What differentiates a Martignani Electrostatic Sprayer from a traditional Air Blast Sprayer?
Let’s look at it point by point.
MARTIGNANI ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYING (LOW VOLUME)
CONVENTIONAL SPRAYING (NORMAL-HIGH VOLUME)
1.
Low volume from 50 l/hectare (5 gal/acre) and normal volume up to 2000 (200 gal/acre) and more l/hectare without the need to change nozzles, operating pressure (constant at 1.5 bar/21 psi), travel speed.
1.
Variable volumes by changing the nozzles (the colour), the operating pressure, and the travel speed. To distribute low volumes, very small diameter nozzles are used (<2 mm), which easily become clogged, and wear rapidly over time due to high pressure which causes a deterioration in the quality of micronisation
2.
Same micronisation, spray range and penetration power at both low and normal volume.
2.
Micronisation varies with the nozzle pressure and type (colour) and thus flow rate.
3.
Perfect, uniform and constant micronisation of any chemical formulation.
3.
Uneven micronisation and progressive nozzle wear due to high operating pressure.
4.
No dripping from target, even at normal volume; the electrostatic charge acts on the recovery of off-target droplets, allowing an increase in coverage level and uniformity. More plant protection product reaches the target, with the possibility to save at least 30% of chemicals.
4.
Considerable run-off from the target (30-50%) and drift losses (10-15%) due to coarse and irregular spraying.
NOTE: Electrostatic systems applied to air blast sprayers with high pressure nozzles are poorly effective due to the uneven size of the droplets.
5.
No problems with occlusion, blockage, wear of nozzles, discs, plates.
5.
Problems with occlusion, blockage, wear of nozzles, discs, plates
6.
Ability to distribute mixtures (up to 10 times more concentrated than air blast sprayers) including those based on Bordeaux mixture (classic and industrial), copper oxychlorides, white and yellow oils, barium and calcium polysulphides, the latter also pure in their commercial liquid formula, without dilution water, clays (zeolite, kaolin, basalt powder, etc.) without any occlusion of the nozzles (pneumatic wing nozzles with a diameter of 4 mm) or problems related to the mixing/agitation of the concentrated product (high-flow centrifugal pumps ensuring perfect hydraulic agitation).
6.
Inability to distribute highly concentrated mixtures causing occlusion of reduced diameter nozzles (<2 mm.) and problems related to mixing/agitation of the concentrated product (diaphragm pumps or pistons with high pressure but low flow rate making hydraulic agitation poor).
7.
Instantaneous and precise regulation of liquid delivery (from low to normal volume at a constant pressure of 1.5 bar) thanks to precision stainless steel mechanical metering valves with variable flow rates from 0 to 550/1300 l/hour.
7.
Impossibility to make instantaneous and precise dispensing adjustments as they depend on the colour of the nozzle (subject to rapid wear), the pressure, and the travel speed.
8.
Each nozzle or spray head can be closed or adjusted individually (without affecting the overall flow rate initially set) by directing the air jet and the chemical mist mixed in it according to the shape and size of the plants, this ensures coverage even in the most hidden parts of the vegetation. WHERE THE AIR FLOW COMES THE CHEMICAL MIST COMES AS WELL!
8.
Each nozzle can be closed/excluded to adapt the treatment to the type of crop, the planting pattern, and the shape and size of the plants, but this alters the overall flow rate that was initially established.
9.
Maximum versatility of use and wide choice of accessories
9.
Lacking versatility, spray heads are usually fixed, and it is impossible to change the original configuration without changing the whole sprayer.
10.
High timeliness and speed of execution, thanks to the Low and Very Low volume (up to 90% less water than air blast sprayers), a Martignani sprayer ensures a runtime that can replace up to 2.5 air blast sprayers, and as many tractors and operators; as a result, it is possible to save up to 60% time/labour and 40% fuel.
10.
Poor efficiency due to the negative incidence of refill times because of the Normal/High volume; as a result, it is very difficult to intervene promptly in the presence of strong pest attacks.
11.
Proverbial simplicity and operation safety with very low maintenance (no high pressure nozzles, no membrane pumps and no high pressure circuits).
11.
High maintenance, the use of high pressure nozzles, membrane pumps and high pressure circuits lead to rapid wear and tear and stresses that can only be partially controlled and prevented. Deterioration of the high pressure nozzles progressively alters the quality of micronisation and requires constant calibration checks.