Choosing the right spray nozzle for your spray system is an important decision that will optimize the performance of your spray system. Although the spray nozzle is just a small component of the overall system, spray nozzle choice is integral to allowing for the precise dispersion of liquid spray products onto a crop. One’s choice of spray nozzle tip can have a major impact on plant health and pesticide efficiency, thus impacting crop yield and profit margin. Each sprayer nozzle type has unique capabilities marked by certain characteristics that make it ideal for its chosen purpose. Nozzle types include flat-fan, cone nozzle, and drift-reduction flat-spray tips. A great spray nozzle will feature uniformity in droplet delivery over a surface area, minimize drift of products, and create impact force on the target surface.

Pressure is a key component in nozzle performance and can be adjusted to make calculated changes to rate while spraying. Higher pressures increase the spray rate, as well as reduce the average droplet size being dispersed. Lower pressures reduce the spray rate and increase the average droplet size. Changes in pressure may also impact the spray fan angle. Each spray nozzle is uniquely engineered to produce a specific median droplet size. This is done using atomization technology which breaks the fluid into uniformly-measurable droplets.

Spray nozzles come in may designs, each with a specific function. When choosing the appropriate nozzle for a job, one should always start by reading the nozzle labels and browsing a distributor’s catalog. Reading labels can narrow down options by determining function, capacity, and droplet size. After identifying the specifications of potential nozzles, the farmer should then define and consider his own operating conditions. Operating conditions include the speed and capacity in gallons that the farmer plans on running. Nozzle spacing, spray volume, and operating pressure are all other factors to consider, which may be influenced by the pesticide being applied. Lastly, one should calculate the nozzle discharge in order to determine the correct orifice size. This can be done by considering the spray volume, spacing, and travel speed. Always remember that a thoughtfully chosen spray nozzle will optimize performance and profits.