ASTM E550-87(R2019) pdf free download

ASTM E550-87(R2019) pdf free download.Standard Guide for Preparing Granular Pesticide Ground Applicator Calibration Procedures
1. Scope
1.1 This guide is for those who prepare granular pesticide ground applicator calibration procedures. The purpose is to encourage methods that will improve uniformity and accuracy of application with granular applicators. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered 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 appro- priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements see Section 4. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Significance and Use
2.1 This guide covers the calibration of row, band, and broadcast applicators. Attainment of accurate and more uni- form application can reduce the quantity of active ingredient required for a given degree of control, thus improving envi- ronmental quality and safety at a more economical cost. A single-calibration procedure applicable in all situations is not feasible because of the nature of the variables involved in chemical applications.
5. Recommendations
5.1 The amount of granular material applied to a given area is dependent on six factors. It is recommended that each of the following variables be given consideration when developing specific calibration procedures: 5.1.1 Orifice Area—The area ofthe metering orifice must be adjusted to regulate the flow rate. The orifice area is determined by the orifice setting. Adjustments in the orifice setting should always be made in one direction only such as from closed to open to reduce variability in output for a particular setting. 5.1.2 Ground Speed—A constant speed of the applicator must be maintained for uniform application. N OTE 1—The flow of granules through the orifice is not necessarily proportional to ground speed, even on applicators that use a rotor whose speed varies with ground speed. 5.1.3 Product—Each agricultural chemical applied requires a separate calibration since there is a wide variation in size, density, and shape ofthe granules. In addition, the nature ofthe inert materials varies. 5.1.4 Width ofTreatment—Calibration procedures should be used to determine the amount in kilograms (or pounds) applied per unit area of surface in hectares (or acres) actually covered with the agricultural chemical. For band application, the area actually treated is the area in the band and not the area of cropland covered. Some row crop recommendations are based on treating “in-the-row” rather than the area actually covered. In these cases, recommendations are generally based on the amount ofgranules per row length (grams per 100 m or ounces per 1000 ft of row).
6. Calibration Procedures
6.1 Perform the following basic steps for the calibration of granular applicators: 6.1.1 Lay out a measured course in the field where the application will take place or in an area having similar soil and terrain conditions. To minimize the error in collecting granules, the acceleration and deceleration distances should be as short as possible and the total distance driven should be as long as practical. 6.1.2 Determine the ground speed that will be used. Except for the orifice setting, ground speed is the most significant factor affecting the application rate. Therefore, it is important to maintain a uniform speed during calibration and application. 6.1.3 Determine and set the initial orifice setting. Both chemical and equipment manufacturers furnish application rate charts that are intended to be a starting point for determining the correct orifice setting. 6.1.4 Fill the hopper(s) at least 1 ⁄ 2 full and operate the applicator until the granules are feeding from all units. 6.1.5 Attach a collection container under the opening(s). 6.1.6 Operate the applicator over the measured course at the speed determined in 6.1.2. 6.1.7 Weigh the granules collected from each unit of the applicator. A sufficient quantity of material must be collected during the test to allow for accurate weighing on the scales. 6.1.8 Calculate the application rate in accordance with 7.1.