Droplet size spectra produced by the atomization of a ULV formulation of fenitrothion with a Micronair AU5000 rotary atomizer

Abstract The atomization of fenitrothion ULV by a Micronair AU5000 rotary cage atomizer was evaluated in a wind tunnel with an air velocity of 180 km h −1 . The study involved characterization of the droplet size spectra produced by nine blade settings from 35 to 80 degrees with flow rates of 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 l min −1 . As the flow rate rose the volume median diameter (VMD) increased but to a lesser degree as the rotational speed decreased. A 50 degree blade angle with flow rates of 3.5 and 5 l min −1 , which is used by the Australian Plague Locust Commission for locust control, gave rotational speeds of 5510 and 5410 rev min −1 , and droplet spectra with VMD values of 78 and 92 μm, respectively.