• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.145-152
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• 2007

Uniformity of spray deposit is one of the important factors in spray performance affecting efficacy of pest management. Distributions of spray deposit on artificial targets were measured and analyzed to enhance the efficiency of spray application. The research was studied to understand the deposition characteristics of spray droplets and to determine the optimum conditions of chemical application. The deposit and its pattern by the lower fan speed was more uniform and higher than that by the higher fan speed. The upward blasting distance was limited within 3 m, but the limit to the ground level was expanded the distance more than 3.5 m because of the accumulated droplets. When the fan speed was higher at the distance of 2.5 m, deposit reached to maximum. When the distance increased, deposit was getting lower. At the both fan speeds, the deposit was concentrated below $30^{\circ}$ because of the gravitation and the resistance of wind. This research can be useful in designing an orchard sprayer and its operation for various tree canopies. To achieve a uniform distribution of deposit using the air-blast type orchard sprayer, the application rate from the middle boom should be increased as the air velocity to the upward increased. The spray rate to the side boom should be limited in a minimal level.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.407-415
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• 2011

Damage to agricultural production caused by insects and diseases affects farming yields. The orchard sprayer is mainly used in the country to protect the fruit in a large area, with less effort and at minimum cost. The excellent performance of the air blast spray increases the fruit protection. Chemical application in orchards has been accomplished by the orchard sprayers with air assist nozzles and a axial fan in Korea. However, the orchard sprayers without ROPS resulted in severe injury or death when operators drive the sprayers improperly on hilly orchard or farming road. This study was to develop a ROPS for the orchard sprayers improving farmer's safety. In this study, the accident case was used in analysing the design and building TOP structure of the orchard sprayer. The maximum impact, body torsion frame structures including the driver's protection are also analysed for adherence to safety regulations. The ROPS safety regulations according to the strength test results were established.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.355-362
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• 2001

Uniform application of agri-chemicals will improve orchard pest management. An air-blast(orchard) sprayer designed for vineyards has been used: however, few research on the uniformity and coverage of the sprays has been reported. Distributions of spray coverage were measured with artificial targets and analyzed to enhance the efficiency of spray application. A structure was built to place water sensitive papers, sampling spray droplets blasted from the orchard sprayer. The sampling cards were collected from five directions at three distances (2.5, 3.0 and 3.5m) for two fan speeds (2,075 and 3,031 rpm), and analyzed using an image analysis system. The distribution of the coverage percent area did not follow the wind velocity pattern. The coverage by the low fan speed was more uniform and higher than that by the higher fan speed. The coverage percent area decreased with an increase of distance. The distribution of droplet density was similar to that of coverage. However, the coverage contribution by smaller droplets became more significant as the distance increased. The upward blasting distance was limited within 3m, but the limit to the ground level was expanded the distance more than 3.5m because of the concentrated droplets.