You are here

A Reverse Venturi Atomization Chamber

Award Information
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Branch: N/A
Contract: 2002-33610-11875
Agency Tracking Number: 2002-00126
Amount: $49,720.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
3412 Laguna Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Russell Stocker
 (530) 735-6176
 arena@afes.com
Business Contact
 Russell Stocker
Phone: (530) 735-6176
Email: arena@afes.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Spray drift is a significant issue facing agricultural applicators throughout the United States. Up to half of the crop production materials applied are delivered to the crop site by air. This method is highly valued by the farmer and contributes to American agricultural productivity. However, material that drifts off-site is of concern. Material not applied to the target is a financial loss for the farmer and a liability for the applicator if damage occurs. Off-site drift also represents an environmental liability, particularly as habitat and water quality concerns demand more and larger buffer and/or no-spray zones. The proposed reverse venturi atomization (RVA) chamber is a potential strategy to mitigate the problem of off-site drift. Current practice delivers liquid material through a nozzle, under pressure, and utilizes air shear for at least a portion of the atomization. Atomization creates a range of droplets with those in the <200 /m/ range, known as fines, particularly susceptible to off-site drift. As air speed increases, so does the effect of air shear on the atomized droplets, resulting in larger droplets shattering into fines. By creating spray droplets within the RVA chamber, we propose to minimize the effect of air shear, reduce the overall percentage of droplets in the < 200 /m/ range, and ultimately reduce the potential for material applied by air to drift off-site.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government