Monitoring your droplet size has never been easier

New to the TeeJet line up this spring, the Sentry 6120 Droplet Size Monitor allows growers to observe the operating nozzle pressure and the droplet size emitted in real time for liquid applications. Knowing droplet size at various pressures is a valuable tool for applicators to help lower the risk of drift and improve the desired coverage.

Drift can be a costly problem with a spray application, but the TeeJet Sentry 6120 Droplet Monitor helps eliminate concerns by creating an easy way for the operator to keep a close watch on the application without losing time in the field. The droplet monitor will calculate what size droplets are sprayed across the boom.

The droplet size monitor can be particularly helpful when increasing speeds on your sprayer, so you can ensure your droplet size doesn’t get too small for your application. Since smaller droplets increase the risk of spray drift, it is important to constantly stay aware of what size droplets you are emitting.

How the droplet size monitor works

After installing the droplet size monitor on your sprayer, you can select which spray tip you are using on the touch screen. Both an image and text display which spray tip you have selected. As you change the pressure on your boom, the monitor will display the operating pressure on the screen.

The reading on the monitor uses both the color on the droplet size chart and text to let you know what size the droplets are. The droplet size color chart below can assist operators with keeping track of droplet size. It also shows what size your droplets would change to at varying pressures.

Since changes in speed and pressure can greatly affect the size of the droplet, this offers the operator a visual way of knowing what changes they can safely make without jeopardizing the effectiveness of their application. If the pressure changes from the operator’s set high or low limit, an alarm will alert the operator of the change. To learn more about setting application rates and high or low limits, check out this video, Envizio Pro Training Part 2.

The Sentry 6120 Droplet Monitor can save up to five spray tips in the “Favorites” setting for simple, quick selection.

Stay on target with an accurate, efficient application without guessing what droplet size your spray tips are producing.

Foam markers still leaving their mark as backup

With the ever evolving advances in technology, it is easy to overlook some of the simpler ways that were once considered revolutionary. Foam markers, while considered outdated by some, are still a practical feature for many to add on to your self-propelled sprayer.

Before the days of navigation systems and AutoSteer, foam markers where one of the first precision agriculture technologies developed to assist farmers with spray applications to help increase efficiency of applications.

source: http://www.smuckermfg.net/Pages/FoamMarkers.aspx

According to the Virginia Tech Extension publication Precision Farming Tools: GPS Navigation, foam markers are the most common form of navigation aid used during fertilizer and pesticide application.

Even though more modern technology allows for more precise accuracy and has the ability to perform more functions, many farmers still like the reassurance that the foam markers bring. It provides the applicator with a visual in the fields as well as serves as a backup plan if something were to go wrong with the GPS system.

Since malfunctioning technology can put a halt to spraying, many applicators see the value in foam markers to help prevent delays in the field.

How do foam markers work?

Using an air pump to pressurize the tank that carries the foaming agent, the fluid then flows into an accumulating chamber. Here the foam collects in the chamber until the foam overcomes the surface tension which causes the foam to fall to the ground.

Foam markers drop foam that is used to align the sprayer during the returning pass. The foam is used as a navigation aid to know where the applicator has already passed. This helps to reduce the risk of under and over application.

While there are many other more advanced options for tracking application in the field, foam markers still hold a great deal of value to many applicators. The low cost involved with purchase makes it easy to justify the added value foam markers bring to your sprayer.

The SpotOn line up brought to you by Innoquest

Innoquest has developed a line of products designed to assist the applicator with applying accurate flow rates. The SpotOn brand was created in 2008 with spraying precision in mind. The SpotOn products available on SpraySmarter.com include:

Sprayer Calibrator
Irrigation Nozzle Flow Meter
Mini-Patternator
Pressure Tester
Catch Can Reader
Nozzle Cleaner

Sprayer Calibrator

This digital calibration system allows you to test for spray nozzle output in approximately ten seconds, verify sprayer operation choose the correct nozzle for your application and detect worn nozzles. The SpotOn Sprayer Calibrator is a lightweight, fast product that is designed to be waterproof.

The digital calibrator allows for a one-handed operation and can be stored just about anywhere since it is so small. Click here for more information about the SpotOn Sprayer Calibrator on SpraySmarter.com.

Irrigation Nozzle Flow Meter

The irrigation nozzle flow meter allows the user to find flow rates which helps determine nozzle wear, regulator problems or obstructions. No additional plumbing or fittings are required to operate this flow meter. Check out more features and specs of the SpotOn Irrigation Nozzle Flow Meter on SpraySmarter.com.

Mini-Patternator

Saving you time, the mini-patternator by SpotOn allows you to visualize your spray pattern and spray tip coverage quickly. This product is designed to perform most readings in fewer than ten seconds. As the spray flow is coming into the mini-patternator, the water levels are highlighted by floating balls. This displays the actual spray pattern that is coming from the spray tip.

Learn more about purchasing the SpotOn Mini-Patternator on SpraySmarter.com.

Pressure Tester

The Spot-On pressure tester allows you to measure nozzle pressure instantly without shutting down your sprayer. By using this pressure tester, you will be able to save time in the fields since you won’t have to shut your machine off everytime you want to test your pressure.

To use this product, insert the micro-fine stainless steel needle directly into the nozzle orifice, and this will allow you to measure the nozzle’s pressure supply. Check out the SpotOn Pressure Tester on SpraySmarter.com.

Catch Can Reader

By allowing you to automate your catch can work, you can rapidly determine spray nozzle or irrigation performance using the SpotOn catch can reader. This system is designed to give accurate readings every 15 seconds. Using the catch can reader will allow you to automatically calculate the amount of irrigation, coefficient of variation and it saves all of the data in memory so you can download it to a computer.

Using the catch can reader is simple and only requires five steps before you are all set to use it. Check out more specs and features of the SpotOn Catch Can Reader on SpraySmarter.com.

Nozzle Cleaner

The most recent SpotOn addition to SpraySmarter.com, the nozzle cleaner is a handheld device that unclogs spray tips. In three simple steps, you can effectively clear out your spray tips. Since the SpotOn nozzle cleaner is manually operated, it makes it easy to use with no down time for charging batteries.

Click here to order your SpotOn Nozzle Cleaner from SpraySmarter.com.

SpotOn products are designed to assist users by using precise calibration which allows applicators to maintain a more accurate flow rate. In turn, this allows for a more precise and exact application in the fields.

Micro-Trak releases SafeGuard blockage monitor

Designed with the applicator in mind, the SafeGuard Blockage Monitor Kit by Micro-Trak allows you to monitor all rows of your application continuously and more efficiently than with older float ball flow indicators.

The SafeGuard system is created to electronically detect blockages and then alert you with an audible alarm and a visual display. This setup makes it easier than ever to apply any time of day.

Prior to this system, farmers would have to look back constantly checking the float ball flow indicator for blockages. This method makes it harder to check for blockages at night.

The SafeGuard system can be used on a variety of products including fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides fungicides and fumigants.

How the blockage monitor works

Much like the float ball flow indicator, the SafeGuard blockage monitors are designed using float balls to visually show when a blockage happens. Unlike the float ball flow indicator, the SafeGuard monitors use a magnet within the floating piece that magnetizes with the bottom of the monitor and alerts the system that a blockage has occurred.The in-cab display will detect the number of rows being monitored with the simple press of the power button, so there is no need for additional calibrations. The display immediately alerts you with an audible alarm and a visual reading on the monitor of which row(s) are blocked. When more than one row is blocked, the visual display alternates which row number is blocked.

SafeGuard Installation Methods

Both the traditional ganged sensor method and the innovative over-the-row sensor method are installation options. The traditional method does require more tubing; however, if you are already using a float ball flow monitor, it is a very simple switch to the SafeGuard Blockage Monitor kit. The blockage sensors require minimal alterations when switching from a visual flow monitor. Assembly requires only o-rings and u-clips since the SafeGuard blockage sensors are interchangeable with most other systems.

Using the over-the-row sensor method, you can save hundreds of feet of hoses without sacrificing continuous and immediate monitoring. This method of installation cleans up the plumbing and eliminates excessive hose lengths; however, the over-the-row method does require a longer extension cable that reaches all the way down one side of the booms instead.

The blockage sensors can be mounted just about anywhere since you don’t need to visualize them from the cab. Also, there are multiple mounting configuration options for the SafeGuard console to suit your needs without compromising the monitor. Since no calibration is required with this system, it is very simple to use once installed.

Maintenance

It is important to flush out the system after each use to avoid chemicals mixing. Aside from the standard rinse after use, the SafeGuard Blockage Monitor kit requires very little day-to-day maintenance.

For more information on pricing for the SafeGuard Blockage Monitor Kit, check it out on SpraySmarter.com.

KZ Valve – Manifolds and Stacks – Standard Catalog Numbering System

KZ Valve – Manifolds & Stacks – Standard Catalog Numbering System

Manifolds & Stacks – Catalog Numbering System
Position 1 & 2	KZ	Brand identification and Marketing
Position 3	5	Number of valves on manifold or stack
Position 4	S	Type of manifold
Position 5	F	Valve Size
Position 6	Y	Actuator type and speed
Position 7	R	Is blank for future use

Type of Manifold (Position 4)
S	QX – Manifold Stack
Q	3 Section, 1 Piece Manifold
Y	Y Manifold
C	QC – Manifold Stack

Valve Size (Position 5)
A	1/8″
B	1/4″
C	3/8″
D	1/2″
E	3/4″
F	1″
G	1 1/4″
H	1 1/2″
I	2″
J	2 1/2″
K	3″
L	4″
M	5″

Actuator Type and Speed (Position 6)
U	EH2	7.0 sec.
V	EH2	0.75 sec. at 24 volts
W	EH2	3.0 sec.
Y	EH2	1.5 sec.
Z	EH2	0.5 sec.
M	EH3	0.8 sec.
N	EH3	1.5 sec.
O	EH3	10 sec.
P	EH3	2.5 sec.
Q	EH3	7.0 sec.
3	EH5	3.0 sec.
7	EH5	7.0 sec.
A	EH5	10 sec.
B	EH5	25 sec.

KZ Valve – Actuated Valve – Standard Line Catalog Numbering System

Actuated Valve – Catalog Numbering System
Position 1 & 2	KZ	Brand identification and Marketing
Position 3 & 4	89	Valve Series
Position 5	F	Valve Size
Position 6	Y	Actuator type and speed
Position 7	R	If blank = On/Off, If “R” = Regulating

Valve Series (Position 3 & 4)
11	QX Polypro. 2-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball
12	QX Nylon 2-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball
13	QX Polypro. 3-Way, SL, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
14	QX Nylon 3-Way, SL, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
15	QX Polypro. 3-Way, BL, SS Ball, On-Off-On 180° Rotation
16	QX Nylon 3-Way, BL, SS Ball, On-Off-On 180° Rotation
17	QX Polypro. 3-Way, SS Ball, ACeR Ball, On-Off, Jet Back to Tank
18	QX Nylon 3-Way, SS Ball, ACeR Ball, On-Off, Jet Back to Tank
21	QX Polypro. 3-Way, BL, SS V-Ball, Regulating
22	QX Nylon 3-Way, BL, SS V-Ball, Regulating
23	QX Polypro. 3-Way, BL, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
24	QX Nylon 3-Way, BL, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
56	Butterfly Valve with PTFE seats, SS Disc, SS Stem
57	Butterfly Valve with Buna seats, SS Disc, SS Stem
58	Butterfly Valve with Viton seats, SS Disc, SS Stem
59	Butterfly Valve with EPDM seats, SS Disc, SS Stem
61	Stainless Steel NSF/UPC/Low Lead, 2-Way, SS Ball
67	Stainless Steel Ammonia Ball Valves, 2-Way, Vented, SS Ball
68	Carbon Steel Ammonia Ball Valves, 2-Way, Vented, SS Ball
73	Stainless Steel 3-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
78	Bronze 3-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
79	Stainless Steel 3-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball, On-On Diverter
84	Bronze 2-Way Ball Valves, SS Ball
88	Stainless Steel 2-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball
89	Stainless Steel 3-Piece, 2-Way, Ball Valves, SS Ball
92	Stainless Steel 3-Piece, 2-Way Ball Valves, Direct Mount, and Handle/Flag Indicator
94	MX Nylon 3-Way, BL, Ball Valves, On-Off-On 180° Rotation
95	MX Polypro. 3-Way, BL, Ball Valves, On-Off-On 180° Rotation
96	MX Nylon 3-Way, SL, Ball Valves, On-On Diverter
97	MX Polypro. 3-Way, SL, Ball Valves, On-On, Diverter
98	MX Nylon 2-Way Ball, Valves
99	MX Polypro. 2-Way, Ball Valves

Valve Size (Position 5)
A	1/8″
B	1/4″
C	3/8″
D	1/2″
E	3/4″
F	1″
G	1 1/4″
H	1 1/2″
I	2″
J	2 1/2″
K	3″
L	4″
M	5″

Actuator Type and Speed (Position 6)
U	EH2	7.0 sec.
V	EH2	0.75 sec. at 24 volts
W	EH2	3.0 sec.
Y	EH2	1.5 sec.
Z	EH2	0.5 sec.
M	EH3	0.8 sec.
N	EH3	1.5 sec.
O	EH3	10 sec.
P	EH3	2.5 sec.
Q	EH3	7.0 sec.
3	EH5	3.0 sec.
7	EH5	7.0 sec.
A	EH5	10 sec.
B	EH5	25 sec.

Valve Size (Position 7)
Blank	On/Off
R	Regulating