ASTM E2044-99(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures
Standard Test Method for Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended to provide a rapid means of determining the relative ability of a liquid agricultural spray mixture to spread on a test substrate.
5.2 This test method was validated using Parafilm M3 as a test substrate. It is the user's responsibility for determining the validity of this test method for alternative test surfaces. While it may be generally agreed upon that there is no perfect model for the variety of surfaces for which spreading information would be useful, this test method does not limit users to any one surface. Further consideration must also be given to the potential effect that the liquid droplet may have on the chemical composition and morphology of the test surface. While this does not restrict the test method, an understanding of this potential can help in the interpretation of test data.
5.3 This test method will determine the relative spread of radii of water, fertilizers, oils, and mixtures of these carriers with surfactants. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method with alternative liquids.
5.4 This test method will determine the relative spread radii of droplets over 30 s, 60 s, and 5 min. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternative spreading times.
5.5 This test method is appropriate for relative humidities within the range of 40 to 70 %. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate relative humidities.
5.6 This test method is appropriate for temperatures within the range of 18 to 22 °C. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate temperatures.
5.7 This test method will determine the relative spread radii for droplets of 10 and 20 μL. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate droplet sizes.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the visual evaluation of the relative spread radius of liquid spray mixture droplets.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Sep-2019
- Technical Committee
- E35 - Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents
- Drafting Committee
- E35.22 - Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM E2044-99(2012) - Standard Test Method for Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2004
- Effective Date
- 28-May-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2001
Overview
ASTM E2044-99(2019) – Standard Test Method for Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures establishes a visual and reliable procedure for evaluating how liquid agricultural spray mixtures spread on a given substrate. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is designed to provide a rapid means to compare the spreading abilities of different liquid formulations, including water, fertilizers, oils, and carrier mixtures with surfactants.
This standard plays a critical role in the agricultural sector, supporting research, formulation development, and quality control efforts for spray products intended for crop application. It offers a practical approach for determining the comparative spreading behavior of various spray mixtures and adjuvants, which directly impacts the efficiency of agrochemical applications.
Key Topics
- Test Substrate: The method was validated using Parafilm M3, but users can consider alternative test surfaces if desired.
- Droplet Spreading: The standard measures the relative spread radius of spray mixture droplets at specific intervals (30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 5 minutes).
- Test Conditions: Appropriate for temperatures of 18 to 22°C and relative humidities between 40-70%. Standard droplet volumes are 10 µL and 20 µL.
- Applicability: In addition to water, fertilizers, and oils, the method supports mixtures containing different surfactants and adjuvants.
- Visual Evaluation: The spread is visually quantified by observing the number of concentric rings covered by a droplet at set time points.
- User Responsibility: Users must determine the method’s validity for alternative liquids, droplet sizes, substrates, spreading times, or environmental conditions.
- Results Reporting: Standardized reporting includes spread radius (in mm), test conditions, and any deviations from the prescribed parameters.
Applications
ASTM E2044-99(2019) is widely applicable across various areas in agricultural research, development, and manufacturing:
- Agrochemical Formulation: Enables scientists and formulators to compare the effect of different adjuvants or surfactants on spray mixture spreading efficiency.
- Quality Control: Used in routine quality checks to ensure consistency in product performance related to wetting and coverage characteristics.
- Product Development: Supports the design of improved formulations with optimized spreading and wetting on plant surfaces, aiding in the delivery of pesticides, fertilizers, and other agrochemicals.
- Comparative Performance: Offers a standardized way to assess relative performance between competing products or proprietary blends.
- Regulatory Support: Objective and repeatable results may support submissions to regulatory authorities by demonstrating product characteristics under controlled laboratory conditions.
Related Standards
- ASTM E1519: Terminology Relating to Agricultural Tank Mix Adjuvants – Key reference for terms such as adjuvant and spreader, both essential for understanding and using this standard.
- Other ASTM Agricultural Standards: For broader application, users may refer to other ASTM standards governing pesticide formulation, delivery systems, and agricultural testing methods.
- International Guides: Developed in compliance with WTO TBT Committee’s Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, ensuring international relevance.
Keywords: ASTM E2044, agricultural spray mixtures, spread radius, adjuvants, surfactants, visual evaluation, Parafilm M, agrochemical formulations, wetting, agricultural standards.
This standard enables efficient, comparative evaluation of liquid agricultural sprays, ensuring products meet the necessary performance demands for modern agricultural practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2044-99(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is intended to provide a rapid means of determining the relative ability of a liquid agricultural spray mixture to spread on a test substrate. 5.2 This test method was validated using Parafilm M3 as a test substrate. It is the user's responsibility for determining the validity of this test method for alternative test surfaces. While it may be generally agreed upon that there is no perfect model for the variety of surfaces for which spreading information would be useful, this test method does not limit users to any one surface. Further consideration must also be given to the potential effect that the liquid droplet may have on the chemical composition and morphology of the test surface. While this does not restrict the test method, an understanding of this potential can help in the interpretation of test data. 5.3 This test method will determine the relative spread of radii of water, fertilizers, oils, and mixtures of these carriers with surfactants. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method with alternative liquids. 5.4 This test method will determine the relative spread radii of droplets over 30 s, 60 s, and 5 min. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternative spreading times. 5.5 This test method is appropriate for relative humidities within the range of 40 to 70 %. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate relative humidities. 5.6 This test method is appropriate for temperatures within the range of 18 to 22 °C. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate temperatures. 5.7 This test method will determine the relative spread radii for droplets of 10 and 20 μL. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate droplet sizes. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the visual evaluation of the relative spread radius of liquid spray mixture droplets. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is intended to provide a rapid means of determining the relative ability of a liquid agricultural spray mixture to spread on a test substrate. 5.2 This test method was validated using Parafilm M3 as a test substrate. It is the user's responsibility for determining the validity of this test method for alternative test surfaces. While it may be generally agreed upon that there is no perfect model for the variety of surfaces for which spreading information would be useful, this test method does not limit users to any one surface. Further consideration must also be given to the potential effect that the liquid droplet may have on the chemical composition and morphology of the test surface. While this does not restrict the test method, an understanding of this potential can help in the interpretation of test data. 5.3 This test method will determine the relative spread of radii of water, fertilizers, oils, and mixtures of these carriers with surfactants. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method with alternative liquids. 5.4 This test method will determine the relative spread radii of droplets over 30 s, 60 s, and 5 min. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternative spreading times. 5.5 This test method is appropriate for relative humidities within the range of 40 to 70 %. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate relative humidities. 5.6 This test method is appropriate for temperatures within the range of 18 to 22 °C. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate temperatures. 5.7 This test method will determine the relative spread radii for droplets of 10 and 20 μL. It is the user's responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at alternate droplet sizes. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the visual evaluation of the relative spread radius of liquid spray mixture droplets. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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.
ASTM E2044-99(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.100.99 - Other pesticides and agrochemicals. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2044-99(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2044-99(2012), ASTM E1519-15b, ASTM E1519-15a, ASTM E1519-15, ASTM E1519-13, ASTM E1519-10, ASTM E1519-06ae1, ASTM E1519-06a, ASTM E1519-06, ASTM E1519-05, ASTM E1519-04a, ASTM E1519-04, ASTM E1519-03, ASTM E1519-02a, ASTM E1519-01. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2044-99(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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: E2044 −99 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2044; 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 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the visual evaluation of the 4.1 The material(s) to be tested is mixed using the desired
relative spread radius of liquid spray mixture droplets. concentration of each component.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 4.2 A20 µL droplet of the spray mixture is placed carefully
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this onto a substrate. Under this substrate is a graph with concentric
standard. rings spaced at 1 mm intervals.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.3 After 60 s, the number of rings that the droplet covers,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and thus the radius of the droplet, is observed and recorded.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 This test method is intended to provide a rapid means of
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
determining the relative ability of a liquid agricultural spray
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
mixture to spread on a test substrate.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 This test method was validated using Parafilm M as a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
test substrate. It is the user’s responsibility for determining the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
validity of this test method for alternative test surfaces. While
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
it may be generally agreed upon that there is no perfect model
2. Referenced Documents for the variety of surfaces for which spreading information
2 would be useful, this test method does not limit users to any
2.1 ASTM Standards:
one surface. Further consideration must also be given to the
E1519 Terminology Relating to Agricultural Tank Mix Ad-
potential effect that the liquid droplet may have on the
juvants
chemical composition and morphology of the test surface.
3. Terminology While this does not restrict the test method, an understanding
of this potential can help in the interpretation of test data.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 adjuvant, n—a material added to a tank mix to aid or 5.3 This test method will determine the relative spread of
modify the action of an agrochemical, or the physical charac- radii of water, fertilizers, oils, and mixtures of these carriers
teristics of the mixture. (See Terminology E1519.) with surfactants. It is the user’s responsibility to determine the
validity of the test method with alternative liquids.
3.1.2 spreader, n—a material that increases the area that a
droplet of a given volume of spray mixture will cover on a
5.4 This test method will determine the relative spread radii
target. (See Terminology E1519.)
of droplets over 30 s, 60 s, and 5 min. It is the user’s
responsibility to determine the validity of the test method at
3.1.3 spread radius, n—the radius in millimetres or some
alternative spreading times.
other standardized unit, of a substrate covered by a droplet.
5.5 This test method is appropriate for relative humidities
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on
within the range of 40 to 70 %. It is the user’s responsibility to
Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and is the direct
determine the validity of the test method at alternate relative
responsibility of Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery
humidities.
Systems.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published November 2019. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E2044 – 99 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/E2044-99R19. The sole source of supply of the apparatus (Parafilm M, registered trademark)
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or known to the committee at this time isAmerican National Can Company, Chicago,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM IL 60631. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consid-
the ASTM website. eration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
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E2044 − 99 (2019)
5.6 This test method is appropriate for temperatures within
the range of 18 to 22 °C. It is the user’s responsibility to
determine the validity of the test method at alternate tempera-
tures.
5.7 Th
...
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