Lidar: towards a new methodology for field measurement of spray drift

Abstract

Lidar technology is becoming a promising alternative for spray drift measurement to the labour and time-expensive methodologies based on the ISO 22866 standard. This paper presents last advancements in an eye-safe lidar system specifically designed for drift monitoring. The lidar system was tested with an air-assisted sprayer in two cases: with standard hollow cone and air induction low-drift nozzles. The remaining variables (flow rate, environmental conditions,…) were similar. Lidar measurements allowed to know the time evolution of spray drift clouds and showed a much higher droplet concentration, dwelling time and dimensions for the cloud generated by standard nozzles. Also, the ability of the lidar system to distinguish different nozzle types according to their drift potential was proved. Finally, staring (laser beam stationary through the drift cloud) and 2D scanning measurements are discussed as starting points for an alternative spray drift measurement methodology.