TECHNICAL NOTE: INSPECTION OF THE AIRSPRAYERS IN THE ALTO PARANAÍBA-MG REGION - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984.v22n05a08

Abstract

The objective of this study was to inspect air assisted sprayers in the Alto Paranaíba-MG region, in order to verify the state of conservation and validate assessment procedures consistent with the region. For this, 30 randomly selected sprayers. The process evaluation consisted of application of a questionnaire divided into two parts, with the following maximum scores: conditions of equipment (300) and calibration (150). Thus, a sprayer in perfect operating conditions received a final score of 450. In the case that some conditions were not achieved, the score of the sprayer was reduced. The chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation discriminant analyses were performed. The factor that contributes most to the final note of the sprayer was calibration. In the equipment factor, the item of greatest influence was the tank level maker, followed by protection of moving parts and leaks in hoses. In the calibration factor, the item that most interfered was nominal rotation of the motor, followed by monitoring weather conditions and standard deviation of nozzle flow. The evaluation method showed to be adequate, except for the assessment of sprayer losses.