The factors influencing droplet size in atomizing micro sprinklers

ON 16 . Oct . 2023

Droplet size control in Atomizing Micro Sprinklers is a critical aspect of precision irrigation. The ability to tailor droplet size allows farmers to optimize water efficiency, nutrient distribution, and crop health. Various factors come into play when determining the size of water droplets produced by these systems.

Nozzle Size and Design:

Orifice Diameter: The size of the nozzle orifice is a primary factor in determining droplet size. Smaller orifices produce finer droplets, while larger orifices result in larger droplets. Farmers can select nozzles with specific orifice sizes based on their crop's requirements.

Nozzle Type: Different nozzle designs, such as pressure nozzles, air-assisted nozzles, and turbulent flow nozzles, have unique characteristics that influence droplet size. Each type of nozzle operates on distinct principles, affecting atomization differently.

Water Pressure:

Pressure within the System: Water pressure plays a significant role in droplet size control. Lowering the pressure generally results in finer droplets, as the force pushing the water through the nozzle is reduced. Conversely, higher pressure can create larger droplets.

Flow Rate:

Flow Rate Through the Nozzle: The rate at which water flows through the nozzle can affect droplet size. Lower flow rates often produce smaller droplets, as there is less water passing through the nozzle per unit of time. Adjusting the flow rate is a common method for controlling droplet size.

Nozzle Material:

Material of the Nozzle: The material from which the nozzle is constructed can influence droplet size. Materials with smoother surfaces, like stainless steel, can allow for precise control over droplet size due to reduced friction within the nozzle.

Air Assistance:

Compressed Air: Some Atomizing Micro Sprinkler systems use air-assisted nozzles, which introduce compressed air into the water stream before it exits the nozzle. This added turbulence enhances atomization and results in even finer droplets. Air assistance is particularly effective when extremely fine misting is required.

Environmental Conditions:

Wind Speed: Wind speed and direction can affect droplet size and distribution. Strong winds can cause smaller droplets to drift away from the target area, potentially leading to uneven irrigation. Choosing the right droplet size for prevailing wind conditions is essential.

Relative Humidity: The relative humidity of the environment can impact droplet evaporation. In arid conditions, smaller droplets may evaporate before reaching the crop, necessitating larger droplets for effective irrigation.

Crop Characteristics:

Crop Type and Stage: The type of crop being irrigated and its growth stage can influence droplet size requirements. Delicate seedlings and young plants may benefit from finer droplets, while mature crops with larger leaves may tolerate coarser droplets.

Water Quality:

Water Quality: The quality of the water source can impact droplet size control. Water with impurities or high mineral content can affect nozzle performance and potentially lead to nozzle clogging. Proper filtration and water treatment may be necessary to maintain consistent droplet size.

Refractive Atomizing Mist Sprinkler

If you are growing from seeds, it is best to use a mist sprayer in order to protect seeds from large droplets of conventional micro sprinklers.

A mist sprayer differs from a micro sprinkler by spreading very fine drops that cannot be achieved with a conventional sprinkler with a spinner. Each droplet is approximately 150 microns in size, which is distributed gently and evenly over the seeds / crop.