Abstract:
An apparatus for spraying and inducing an electrostatic charge upon a liquid in excess of 0.8 millicoloumb/kilogram is connectable to a boom fitted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, having a dc power supply. The apparatus comprises a nozzle constructed from a substantially non-conductive material and includes a spray tip designed to provide a hollow conical spray pattern. A support member extends from the nozzle and supports a charging electrode for inducing an electrostatic charge upon the liquid sprayed through the nozzle. The charging electrode attaches to the support member and is electrically connectable to the dc power supply. The charging electrode includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of corona discharge members extending inwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the spray tip. The charging electrode is positioned to permit the hollow conical spray pattern to pass unhindered therethrough.
Abstract:
A system to apply mainly phytosanitary products that use the principle of electrostatic attraction. A high static charge is imprinted on the microdrops in the nozzle with high flows of water using a simple industrial design and very low probabilities of failure. The system is very stable and reliable. An active water provider capillary tube is optionally used in the nozzles (as opposed to a fixed one), which results in a more efficient use of the air to micronize drops. The nozzles can be fixed or dirigible nozzles. A chemical product doser system is optionally used with injection in the nozzle itself.
Abstract:
An atomized cloud of droplets having an electric charge is generated wherein different discrete parts of the cloud are formed from different liquids. The discrete part of the cloud which has an active ingredient, such as a chemical insecticide or herbicide, is contained such as by enveloping it or directing it in a particular direction by a further discrete part of the cloud that includes an inert liquid such as water. The spraying apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles positioned in a high velocity air stream to disperse liquid and generate an atomized cloud of the liquid. The nozzles are grouped into at least two sets, each set being arranged and positioned to generate a discrete part of the cloud. An electric charge is placed on the droplets as they are emitted. Each set of nozzles further include a liquid reservoir connected to the nozzles. Each reservoir is to contain a different liquid whether it be an inert liquid or different concentrations of an active liquid.
Abstract:
A system for electrostatic spraying of liquids, such as agricultural pesticides, paints and other liquids, which relies on a novel spray nozzle that combines pneumatic atomization and electrostatic induction charging to provide a stream of electrostatically charged fine droplets. The nozzle uses a low voltage power supply, e.g. a 12 volt battery, electronically raises the voltage to a level in the range of several hundred to several thousand volts, and applies the high voltage to an annular induction electrode which is embedded in the spray nozzle. The high voltage components are inside the nozzle, which is made of an electrically insulating material, to minimize the danger of shock and the possibility of mechanical damage to the high voltage components. The spray nozzle operates at a relatively low voltage and at a low input power, but provides a droplet stream at a high droplet charging level, for effective and uniform deposition of the sprayed liquid onto the target.
Abstract:
An apparatus for spraying and inducing an electrostatic charge upon a liquid in excess of 0.8 millicoloumb/kilogram is connectable to a boom fitted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, having a dc power supply. The apparatus comprises a nozzle constructed from a substantially non-conductive material and includes a spray tip designed to provide a hollow conical spray pattern. A support member extends from the nozzle and supports a charging electrode for inducing an electrostatic charge upon the liquid sprayed through the nozzle. The charging electrode attaches to the support member and is electrically connectable to the dc power supply. The charging electrode includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of corona discharge members extending inwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the spray tip. The charging electrode is positioned to permit the hollow conical spray pattern to pass unhindered therethrough.
Abstract:
An apparatus for spraying liquids from a vehicle, suitably an aircraft or other airborne vehicle. The apparatus includes at least two sprayheads, each having adjacent thereto an associated electrode or an associated electrically conducting or semiconducting part of the vehicle. A generator applies potentials to the sprayheads and to the electrodes or conducting or semiconducting parts of the vehicle so that an intense electrical field is developed between the liquid which emerges from each sprayhead and the adjacent electrode or part. The intensity of each field is sufficient to atomise the emerging liquid. The polarities of the applied potentials are such that liquid emerging from one sprayhead is charged positively while liquid emerging from the other sprayhead is charged negatively. Connections to the generator are such that electrical current flows from a target to the generator via spraying liquid and one of the sprayheads and then back to the target via the generator, the other sprayhead and liquid emerging from that other sprayhead.
Abstract:
A nozzle for spraying apparatus to distribute crop treatment liquid. The nozzle is of general ogee shape with a base and an upper wall spaced from the base and connected to it by side walls. The upper wall extends from the apex of the base partially along the base to terminate in a trailing edge. The nozzle is placed in a high velocity air stream and liquid introduced between the base and upper wall. The high velocity airstream atomizes the liquid and distributes it in the surrounding environment. The nozzle is particularly useful in electrostatic spraying apparatus and may be made of plastics material to inhibit induction of electrostatic charge on the nozzle.
Abstract:
Apparatus is disclosed for spraying liquids, preferably paint, directly from a paint container mounted on the apparatus, wherein an electric drive motor, pump assembly, and paint container shelf are attached to a wheeled frame assembly for portable movement without disconnecting the paint container from the pump assembly, and wherein electrostatic voltage discharges are prevented by means of a common electrical interconnection of all electrostatic voltage-developing components.