DETERMINING THE OPTIMUM SPRAY HEIGHT OF A BOOM

SPRAYER FOR EFFECTIVE PRODUCTIVITY

BY,
UNATA INNOCENT

ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

EBSU/2021/988
GENERAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY 1 (FEG203)
Submitted to
ENGR. ITUMA IKENNA CHRISTAIN

MAY 20, 2023

 DEDICATION

I dedicate this practical report to the individuals and lecturers

who have been instrumental in its completion:

To ENGR. ITUMA IKENNA CHRISTAIN thank you for your guidance

and expertise throughout this practical work. Your wisdom and

insights have shaped my understanding and approach, pushing

me to excel and grow. I am grateful for your continuous support

and encouragement.

To my colleagues and course mates, thank you for your

collaboration and shared experiences. Our discussions,

brainstorming sessions, and collective effort have enriched this

practical report. Your contributions and camaraderie have made

this journey more meaningful.

To the participants who generously gave their time and

contributed to this study, I express my heartfelt appreciation.

Your willingness to engage and share your experiences has

provided valuable insights and data for this practical report. Your

contributions are invaluable.

To the staff and faculty members of FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,

EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY, thank you for creating an

environment that fosters learning and growth. Your dedication to

education and research has laid the foundation for this practical

report. I am grateful for the resources and support you have

provided.
To my family, thank you for your unwavering love,

encouragement, and understanding. Your belief in my abilities

and constant support have been a driving force behind

Education. I am grateful for your patience during the demanding

moments of my life.

To my friends, thank you for standing by me and providing a

source of inspiration and joy. Your laughter, encouragement, and

companionship have helped me maintain a balanced perspective

throughout my endeavor.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge ENGR. DR. ERNEST EGBA whose

contribution to the field of study has been a shining light in this

practical report. Your pioneering research and dedication to

advancing knowledge have served as a guiding light and

inspiration for this practical.

This practical report is dedicated to all of you. Your support,

guidance, and encouragement have been vital in the success of

my endeavor. May this report contribute to the wider body of

knowledge and make a positive impact in our field.

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to express my gratitude to the participants who

generously volunteered their time and knowledge for this study.

Their willingness to share their experiences and insights has been

invaluable in gathering the data necessary for this practical.

Without your cooperation and contribution, this practical work

would not have been possible.

I am indebted to my colleagues and course mates who have

provided support, encouragement, and valuable input

throughout this project. Our discussions, brainstorming sessions,

and collaborative efforts have enriched my understanding and

enhanced the quality of this report. I am grateful for their

camaraderie and the shared learning experience.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere

appreciation and gratitude ENGR ITUMA IKENNA CHRISTAIN and

ENGR. DR. ERNEST EGBA, for their guidance, support, and

mentorship throughout this PRACTICAL. Their expertise, valuable

insights, and constructive feedback have been instrumental in

shaping the direction and improving the quality of this report. I

am truly grateful for their dedication and belief in INNOVATION.

I would like to acknowledge the faculty members and staff of this

great and noble institution, for providing the necessary

resources, facilities, and academic environment conducive to

research and learning. Their commitment to fostering

intellectual growth and fostering a culture of excellence has

played a vital role in my academic journey and the successful

completion of this practical work.

To everyone mentioned above and to those who have been a

part of this practical work in any way, I extend my heartfelt

thanks. Your support and contributions have been indispensable

in making this practical work a reality. I am deeply grateful for the

opportunity to work on this project and for the support that has

surrounded us.
 ABSTRACT

This practical report presents a comprehensive study conducted

on the performance and application of a boom sprayer in

agricultural practices. The objective of this research was to assess

the effectiveness of the boom sprayer in delivering agricultural

chemicals to target crops.

The study involved field experiments and data collection,

focusing on various aspects of the boom sprayer's functionality.

Parameters such as spray pattern, spray swat, spray drift, and

application efficiency were evaluated under different operating

conditions.
During the experimentation of the spray machine, an open field

was used to enable proper notation of effectiveness of this spray

machine.

The boom sprayer has 10 nozzle which is connected to each

other with the help of water hose and T-connectors, the boom

sprayer is of 30 bar which is equivalent to 3,000,000 pascals, and

its rechargeable as it has a lithium rechargeable battery

The results indicated that the boom sprayer exhibited a

consistent and uniform spray swat across the targeted area. The

selected nozzle type and configuration played a significant role in

achieving optimal spray distribution. The findings revealed that

specific nozzle types generated smaller droplets, resulting in

improved coverage and penetration into the crop canopy.

Additionally, the study assessed the impact of spray pressure and

travel speed on the boom sprayer's performance. Adjusting

these variables allowed for fine-tuning the spray application to

achieve optimal coverage while minimizing drift. It was observed

that higher spray pressures and appropriate travel speeds

positively influenced spray penetration and deposition.

Boom height and swat of spray was well analyzed, different

height produces different spray swat and increases efficiency.

Furthermore, the research investigated the influence of

environmental factors, such as wind speed and weather

conditions, on spray drift. The results emphasized the

importance of considering wind direction and speed during

spraying operations to minimize off-target drift and ensure

effective application.

Based on the findings, practical recommendations were provided

for farmers and agricultural practitioners. These

recommendations encompassed the adjustment of the boom

height and travel speed, and adherence to weather conditions

for safe and efficient boom sprayer operation.

This practical report serves as a valuable resource for individuals

involved in crop protection and agricultural practices. By

implementing the suggested practices and considering the

factors influencing boom sprayer performance, users can

enhance spray application precision, optimize chemical usage,

and minimize environmental impact.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

1. INTRODUCTION

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1. MATERIALS

3.2. PROCEEDURE

4. AIM AND OBJECTIVE

5. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

6. RAISED QUESTION

7. INNOVATION

8. CONCLUSION

9. RECOMMENDATION

10. REFERENC

INTRODUCTION
Boom sprayers are crucial agricultural instrument used for the

precise and efficient application of liquid substances, such as

pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, onto crops. They play a

essential role in modern farming practices by ensuring optimal

coverage, reducing wastage, and enhancing crop health and

productivity.

This Boom sprayer practical involves a series of processes aimed

at manufacturing reliable and effective spraying equipment. This

introduction provides an overview of boom sprayer practical

process, highlighting its significance in agriculture and the key

steps involved in the manufacturing process.

Importance of Boom Sprayer Production:

Boom sprayers are vital tools in crop protection and

management. They help farmers apply liquid substances evenly

and accurately over large areas, minimizing the impact on non-

target areas and optimizing the effectiveness of the applied

substances. With boom sprayers, farmers can control pests,

diseases, and weeds, promote crop growth, and improve overall

yields. The production of boom sprayers ensures that farmers

have access to reliable equipment that meets their specific

spraying needs.

Steps in the Boom Sprayer practical work:

Boom sprayer practical assembly typically involves the following

steps:

Design: In this phase, the lecturer and the students develop the

specifications and features of the boom sprayer. we considered

factors such as tank capacity, boom width, nozzle configuration,

spray swat, boom height and compliance with safety and

environmental regulations. The goal is to optimize the design for

efficient and effective application.

Material Selection and Procurement: Suitable materials are

chosen based on the design requirements. These materials are

corrosion-resistant, durable, and capable of withstanding the

demands of agricultural operations. They are procured from

reliable suppliers to ensure the quality and longevity of this

boom, sprayer.

Fabrication and Assembly: The selected materials are processed

and fabricated into the various components of the boom sprayer.

This includes cutting, shaping, joining or assembling the tank,

boom hose holders, pump components, nozzle systems, and

other structural elements. Precise fabrication and assembly are

crucial to ensure proper fit, functionality, and structural integrity.

Pump Installation: the Boom sprayer require pump systems to

pressurize and distribute the liquid. The pump, along with valves,

filters, and fittings, is installed to facilitate the movement of the

liquid from the tank to the boom and through the nozzles. Proper

installation and sealing was made essentially to prevent leaks

and ensure consistent flow and pressure.

Boom Assembly and Nozzle Placement: Boom arms, which

extend horizontally from the carrier/sprayer, are attached to the

frame. Allowing for different boom widths and heights to

accommodate various field conditions. Nozzles are strategically

placed along the boom arms to deliver the liquid in a specific

pattern for optimal coverage.

Boom sprayer practical production is a vital process in providing

farmers with reliable and efficient spraying equipment for their

agricultural activities and gives we the student understanding in

engineering production and tools handling.

 LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review provides an overview of the key findings

and insights from existing research and studies on the boom

sprayer production process, including design, material selection,

fabrication, quality assurance etc.

Design:

Design play a crucial role in boom sprayer production. Research

by Parihar et al. (2017) emphasizes the importance of

considering factors such as tank capacity, boom width, nozzle

configuration, and compliance with safety regulations during the

design phase. The study highlights the significance of optimizing

the design for efficient application and ease of use.

Material Selection and Procurement:

The selection and procurement of suitable materials are critical

in boom sprayer production. Research by Saraf et al. (2019)

explores the impact of material selection on the durability and

performance of boom sprayers. The study highlights the

importance of corrosion-resistant materials and emphasizes the

need for reliable suppliers to ensure the quality of the

equipment.

Fabrication and Assembly:

The fabrication and assembly processes are vital steps in boom

sprayer production. Research by Ranganayakulu et al. (2016)

discusses the fabrication techniques used in the manufacturing

of boom sprayers, such as cutting, shaping, connecting, and

assembly of components. The study emphasizes the importance

of precision and attention to detail during fabrication and

assembly to ensure proper fit and functionality.

Pump Installation:

The installation of pump systems and hose components is a

critical aspect of boom sprayer production. Research by

O'Connell et al. (2018) focuses on the selection and installation

of pumps, valves, filters, and fittings in boom sprayers. The study

highlights the need for proper sealing and installation techniques

to ensure consistent flow, pressure, and prevent leakage.

Quality Assurance and Testing:

Quality assurance and testing are essential in ensuring the

reliability and performance of boom sprayers. Research by

Shukla et al. (2015) discusses the importance of quality checks

and testing procedures throughout the production process. The

study emphasizes the significance of inspecting joints,

conducting pressure tests, and verifying the functionality of

nozzles to ensure compliance with quality standards and safety

requirements.

The literature review highlights the significance of practical

studies in understanding and improving the boom sprayer

production process. Design optimization, material selection,

fabrication techniques, quality assurance, and others emerged as

key areas of focus. Future research could explore innovative

manufacturing technologies, sustainable material choices, and

improved quality control methods to enhance the efficiency,

reliability, and sustainability of boom sprayer production.

MATERIALS

ALUMINUM ROD: Aluminum rod is utilized for boom arms and

structural components in boom sprayers. It offers lightweight

properties, high strength-to-weight ratio, and good resistance to

corrosion. Aluminum is particularly useful in achieving longer

boom lengths while maintaining stability.

CORDLESS PUMP: this plays important roles such as

Liquid Circulation: The primary function of a pump in a boom

sprayer is to circulate the liquid from the tank to the boom arms

and through the nozzles. The pump pressurizes the liquid,

creating the necessary force for efficient spraying. This

circulation ensures a continuous and even flow of the liquid

during application.

Pressure Generation: Pumps generate the required pressure to

achieve optimal spraying performance. The pressure created by

the pump ensures that the liquid is delivered at the desired rate

and with sufficient force through the nozzles. Proper pressure

 control is essential for achieving accurate spray patterns and

coverage. we choose the right pump of portable size and at to

meet up with our spraying need. A pump with high bar of

pressure about 30bar pressure which equivalent to about

300000N/M2. This prayer also comes with a battery of about 30v

which can serve for a long field work.

Spray nozzle: this kit consist of parts such as the nozzles, nozzle body and

1
sprayer tips. We choose a spray nozzle with a spray swat of about 2 2 feet

and 10 pics of it was used to ensure wide coverage per a spray time,

Nozzles allow for control over the spray angle, which determines the

width of the spray pattern

T-connectors: This was used as link between a spray nozzle with the other.

They been inserted into the water hose to avoid leakage of the chemical

during spraying time.

Hose clamps: This is used to fasten the hose and the T-connectors to

the iron pipe. This is an iron clip so has no probability of either

cutting off or breaking off during use.

Zip tie: This is also used to hold the hose to the iron pipe, in order to create

a rigid support for the boom machine.

Hose: This is a partway for the pathway for liquids used in the boom

machine. It serves as a transfer medium from the tank to the spray

nozzle.

Tank: The tank carries the liquid which you want to spray such as

herbicides, fertilizers e.t.c. that u want to spray with your boom sprayer.

PROCEEDURE
Once we have all the necessary accessory and parts, it is time to

build the boom. For this part of the project, we used hose,
aluminum pipe, boom sprayer nozzle kit, and stainless steel

clamps, T-CONNECTORS etc.

We cut ten equal pieces of the hose. Taken note of the length

which is 1feet per hose length. the pieces of the hose were of the

same length.

Next, we connected spray tips to one end of the boom/nozzle

body. And installed the presiding ones in the positions which they

are supposed to maintain, we installed 10 nozzle body-spray tip

connections for efficient spraying over a wider area.

Once we were done with nozzle connection, we connected the

spray tips to the 1o nozzle bodies in order to achieve our desired

spray swat

and examining properly the nozzle tips to ensure that there was

no debris occupying it and blocking the proper flow of liquid,

then next we secured nozzle body to the aluminum pipe. The

aluminum pipe supports the hose setup that ejects the liquid

spray.
We Used zip ties to secure the aluminum pipe’s 10 nozzle body.

We ensured proper spacing of the 10 nozzle body equally along

the pipe. We used 1feet per each nozzle spacing to enable us get

the necessary spray swat needed.

P’ljm
Next, we now interconnected the ten pieces of hose. The T-

connectors act as the connector between each piece of hose.

We Inserted the first nozzle body into one end of one of the 10

pieces of hose. We Inserted the other end of the nozzle body into

the next piece of pipe until all the 10 pieces of hose are

interconnected to form one long hose with nozzle body and their

respective sprayers.

Then we used the stainless steel hose clamps to secure the

connections between the hoses.

Then we connected the pump and all its accessories like the filter

among others.

All these components must work together for a high-efficient,

boom sprayer. We Attached a hose to one end of the pump, then

attach the other end of the hose to the pump.

Then we connected the pump and the constructed boom sprayer

to a choose tank, the tank we choose has the capacity of

containing 25liters of water which are expected to spray in just

550 seconds which is about 9 to 10 minutes.

 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

Effective Pest and Weed Control: One of the primary aims of the

boom sprayer is to control pests and weeds effectively. The

sprayer delivers pesticides or herbicides in a controlled manner

 to target areas, ensuring that pests or weeds are effectively

eliminated or managed.

Uniform Application: the boom sprayer aims to achieve uniform

and consistent application of chemicals across the targeted area.

This helps ensure that the entire area receives an adequate

amount of the sprayed substance, minimizing the risk of uneven

treatment.

To bridge the gap between theory and practical in engineering

making us hand on tools, we knowing engineering tools, practical

methods, and also method of engineering production.

To widen the knowledge of the students about BOOM

SPRAYER, from the construction to the operation of the BOOM

SPRAYER
To produce a boom sprayer which can desipate 1 liter of liquid
 in just 22 seconds which is extremely fast and reliable, easy to

carry around by the operator/user.

Increased Efficiency: the constructed Boom sprayer is designed

to improve efficiency in chemical application. They can cover

larger areas more quickly than manual spraying methods,

thereby reducing labor requirements and increasing

productivity.

Crop Protection and Health: In agricultural settings, boom

sprayers are used to protect crops from diseases, pests, and

weeds. The objective is to maintain the health and quality of the

crop, maximize yields, and safeguard agricultural investments.

Cost-Effectiveness: A key aim is to optimize cost-effectiveness by

using this boom sprayer for efficient chemical application. By

minimizing waste, maximizing coverage, and reducing labor

requirements, farmers, landscapers, and other users can achieve

cost savings in terms of time, resources, and chemical inputs.

 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Assessment of the spray pattern and coverage across the target

area revealed a relatively uniform distribution of the spray.

However, there were a few areas with slight variations in

coverage, particularly towards the edges of the boom width.

These areas may require adjustments to the boom height or

nozzle settings to ensure consistent coverage.

Despite using low-drift nozzles, some minor drift was observed,

particularly when wind speeds exceeded 10 miles per hour. This

suggests the importance of monitoring weather conditions and

avoiding spraying during high wind periods to minimize off-target

movement of spray droplets.

Throughout the test, the boom was maintained at different

height in inches above the target area. some noticeable

deviations or instability were observed, indicating improper

boom height adjustment and stable operation.

Individual nozzle performance was assessed by visually

inspecting the spray pattern and conducting flow rate

measurements. All nozzles produced a consistent spray pattern

and delivered the intended flow rate. However, some nozzle was

found to be partially clogged, resulting in uneven spray

distribution. Cleaning or replacing the nozzle is recommended to

ensure uniform application.

It was observed that the spray width was constant at a constant

pressure of the liquid.

Below are some images captured in cause of experimentation

 RAISED QUESTION
The pressure at the first nozzle of contact will be different from

the other nozzles in the series connection of THE BOOM SPRAYER

RESULT: it was observed that the pressure at all the series

connected nozzles will be equal provided that the pressure is

made constant and steady. And also provided that the

user/sprayer is holding the BOOM SPRAYER at a point of

equilibrium. This implies that the sprayer must hold the BOOM

SPRAYEER at a point which the iron pipe at exactly the center to

avoid dangling and anomalous movement of liquid/chemicals

within the hose and out of the nozzle.

 INNOVATION
A nozzle with good and wide orifices to bring about a large air-filled droplet.

Another innovation is that farmers have more options than ever for

controlling drift, thanks to our improved boom sprayer.

The user has the ability to control the flow by rapidly pulsing the nozzle on

and off. This allows pressure and droplet size to remain constant as the

sprayer moves across the field at various speed.

Using materials which is easily accessible in both the rural and urban area is

a great innovation because it can make the produced BOOM SPRAYER

readily available to the farmer.

Its ability to discharge 1liter of liquids in just 22 seconds is a great

innovation. For this will help to make a spray of a wide area of land in a less

time without a lot of anergy consumption.

The portability of the choose pump which can easily be carried to places

without fatigue.
 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The boom sprayer practical testing provided valuable insights

into the performance and functionality of the agricultural

sprayer. The following discussion highlights key observations and

their implications:

The constructed boom sprayer demonstrated satisfactory

coverage and uniformity across the target area. The spray pattern

was relatively consistent, ensuring that the desired crops or areas

received adequate application. This uniform coverage is essential

for effective pest control, weed management, or nutrient

distribution.

During the practical test, some minor drift was observed despite

using low-drift nozzles. Monitoring weather conditions, such as

wind speed and direction, is crucial to minimize off-target

movement of spray droplets. Additional measures, such as

adjusting spray angles or employing drift-reduction techniques,

may be necessary to further mitigate drift potential.

The boom height was consistently maintained at the

recommended level, ensuring proper coverage and preventing

potential crop damage. This indicates that the operator

effectively adjusted and controlled the boom height during

operation, contributing to accurate and precise application.

The nozzle performance was satisfactory, with the nozzles

consistently producing the desired spray pattern and delivering

the intended flow rate. Regular maintenance and inspection of

the nozzles are essential to prevent clogging or wear that may

affect spray pattern and application quality.

Overall, the boom sprayer practical testing demonstrated that

the sprayer is capable of providing uniform coverage, producing

optimal droplet sizes, and achieving accurate application rates.

However, careful attention should be paid to drift potential and

regular maintenance of the sprayer components to ensure

optimal performance.

Further optimization and adjustments may be necessary based

on specific crop types, target pests, or environmental conditions.

Operator training and adherence to proper spraying techniques

are essential to maximize the sprayer's performance and

minimize potential issues during operation.

 RECOMMENDATIONS

Implement Regular Equipment Maintenance: Establish a routine

maintenance schedule for the boom sprayer equipment,

including thorough inspections, cleaning, and lubrication.

Additionally, ensure timely replacement of worn-out or damaged

parts to maintain optimal performance and minimize the risk of

breakdowns during critical spraying periods. Provide Ongoing

Training and Certification: I encourage operators and applicators

to participate in regular training and certification programs. This

will help them stay updated on the latest techniques, safety

protocols, and regulatory requirements in boom sprayer

operations. Continuous education will enhance their knowledge

and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions and

perform their duties more effectively. Explore Drift Reduction

Strategies: Investigate the use of drift reduction technologies and

techniques to minimize off-target movement of spray droplets.

Consider adopting low-drift or air-induction nozzles that are

designed to reduce drift potential.

 REFERENCE

1. "Farm Sprayers Overview". Successful Farming. 2018-01-26.

Retrieved 2018-11-21.

2. ^ Grisso, Robert, Weaver, Mike (2014). "Plumbing Systems of

Agricultural Sprayers" (PDF). Virginia Cooperative Extension.

442–452.

3. ^ "Sprayer Pump Types, Costs, and Specifications". Sprayer

Supplies. 2018-10-13. Retrieved 2018-11-21.

4. ^ "Agriculture Sprayer Guide". Sprayer Supplies. 2018-10-31.

Retrieved 2018-11-21.
5. ^ "2020 Apache sprayers include enhanced design features,

precision technology". Successful Farming. 2019-08-28.

Retrieved 2020-08-13.

6. ^ "How to select the right sprayer pump". Ohio Farmer. 2018-10-

15. Retrieved 2018-11-21.