ASTM E549-87(2022)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E549 − 87 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Guide for
Preparing Field Sprayer Calibration Procedures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E549; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 Measuring Device—Tape of at least 25 m (50 ft) in
length, or other suitable measuring devices.
1.1 This guide is for those who prepare field sprayer
3.1.2 Marking Devices—Stakes or flags for marking a
calibration procedures. The purpose is to encourage methods
measured course.
that will improve uniformity, accuracy, and safety of pesticide
3.1.3 Container,largeenoughtocollectnozzleoutputfor30
application with field sprayers.
s, and graduated to allow accuracy within 1 %.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.4 Pressure Gage, accurate and of the proper range.
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.5 Timing Device—A watch with a sweep second hand,
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
or a stop watch.
tion only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Hazards
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 A cautionary statement for the safe handling, storage,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and disposal of agricultural chemicals shall be included with
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
applicator calibration procedures.
For specific hazard statements see Section 4.
4.2 Use water alone to calibrate the sprayer unless the flow
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
rate of the actual spray mixture varies more than 5 % from the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
flow rate of water. (See 5.1.1.2.)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4.3 Calibration with Actual Spray Mixture:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.3.1 Wear suitable approved safety equipment and protec-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tive clothing. Avoid contact with the spray.
4.3.2 Avoid contamination of the area. Collect all nozzle
2. Significance and Use
output. Calibrate only when the wind speed is below 8 km/h (5
2.1 This guide provides information on the calibration of mph).
boom-type field sprayers used for broadcast, band, or row
applications. It is easily adapted to boomless and air-carrier
5. Recommendations
typesprayersforbroadcastapplicationsandtorotaryatomizers
5.1 The volume of spray material applied to a given area
such as spinning disks. A single calibration procedure that is
depends on three variables. Each variable must be determined
applicable in all situations is not feasible because of the nature
when developing a specific calibration procedure.
of the variables involved in pesticide application. Electronic
5.1.1 Nozzle Flow Rate—The nozzle flow rate varies with
controllers and other aids should be calibrated by one of these
the following:
methods.
5.1.1.1 Nozzle Capacity—Select the orifice size that will
3. Apparatus best fit the requirements of application, volume, pressure, and
ground speed.
3.1 Apparatus needed will depend on the method of cali-
5.1.1.2 Nature of Fluid—If the spray mixture will be altered
bration. Common items include the following:
considerably by the addition of adjuvants, compare the flow
rate of the mixture to that of water. If the rate difference is 5 %
1 or more, use the actual spray mixture in the calibration.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on Pesticides,
Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agentsand is the direct responsibility of
5.1.1.3 Fluid Pressure—A constant pressure should be
Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems.
maintained to achieve uniform application. Flow rate is gen-
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
erally proportional to the square root of the pressure drop
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E549 – 87 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/E0549-87R22. across the nozzle.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E549 − 87 (2022)
5.1.2 Ground Speed of Sprayer—This does not apply to measured course; (b) over the period of time equivalent to the
ground-driven pumps. This parameter has an inverse relation- travel time over the course; or (c) for a given time such as 1
ship to the spray volume. It is the easiest factor to change for min. Select representative nozzles and maintain the desired
minor corrections in the application rate. Ground speed should operating pressure. Determine the spray application rate in
be maintained uniformly for uniform application, even when accordance with 7.1 if technique (a)or(b) is used. Determine
ground-driven pumps or electronic controllers are used. the spray application rate in accordance with 7.2, if technique
5.1.3 Sprayed Width per Nozzle—Calibration procedures (c) is employed.
should be used to determine the amount (in litres or gallons) of
6.1.5.2 Procedure B—The amount required to refill the tank
liquid applied per unit area (hectare or acre) actually treated
is measured after operation as in technique (a)or(b)of
with the agricultural chemical. For band application, the area
ProcedureA, or (c) for a suitable given time such as 5 m
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