AEM, Member Companies Tackle Ag Sprayer Agitation Testing

A collaborative research effort between AEM, equipment industry stakeholders, and researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has produced key findings related to the efficiency and effectiveness of sprayer agitation in agriculture applications.

Recent testing conducted by UN-L researchers sought to examine a number of materials thought to be capable of representing agitation, while also while minimizing cost and preventing unnecessary exposure to hazardous chemicals during testing. In addition to narrowing down the list of materials thought at one point to be viable, the results of the now-completed tests will serve as the foundation of future efforts to rewrite the existing ISO standard on testing agitation.

“It’s been a big effort, all to the end of trying to make sure that we have better, safer equipment that’s going to deliver product in a consistent, dependable manner,” said AEM Director of Materials Management John Wagner.

Overcoming Challenges

Ongoing challenges associated with spraying chemicals in agriculture applications led AEM’s Liquid Application Equipment Technical Group to task itself with finding one or more suitable materials for potentially satisfying the needs and demands of equipment manufacturers, end users and chemical companies alike.

According to Wagner, an essential characteristic of sprayer equipment is it ensures the mixture of chemicals and water is consistent remains consistent from when the equipment’s tank is full to when it’s empty, so as to allow for the right concentration to consistently find its way to the proper location.

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