Capstan ag systems drivers#
Capstan ag systems driver#

Impacts Misapplication of agrochemicals and fertilizers cause economic losses to agricultural growers due to loss of chemical performance and/or the need for re-spraying fields. The network system also allowed not only monitoring but also individual control of pulsed-flow valves at each spray nozzle. Monitoring techniques were developed for other spray system components such as pumps and filters. Partially clogged nozzles were successfully detected and the operator was alerted to malfunctions. Field-testing of the prototype system on mobile, agricultural vehicles evaluated the performance of the technique. When monitoring pulsing flow, the sensor system was synchronized to sample flow only during periods when flow was discharged. Additionally, the system was designed to operate with pulsed flow nozzles, as are commonly used in pulse-width modulation systems for flow control. The network design allowed the number and location of nozzle sensors to be easily adapted for the range of Configuration, calibration, communication and control algorithms for the system and the alert and annunciator functions were embedded in the operator interface. The network allowed a cab-mounted operator interface to communicate with each nozzle-based unit. A plurality of the microcontrollers were incorporated into a CAN bus network along the spray boom of an agricultural vehicle. The microprocessor was coupled to a network controller, allowing each nozzle sensor and microprocessor to operate as a distinct system but also be networked. Nozzle-specific algorithms were developed for air induction and conventional atomizers as typically found on agricultural sprayers.

Gated sampling and sample-averaging algorithms were developed to aid in rejection of spurious signals, false detection of clogged or inoperative nozzles and failure of components.

A microprocessor was coupled to the MEMS-based detector and sampled the The detector was embedded into commercial nozzle mounting hardware to allow simple retrofit onto existing spray systems and to facilitate introduction into the market. A prototype nozzle vibration detector was developed using low-cost MEMS technology. Experimental data confirmed that the predicted wavebands were indeed the predominant frequencies and were of sufficient magnitude for detection, even in noisy industrial environments. A theoretical analysis of the sheet break-up of aqueous solutions emitted from fan nozzles at typical operating flow rates and liquid pressures suggested that predominant frequencies would be in the 4 to 7 kHz band. The technique was based on measurement of the characteristic vibration produced by conventional agricultural, flat-fan nozzles.

Progress 09/01/03 to 08/31/05 Outputs A system and method of remote monitoring of individual spray nozzles was developed and implemented on agricultural sprayers. System, individual nozzle control and monitoring (flow, pattern and droplet size quality) will provide a very reliable and high resolution precision spray system for agriculture. When the monitoring system is integrated into a blended-pulse flow control Proper operation of nozzle actuators such as pulsed flow control valves will also be monitored, and malfunctions will be reported to the operator.

Capstan ag systems driver#

Individual nozzle monitors will be integrated into a central system for alerting the driver to malfunctions. Improper operation or malfunctions such as clogs or damaged nozzles will be sensed through a proprietary technique that is sensitive to liquid flowrate, spray pattern and droplet size quality. Improper operation can lead to expensive and wasteful respraying, excessive chemical use, environmental contamination or loss of crop productivity.

Capstan ag systems drivers#

Often, drivers cannot see all spray nozzles on a large boom or they may be fully engaged in driving a wide, fast-moving vehicle over rough terrain. Goals / Objectives The project addresses a long unsolved and increasingly important need in agrochemical applications, namely, the monitoring of proper spray nozzle operation.