How can nozzle dribble be eliminated?

Eliminating nozzle dribble can effectively be achieved by incorporating a nozzle screen and check valve into the application system. A nozzle dribble is the unwanted dripping of liquid from the nozzle after the control valve has been shut off. This can lead to uneven distribution of herbicides and unintended areas receiving excess chemical.

The nozzle screen helps prevent debris from clogging the nozzle, ensuring a consistent flow rate and proper atomization of the spray solution. The check valve plays a crucial role in preventing backflow, which means that once the pressure from the pump ceases, the check valve closes and stops additional product from exiting the nozzle. This combination effectively minimizes dribble by maintaining an uninterrupted and controlled flow of the herbicide during application, and by ensuring that there is no leakage after the sprayer has been turned off.

Other methods, such as altering boom height or pump speed, may not directly address the issue of dribbling from nozzles. While these factors can impact application efficiency and coverage, they do not specifically control the post-application dribble that can occur without implementing a check valve or nozzle screen.