Droplet size characteristics for insecticide and herbicide spray atomizers

Rotary atomizers and hydraulic nozzles used in forestry spraying were extensively tested with laser light scattering, laser light imaging, and photographic methods in a specially designed wind tunnel. Data on droplet size distribution and cumulative volume fraction versus droplet size are given. Correlations for reduced volume median diameter (D_v,0.5/d₀) and reduced span ((D_v.0.9 – D_v.0.1)/d₀) presented. Accuracy of prediction is of the order of 20% for hydraulic nozzle volume median diameter. Accuracy of prediction for high-speed rotating wire mesh atomizers is of the order of 35% for the volume median diameter. When these accuracies are inadequate, a specific test of the device in question is recommended.