitate effective agrochemical delivery at low spray volumes by improving droplet adhesion, spreading, and retention on plant surfaces, thereby maintaining coverage effectiveness without requiring high spray volumes
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
This approach results in improved canopy coverage and reduced drift by using more coarse spray droplets, ensuring adequate deposition of agrochemicals on plants even at low spray volumes.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid spray is sprayed with a hydraulic nozzle and/or an atomising disc wherein, when the liquid spray is sprayed with a hydraulic nozzle the hydraulic nozzle is configured to spray droplets having a Volume Median Diameter (VMD) of at least 170 microns
Implementation Method 2
when the liquid spray is sprayed with an atomising disc the atomising disc is configured to spray droplets having a VMD of at least 120 microns
Implementation Method 3
The at least one adjuvant is selected from the group comprising mono-and diesters of sulfosuccinate metal salts with branched or linear alcohols comprising 1-10 carbon atoms, organosilicone ethoxylates, ethoxylated diacetylene-diols with 1 to 6 EO, and alcohol ethoxylates
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to method of spraying a field with a vehicle. The method comprises: moving a vehicle over a plant within a field and spraying the plant with a liquid spray. The liquid spray comprises at least one agrochemical active ingredient and at least one adjuvant. The at least one adjuvant is selected from the group comprising mono-and diesters of sulfosuccinate metal salts with branched or linear alcohols comprising 1-10 carbon atoms, organosilicone ethoxylates, ethoxylated diacetylene-diols with 1 to 6 EO and alcohol ethoxylates. The liquid spray is sprayed at a liquid spray rate such that the volume of liquid spray to be sprayed per area is less than 60 litres per hectare. The liquid spray is sprayed with a hydraulic nozzle and/or an atomising disc wherein, when the liquid spray is sprayed with a hydraulic nozzle the hydraulic nozzle is configured to spray droplets having a Volume Median Diameter (VMD) of at least 170 microns, and wherein, when the liquid spray is sprayed with an atomising disc the atomising disc is configured to spray droplets having a VMD of at least 120 microns.