System and method for at-nozzle injection of agrochemicals
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorDurham K. Giles
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for combining an additive with a carrier fluid in a spray nozzle. The carrier fluid is fed to one or more nozzles that include an embedded Venturi. The Venturi includes an induction port connected to an additive supply. As the carrier fluid flows through the nozzle, the flow creates a vacuum or suction force that draws in the additive. Of particular advantage, the concentration of the additive combined with the carrier fluid can be maintained constant even if the flow rate of the carrier fluid varies. The system and process are particularly well suited for spraying fields, such as crop fields or orchards, with an agrochemical.
Claims10
A system for dispensing controlled amounts of an additive mixed with a carrier, comprising:
- one or more dispensing and mixing nozzles, each nozzle including a Venturi and an induction port in communication with the Venturi;
- a carrier fluid supply connected to each nozzle comprising a carrier fluid reservoir for holding the carrier fluid, a carrier fluid supply circuit, a first pump, a first metering and control valve, a first flow meter, a first pressure transducer, and a carrier fluid distribution manifold, arranged in series, the carrier fluid distribution manifold being connected to each nozzle;
- and
- an additive fluid supply comprising an additive fluid reservoir for holding the additive fluid and an additive fluid supply circuit having a second metering and control valve, a second flow meter, a second pressure transducer, and an additive fluid distribution manifold, arranged in series, the additive fluid distribution manifold being connected to the induction port of each nozzle;
- wherein carrier fluid flow through the Venturi in the nozzle causes additive fluid to be drawn into the nozzle and mixed with the carrier fluid prior to exiting the nozzle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.