VARIABLE RATE EQUIPMENT - TECHNOLOGY FOR WEED CONTROL (DIRECT INJECTION)

1. ADVANTAGES

1.1. Eliminates leftover tank mix

1.2. Reduce chemical exposure risk

1.3. The constant flow of carrier can be adjusted - to provide desirable size of droplet.

2. DISADVANTAGES

2.1. Long transport delay between the chemical injection pump & the discharge nozzles

2.2. The volume of this plumbing must be applied before the new rate reaches the nozzle.

3. DIRECT INJECTION ?

3.1. An alternative approach to chemical application & control uses direct injection of the chemical into a stream of water.

4. FuNCTION OF SYSTEMS

4.1. Utilize the controller & chemical pump

4.2. To manage the rate of the chemical injection rather than the flow rate of a tank mix.

4.3. The injection rate is varied to accommodate changes in ground speed or changes in commanded rate.

4.4. The modified controller can be used to do variable rate application.

5. DIRECT CHEMICAL INJECTION WITH CARRIER CONTROL

5.1. SYSTEMs

5.1.1. One controller - manage the injection pump.

5.1.2. Second controller - Operate a servo valve to provide a matching flow of water

5.2. ADVANTAGES

5.2.1. Chemical & carrier controller can make the changes fast

5.2.2. There is no left over mix & the operator is not exposed to chemical in the process of the tank mixing.

5.3. DISADVANTAGES

5.3.1. More complex system

5.3.2. Higher initial cost

5.3.3. Problem in pushing varying amount of liquid