Among the various tasks of agricultural activity, spraying occupies an important place. This essential operation of the agricultural process consists of spreading different types of products on the crops depending on the desired objective. In liquid or powder, these products can be sprayed to weed, fertilize leaves or to deal with insect invasions.
If the sensitivity of the operation requires care in the choice of products, that of the equipment to be used, the sprayer, must be seriously considered, especially if it is to be used at night. For your crops, here is what you need to know about the 12V pump and the light on the sprayers, the two essential pieces of equipment to carry out this task.
The role of the 12V pump
Combined with the 12V pump, the operation of the sprayer is further optimized. As the centerpiece of this agricultural equipment , the electric pump is responsible for transferring the product to be spread from the tank to the nozzles. Then it comes out in the form of droplets. The 12V electric pump can be diaphragm, gear, or piston. It is also available in various powers, but the 12V model is the most common.
This equipment allows you to go faster and treat a large volume of plants. Thanks to advances in technology, manufacturers are making LED sprayer models available to farmers, allowing them to benefit from the advantages of night spraying. You will work in quality lighting with the right pump. If you consult the JCM Technologie website , you will see that these 12V electric pumps rank among the best models on the market for night spraying.
The advantage of light over sprayers
Based on concrete facts, farmers have come to the conclusion that night spraying is very beneficial for crop yield. These are treated optimally, because there is less evaporation, less wind. We also note better hydrometry and the presence of nocturnal insects. These different points are of significant economic interest for the farmer.
However, it is more difficult to carry out treatment at night than during the day. This difficulty mainly concerns the lighting necessary to distinguish the malfunction of a nozzle, for example. The specter of halogen bulbs installed on some sprayers often ends up drowning in the layer of fog that the machine generates.
With LED lighting, the light spectrum is greater , because it is better diffused. LED lighting with a power more or less equal to that of a halogen lamp offers better lighting than the latter. This lighting device has the advantage of having a greater luminous flux, this is expressed in Lumens. You will have the choice between a blue spectrum and a white spectrum.
Blue light is considered by farmers and experts alike to be the best for night spraying. According to various testimonies, the blue spectrum brings you closer to sunlight. Even in the harshest conditions, you will see the fine droplets generated by the machine with remarkable clarity. A possible failure at the level of the nozzles is therefore quickly identified.
The possibility of coupling the blue spectrum with a camera above all allows you to have the nozzles in line of sight. This combination, which demonstrates the efforts of technology, gives you the sensation of spraying during the day, in the middle of the night. From an economic point of view, LED projectors do not require a large investment . They are easy to install and clean easily. In addition, to light a ramp, 2 LED spotlights will be more than enough.
How to choose an electric pump?
If you are forced to change the pump during use, the choice of the new one will depend on the model of sprayer you have. You should know that within the same brand, not all pump models will be compatible with your machine , as the sprayers are each manufactured with specific characteristics. More precisely, this involves taking into account information concerning the original pump of the sprayer, in this case the flow rate, the type of shaft and drive, the pressure range, the tubing, the size, the type of pump and its rotation speed.
The flow
The choice of pump flow rate is calculated by taking into account a certain number of parameters: width of the ramps, volume of the tank, flow rate at the nozzles and the cylindrical tolerance of the inlet and outlet pipes. This calculation can be complex, and you can therefore make mistakes. This is why it is advisable to make things simpler by resuming the flow rate of the old pump . You can also consult experts as they are more knowledgeable in flow estimation.
The type of tree
Ideally, the original assembly of your agricultural sprayer should be respected. Therefore, you will make a wise choice by opting for a pump whose shaft type is identical to that which was mounted on the machine . For pumps that are compatible with several types of shafts, be sure to choose the correct reference.
We distinguish between smooth keyed shafts, with flange fixing, through male or female, or non-through, 1”3/8 6-spline shafts. The pump and the agricultural sprayer are each delivered with a technical sheet, do not hesitate to use it to identify the type of tree initially mounted on the sprayer.
Pressure range
The objective is to regain the pressure quality of the old pump. To do this, you must choose a pressure/flow range for the new pump that is identical to that of the old one. However, a new pump with a slightly greater pressure range will allow you to have a reserve if necessary. On the other hand, it must not be of a lower maximum pressure .
A pump with a lower maximum pressure range than the previous one will not be able to give you the pressure build-up necessary for good spraying. Furthermore, the pressure range may change depending on the type of crop you are maintaining: field crops, arboriculture/viticulture.
The size of the pump
Here, we are talking about the space occupied by the pump once installed in the agricultural sprayer. This place is determined by measurements in height, width and depth. From one model to another, the size of a pump may vary. Take into account the location provided on your machine to make your choice.
In fact, a larger footprint will prevent you from installing the pump , if you do not have space on the machine. However, it is always possible to install a pump different from the previous one. However, you will need to make adaptations to successfully attach it to the original location.
The tubing
Choosing your pump also requires you to know the diameter of the suction and discharge pipes . Provided certain points are respected, these two diameters may be slightly different from those of the original pump. Remember that the diameter of the inlet tubing must be greater than that of the outlet tubing. This is important for filling the pump with liquid and for the pressure build-up. As long as the flow rate is consistent and there are no major connections, it is possible to adapt the diameter of the tubing to the existing one.
The type of pump
To avoid damage due to improper change, be sure to fit the same type of pump as the original one. Manufacturers design a circuit for each type of pump. Therefore, a piston pump can only be replaced by the same type of pump, or possibly a diaphragm piston pump with the same characteristics.
Finally, if the information on your original pump is illegible, because the plate is degraded, rely on your spraying habits and other information on the device. On this basis, experts will be able to guide you in your choice.
