Solution System
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUIK-FILL is a trademark of Deere & Company | OUO6092,0000B99 -19-15AUG06-1/4 |
|
System Components
NOTE: Machines are equipped with either 2 inch (Standard) or 3 inch (Optional) systems. The basic components and functions are the same for both systems. The solution spray system consists of solution tank (1), suction valve (2), QUIK-FILL valve (3), fill strainer (4), pressure valve (5), centrifugal pump (6), boom supply line strainers (31,32), eductor hopper (8), orifice valve (9), boom section shut-off valves (10), and spray nozzles (11) mounted on the boom. Solution tank is made from polyethylene or stainless steel and has a capacity of 3028 L (800 gal). An access/fill cap is located at the top of the tank. At the side of the machine is a clear tube and graduated scale that indicates solution level in liters and gallons. Located at the bottom of the tank is the shut-off/solution outlet valve (12). The suction valve has two functions:
The fill strainer located in the fill line is constructed of a noncorrosive material that should be cleaned as required. The solution pump is a centrifugal type that is driven by hydraulic motor (13). Engagement and disengagement of the pump is controlled by a switch located on the side console. Any air trapped in the pump is allowed to escape through a bleed-off line. This helps prevent pump cavitation. A bleed off line (34) is also provided on the boom supply line to help remove air from the system. Strainer(s) are located in the boom supply line before the solution flowmeter(s) (14). The strainer(s) remove sediment before it reaches flowmeter and boom valves. The strainer shut-off valve (33) and flowmeter shut-off valve (7) can be closed to aid in cleaning the boom supply line strainer(s) (31,32) and the flowmeter(s) (14). |
An orifice valve is located on the boom to the left of the flowmeter(s). It is used to improve the control of the spray rate control system when smaller nozzles are used. The valve is set in open position for medium to high flow rates and in closed position for a flow rate of 100 Lpm (26 gpm) or less. As a general guideline, one flowmeter should be used for less than 341 Lpm (90 gpm). Above 341 Lpm (90 gpm) may require the use of two flowmeters included in the high flow pump option. To use two flowmeters shut off valve (29) should be opened and SPRAYSTAR should be programmed for high solution flow. Agitation jets are in two locations on the bottom of the tank. The jet creates a vigorous fan type agitation throughout the tank to keep chemicals, such as wettable powders, in suspension. The agitation flow rate valve (15) is located under side of solution tank and can be adjusted to attain the desired agitation effect. The agitation solenoid valve (16) controlled by a switch on the console can be used to turn the agitation on and off. Pressure valve does one of three things:
Bypass valve (17) does one of two things:
The eductor flow rate valve (18) directs fill water through a eductor venturi (29) at top of the solution tank to create a vacuum to pull the chemical into the water stream. The eductor rinse valve (19) directs water to the hopper rinse and the jug rinse. The eductor hopper valve (20) allows chemical to be drawn from bottom of eductor hopper to top of solution tank. |
OUO6092,0000B99 -19-15AUG06-2/4 |
|
Check valves (28) are used in the system to prevent solution from flowing in wrong direction. Spray control valves are motorized ball valves that cycle completely open or completely closed. The valves are operated by switches on the operator's side console. The spray nozzles, located on the center frame and boom, meter, atomize and dispense the solution into specific patterns. Solution flow is metered by the size of the orifice in the nozzle tip. Within limits, solution flow through a nozzle can be increased or decreased by adjusting system pressure. Most nozzles are designed for optimum performance at specific pressures. However, the range of adjustment is relatively narrow. Line pressures too high or too low will affect atomizing the solution and create variations in the spray pattern. The solution atomizes when the liquid is forced through the orifice in the nozzle. The shape of the spray pattern is determined by the shape of the orifice. The rinse tank (21) can be loaded with clean water for rinsing solution system. System OperationWhen the pump is activated, solution is drawn from the solution tank, through the suction valve. The pump pushes the solution through the boom supply line strainers and flowmeters to the spray control valves, and to the agitation flow rate valve for agitation. When the spray control valves are open, the solution flows to the nozzles, where it is atomized and sprayed. The flowmeter(s) on the boom send an electronic signal to the CCU/SRC (22), which compares that signal to the operator-programmed application rate. If there is a difference in the signal from the flowmeter(s) |
and the programmed rate, the compensator in the proportional valve assembly (23) will open or close as needed until the system is stabilized.
When the compensator opens, more hydraulic oil is sent to the hydraulic motor, causing the solution pump to increase its flow. When the compensator closes, less hydraulic oil is sent to the hydraulic motor, causing the solution pump to decrease its flow. The Spray Rate Controller (SRC) provides the ability to maintain application within a range of application rates while changing speeds. Application rate consistency depends on a number of things such as nozzle tip size, application rate, and rate of speed change. The SRC provides quick response, but some differences in application rates can be observed if the operator makes rapid speed changes or operates at the extremes of the solution pressure range. Principle parts of the SRC system are a speed sensor (either a wheel speed sensor (24) on left front wheel motor or a radar speed sensor (25) at front of machine), the spray rate controller, a variable speed solution pump, flowmeter(s), and a solution pressure transducer (26). The speed sensor and flowmeter(s) provide speed and flow rate information to the spray rate controller. The spray rate controller provides target (programmed by the operator) application rates by analyzing speed and flow data, and then making appropriate adjustments to the variable solution pump. The spray rate controller is part of the Chassis Computer Unit/Spray Rate Control Unit (CCU/SRC) located under the floor plate inside the cab. The spray rate controller has an internal warning system that alerts the operator if the actual flow rate varies from the programmed flow rate by 20% of actual or more for 10 seconds. The SRC system is a volume-regulating system, so pressures displayed on the SPRAYSTAR display (27) may vary at a given ground speed. |
OUO6092,0000B99 -19-15AUG06-3/4 |
|
The solution pressure required for a given application rate is determined by speed and nozzle tip size. Before attempting to use the SRC, refer to a nozzle tip calculator or nozzle tip selection charts, and make sure the spray boom is equipped with spray tip nozzles that will provide desired application rates at desired pressures and speeds. Ground speed variation is limited by the operating pressure range of the nozzle tips. The master "on/off" button located on the multifunction control handle is an integral part of the SRC system. When "off" is pushed, electrical power closes the boom valves and the variable solution pump slows to maintain spray-off pressure (as set by the operator). Solution may continue to spray from the boom for a short period of time after master "off" is pushed. This is |
due to pressure remaining in the line. The time interval that spray will continue flowing depends upon pressure in the spray line, boom hose lengths and routings, nozzle tip size, and use of nozzle check valves . In order to compensate for the boom shut-off lag time, master "off" should be pressed prior to reaching the turnrow.
Once master "on" has been pressed, if the machine is moving slowly or is not moving, the variable solution pump will maintain the minimum solution pressure as set by the operator. This may result in an application rate that is higher than the target rate (programmed by the operator). Likewise, if the machine is moving too fast, the variable solution pump will maintain the maximum solution pressure. This may result in an application rate that is lower than the target rate. |
OUO6092,0000B99 -19-15AUG06-4/4 |