Sprayer operators keen to get turn compensation without switching to pulse width modulation now have the option of a system that works with conventional twin or quad nozzle bodies.

Smart C Spray 124 has been developed by Altek and Lykketronic, and alters the rate at different sections of the boom depending on how fast they are moving.

This means sections nearer the outer edge will be given a higher rate, while those on the inside get a reduction.

Any sections that travel backwards are also temporarily switched off to avoid double dosing.

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Pulse width modulation does this by rapidly opening and closing nozzles, but Smart C Spray 124 alters the application rate by swapping to a more suitable nozzle – think of it as an enhanced version of auto nozzle switching.

For example, it will automatically jump up from an 025 to an 03 outlet as the speed increases or it will use a combination of nozzles if these are deemed to be more appropriate.

These changes are performed in just 0.2sec, so there is no noticeable interruption in the spray pattern.

The system will work with twin solenoid bodies, but accuracy is improved with quads as there are more options to play with.

It’s also compatible with all nozzle types, including air inclusion and twin caps, so operators have more variations than they do with pulse width modulation.

Smart C Spray Quad © Altech

Algorithms

To work out the relative speeds at each section of the boom, the system uses a GPS fix to determine how tight the vehicle is turning.

Clever algorithms then calculate how this affects the velocity of each nozzle at a given time.

With this established, the software will decide which outlets are the most appropriate to use at each location.

All operators have to do is tap in which nozzles they have fitted in each location and select their usual spraying parameters.

The software side of the system has been developed by Lykketronic and this can be housed in the firm’s own 10in screen, or it can be fed into any Isobus compatible terminal.

The company also produces the modules that control nozzle switching.

One of these can manage two nozzle bodies each and they have self-assigning software inside, which means they don’t have to be individually programmed.

Altek provides the nozzle bodies and a SBR 500 regulation valve that gives precise pressure regulation and allows fast proportional adjustment of flow to the boom.

The firm also offers a blockage detection system, which it is calling Nozzle Spy. This uses line-clamp flow meters that can spot any deviation in flow compared to other nozzles of the same size.

The Smart C Spray 124 system is available to order now and prices for retrofit kits start at £25,000 for a 24m twin setup and £31,000 for a quad version.

The flow monitor clamp © Altech