NZ247801A - Multi-fan sprayer: airflow exits horizontally and latitudinally - Google Patents

Description

247801 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 ' COMPLETE SPECIFICATION h After Provisional \ /gg^ Tj No: 247801 Dated: 4 June 1993 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS We Splash Equipment (BOP) Limited, a New Zealand company of 7 Atuaroa Avenue, Te Puke, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 \» % ? 7 8 0 1 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is directed to distribution apparatus, and more 5 particularly those relying upon a carrier of air or another gas. While the present invention has many applications, it is considered that most embodiments will be directed to apparatus for the agricultural and horticultural sectors, and especially those used for the application of plant and foliage sprays. background art The common method of applying agricultural sprays over large areas or to large objects is typically by spray application using an air carrier. For orchard and vine spraying, which is considered to be a major area of use for most embodiments of the present invention, existing apparatus is 15 typically modified from the single fan units used in various areas of agriculture.

To obtain the spray height necessary for many vines and trees, the prior art has generally relied upon the use of towers and ducting to direct the air flow from a conventional single fan spray unit to a variety of different 20 heights. These virtually all typically comprise a single chamber into which the air output is directed, and where a multitude of outlets lead from the chamber. However some consideration needs to be given to the design to ensure that the output of each outlet is substantially the same so that an even distribution of spray can be achieved. As will be appreciated, 2 , 247801 the greater the distance or the greater the height to which the air must be ¥ forced, then the lower the outlet pressure will be. Consequently, considerable effort may go into the design, and corresponding increases in the complexity or range of components and adjustments of the 5 apparatus may be necessary, in order to achieve a workable embodiment.

Another of the prior art directs the air flow to a top of a tall conduit and then uses outlets to direct the air and spray mixture substantially outwards and downwards. An additional bottom outlet which directs air substantially outward and upward may also be provided though, as can 10 be appreciated, the angling of the sprays does not provide for an even distribution pattern at all outward distances from the assembly.

Other embodiments of the prior art rely on the use of suitable outlets and pressures to force air and spray upwardly and outwardly from a position near the bottom. However once again, eveness of application is not 15 always provided for.

Yet another device of the prior art relies on the use of multiple fans suspended from a boom. Each fan can be orientated within a certain range to direct spray where required. However, this arrangement limits the maximum size of the fan which can be supported by the boom. These 20 embodiments are typically used for smaller vines or trees where the boom can extend over the top, thus enabling both sides of the vines/trees in the row either side of the applicator to be sprayed. There is generally only one fan unit provided for each side of the foliage, and the limited fan size may limit the effectiveness of the spray operation with comparison to larger 25 volume units. 3 4780 1 It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. disclosure of invention According to one aspdct of the present invention there is provided distribution apparatus comprising a plurality of fans at different elevations and whose output is substantially latitudinally outwardly from said apparatus, and introduction means for introducing material to be distributed, into said airflows.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided distribution apparatus, substantially as described above, which includes distribution apparatus wherein the output airflow of said apparatus comprises, substantially one or more vertical columns of air.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided distribution apparatus substantially as described above, wherein directional means is provided for directing the output airflow of said fans to the sides.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided distribution apparatus substantially as described above, which includes a bulk supply for material to be distributed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided distribution apparatus substantially as described above wherein :n introduction means introduces material to be distributed into the output airflow of the fans.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided distribution apparatus, which is mobile along the ground, comprising a 5 vertical array of a plurality of fan units whose planes of rotation are substantially vertical and latitudinal with respect to said apparatus, the airflow of said fans being'directed onto a baffle plate substantially parallel to said rotational planed, said baffle arrangement diverting the airflow of the fans into at least one substantially vertical and outwardly directed 10 column of air, there being introduction means for introducing material to be distributed into said airflow.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method wherein the direction of the generated airflow is substantially latitudinal with respect to said apparatus.

Most embodiments of the present invention will be characterised in that they contain a plurality of fan units and/or groups of fan units arranged at different heights. Several fan units may be arranged at the same level though in such cases there will still be at least several levels at differing elevations.

The height of each fan unit (or arrangement of a group of several units at substantially the same level) will normally be positioned near to the height at which the resultant air flow is required to be directed. For instance, if the output is required between a height of 1.5 and 2.5 metres then typically the fan or group will be positioned somewhere within this 25 height range, or close thereto. 1 © 1 The arrangement of the fan units may also be subject a degree of * . variation. In a preferred embodiment, the fans are arranged into a substantially planar array. This planar distribution need not be aligned though in a preferred embodiment it is convenient to position the fan 5 units in a substantially vertical planar array.

It is noted that in other embodiments the fan units may even be staggered or placed forwardly and rearwardly of one another. This arrangement may be alternatively described for some embodiments. For instance, in embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment to be described, later, 10 the axis of rotation of the fans is substantially longitudinal. For such arrangements, it is common for the planes of rotation of the fans, when staggered, to remain substantially parallel to one another. It may be convenient for construction, or for other reasons desirable, to stagger the output of each fan or group of fans. As can be appreciated, there is room 15 for significant variation in the arrangement of fans, though most embodiments will still be characterised by there being a plurality of levels at different vertical heights, and within each level there will be a fan or group of fans.

The output of each fan is generally outwardly with respect to the 20 distribution apparatus. Typically outwardly will mean substantially latitudinally or sideways with respect to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. In most instances, the longitudinal axis will also be the direction in which the apparatus is moved and would normally correspond (in use) to the direction of the row between vines or trees in an 25 orchard. In such cases it is desirable to have the airflow substantially sideways and directly onto the foliage. 6 47 801 The specific airflow output from each level may be directed substantially independently from the others and the airflow may even be physically removed in terms of distance from the airflow output from other levels — such as where the fans, or groups thereof, are staggered. However in 5 most embodiments, it is likely that the output from the fans at different levels will either be combined or arranged to produce one or more columns of air directed outwardly from the distribution apparatus. If the output of each fan or group thereof are matched, between the different levels, then the result will normally be a substantially even column of air. 10 It is noted that there may be gaps in this column, and also that the column need not extend to the ground. Certain portions of foliage such as a trunk, may not need to be subjected to spray. Consequently there may be provision for raising, lowering or redirecting the airflow from each level. There may also be provision for halting the airflow from one or more of 15 the fans such as, for instance, when airflow from that fan specified is not required.

The flow pattern from each distribution means may be fixed, or adjustable. In one embodiment it is desirable that the apparatus provides a substantially narrow wall or column of air either side of the apparatus. 20 It will be appreciated that the flow will gradually spread as it leaves the apparatus but with the airflow weighted to the middle. In other embodiments it may be desirable to increase the divergence of this airflow, or to provide other patterns. Altering the nature of directional means, design and positioning, and providing adjustability, can increase 25 user choice. 7 1 The orientation, of each fan unit is largely a matter of user choice though for convenience it is envisaged that most fan units will have the axis substantially parallel to longitudinal axis of the distribution apparatus.

Distribution means is generally required to alter the flow of air from a 5 fan (depending upon type chosen) so as to provide the outward movement required. In most cases it is desirable to have two main airflows moving outwardly in opposite directions. One method of achieving this would be to have two fans (or mote) at each level whose output are directed in the required directions.

An alternative would be to divide the output of one or more fans into the required directions. This may be accomplished by anyone, or a combination of baffles and reflectors and the general principals of airflow technology maybe applied in this regard. Provision also may be made for allowing for the adjustment of the direction of output flow from the 15 apparatus, which may serve to broaden the range of applications of a particular embodiment.

Adjustments for the volume of flow at an output may also be provided, this may be achieved by a variety of methods. These methods could include altering the specific speed or output of a fan unit, altering the 20 balance between the various outputs of the apparatus (if more than one directional output is provided) or providing a bypass or waste gate for the excess air. Other methods are also possible including directing the output from a level to another level or levels, or even just baffling an airflow. 8 4780 1 In a preferred embodiment, a relatively compact design can be achieved by having the output of the fan directed straight onto a substantially planar baffle situated in close proximity to a fan's blade and substantially perpendicular to its rotational axis. A top and bottom element prevents 5 the exit of air upwardly and downwardly and thus all air is directed to either side thereof. In many ways the arrangement could be thought of as a very shallow chamber, with a major face being formed by the baffle and another major face being formed by the fan, and with top and bottom faces of the chamber being provided to leave open sides through which 10 the airflow may exit. The baffle may be modified in this embodiment to be slightly convex to aid the direction of air to the sides. It is assumed the implementation of this, and similar, modifications would be apparent to a skilled addressee of the art in light of the description given herein.

The drive for each fan may be by a variety of means. Each fan may be 15 independently powered, though in a preferred embodiment, the operation of each of the fans is synchronised. This is achieved by having a common drive means connected to each of the fans. Operation may rely on an external power source to the apparatus (such as a PTO of a tractor) though a power generation means may also be provided on the 20 apparatus. For instance, an engine may be included in the apparatus to drive the fans, and any other associated equipment such as pumps etc. Alternatively, each fan may be provided with its own motor which may derive power from various sources.

Typically material to be sprayed or distributed will be in the form of a 25 liquid though in some cases solid particulate matter may be introduced into the airstream at each level. In most cases any material to be 9 » 247801 distributed will be introduced to the airflow from the fan though in some cases may be introduced before the fan. This may be advantageous in so far as the fan blades can assist homogenising the fluid material with the airflow, but in the preferred embodiment referenced above, the sharp 5 change in air direction as the output from the fan encounters the perpendicular baffle could result in a substantial proportion of material being deposited onto thp face of the baffle. In some instances it is therefore desirable to introduce the material after any substantial ♦ changes in air direction are encountered, such as introduction into the 10 air stream immediately prior to, during or after it leaves the apparatus.

The means of introducing material may be according to known methods. In a preferred embodiment fluid material is introduced as a hydrauHcally atomised spray into the air stream. For solid materials, fine sprays and clouds of material introduced in the air stream will be 15 preferable. Multiple outlets spreading the material into the streams may be desirable to ensure even distribution therein.

While the outputs of the many fans will generally be merged into one or more columns of air, it may be desirable to keep the output airflow of individual, or groups of, fans substantially separated until the airflows 20 exit the machine. In some instances this could improve or provide more accurate control over, non-uniform distributions of the material to be distributed. For instance, different materials may be introduced at different levels. This can be useful where one chemical is to be distributed onto the tnmk or base of vines and trees, but where different 25 chemicals are to be distributed to the fruit of foliage. It may also be advantageous where the distribution of the same chemical into an output 47801 airflow may not be uniform with respect to height e.g. a case where greater amounts of chemicals are provided where the depth of foliage is greatest (e.g. upper and middle regions). However, it should be appreciated that such embodiments need not keep their individual fan's output separate until after they exit the apparatus.

The distributing apparatus may also include a bulk supply for the t material to be distributed. This may comprise a reservoir or other suitable holding means. This may be positioned near the ground in which case pump or other means will need to be provided to introduce the material to the airflows from the fans. Alternatively a venturi affect may be relied upon to draw material from the supply though this may be difficult to implement in many embodiments. Other embodiments may rely upon gravity feed. Provision may also be provided (whether a bulk supply is provided or not) for material to be drawn from an external supply.

Dispensing apparatus, especially larger embodiments, may be formed as a transportable This may be a free wheeling unit and may include its own drive means to propel it about. In other embodiments, the dispensing apparatus may be configured as a trailer to be drawn behind another vehicle such as a tractor. Where a tractor is nsed, the Power Take Off (PTO) means may be used to operate fans and/or any pumping means for the material.

Alternative means of powering the operating unit (such as the fans) may also be employed. Hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity (including the use of an electric generator) are but some possibilities. 11 Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference drawings accompanying the provisional specification, which are summarised as follows: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of the rear of a preferred embodiment of dispensing apparatus, and Figure 2 is a side diagrammatic view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Best Modes for carrying out the Invention With reference to the drawings and by way of example only there is provided spray distribution apparatus (generally indicated by arrow 1) comprising a plurality of fans 2-4 at differing heights, directional means 5 associated with each fan 2-4 for directing its airflow substantially to the side of said apparatus 1, and introduction means 6 for introducing material to be distributed into said airflows.

The illustrated embodiment of distribution apparatus 1 comprises a body 7 housing a reservoir 8 of fluid to be distributed by the apparatus. Also housed within the body is the associated drive and transmission means enabling the PTO of a tractor to drive the fans 2-4. A variety of transmission means may be implemented including the gearbox 9, drive shaft 10 and sealed O-ring chain drives 11 for the fans 2-4.

The transmission means may also be used to power the pump 12 which forces fluid from the reservoir 8 to the outlet 6 when the fans 2-4 are in motion. 12 9.r7 8Q The body 7 of the apparatus 1 may also comprise a chassis to support the various components and a wheeled axle assembly (generally indicated by arrow 13) enabling the apparatus 1 to be readily moved. A drawbar for a tractor or other vehicle may also be provided. Other embodiments may be 5 self propelled, and such embodiments may have the option to be towed.

The fans 2-4 are axial flow fans arranged in a vertical planar array. They are mounted on a suitable mounting plate 14 which for the illustrated embodiment'is a reinforced or ribbed steel plate. A second coextensive baffle plate 15 adds further strength and stability to the 10 structure. A third baffle plate 5 is spaced a short distance back from the middle plate 15. Apertures are provided in plates 14 and 15 to allow for mounting of the fan, which will typically draw air from the rear (16) of the apparatus 1. The air will then be vented radially outwardly by the fans 2-4, but will be directed by the arrangement of baffles 5, 14, 15 to the 15 left and right of the array. The air will be dispersed as two narrow and substantially even columns or walls (17), one to the left and one to the right of the apparatus. These columns are substantially vertical and latitudinal with respect to the apparatus. They also tend to be substantially perpendicular to air drawn into the fans from behind the 20 apparatus.

The air from each fan is distributed relatively evenly into the gaps between the rear (5) and middle (15) plates, and between the front (14) and middle (15) plates. The use of a central baffle (15) to divide the baffle outlet into two narrow portions (generally indicated by arrows 20 and 21) 25 appears from preliminary tests to improve laminar flow. Increasing the gaps beyond 200mm appeared, for the configuration of the tests, to 13 47801 degrade the wall-like characteristics of the air stream. Of course, * . parameters such as the airflow and speed, etc., will influence desirable gaps (20, 21) between baffles. For thicker walls of air, it would be preferable in most cases to build up to the required thickness by using 5 additional baffles to create several adjacent narrower gaps (e.g. 20, 21).

In the preliminary tests, and for the illustrated embodiment, fans without an output of 35,000 m3/hr are used, the power requirements being approximately 40hp in total. This is not usually excessive for the PTO of modern tractors. As air does not need to be greatly elevated in height, 10 and only travels for a short distance within the confines of conduits or baffles, considerable horse power savings may be realised over single fan units. Typically a lesser fan flow rate and air speed will be required for embodiments of the present invention as the resistance of conduits and elevating the air load are substantially eliminated.

Fluid from the reservoir 8 is introduced into the airflow 17 via fltiid outlets 6 so that the column 17 comprises air and a mist of fluid (in this embodiment). Eighteen outlet nozzles are distributed up each side (typically on a single baffle plate) and direct the fluid outwardly and into the air streams. Other distributions of nozzles may be considered.

The resulting wall of air characteristic of the embodiment described herein, may in some cases provide more efficient distribution of fluid matter onto foliage. The accuracy may also be improved over some of the prior art embodiments which tend to distribute spray in all directions rather than directly onto the surrounding foliage. Consequently there is 25 a potential for less overspray and reduced quantities of fluid to spray a given area. 14 \ • * 247801 Specific details of construction are largely a matter of user choice. While steel has been mentioned as a construction material for mounting the fans, other materials such as aluminium or even fibre reinforced plastics may also be used. As some sprays and fluid3 can be corrosive, susceptible materials should be protected in a statable manner. The body 7 may also serve to house the components positioned within.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. f 2- OCT 1996

Claims (1)

1. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 247801 Distribution apparatus comprising a plurality of fans at different elevations whose output comprises air flows directed to contribute to two substantially vertical clumns of air, one either side of said apparatus, and whose entire flow is substantially horizontal and latitudinally outward as the flow exits said apparatus. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which air for said fans is drawn from a region adjacent to the region where the output airflow of the apparatus is directed. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the direction of input airflow into said apparatus is substantially perpendicular to the direction of airflow output from said apparatus. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein directional means is provided for directing the output airflow of said fans to the sides. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said directional means comprises one or more baffles - Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein there is a baffle positioned directly in the output airflow of each fan, and which acts to V divert airflow to at least one side of said apparatus. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein a said baffle comprises a plate-like member in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of a fan's rotation. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the. preceding claims I » i 247801 wherein the output airflow of each fan is kept substantially separate from the output airflows of the other fans until exiting the apparatus. 9. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the balance of air towards a side of said apparatus may be adjusted. 10. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said balance of air may be altered by the adjustment of baffles provided on said apparatus. 11. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is provided means for controlling the output airflow through one or more of said fans. 12. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein there is provided speed adjustment for a fan to allow alteration of the fan's output airflow. 13. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotational axis of said fans are substantially longitudinal with respect to the apparatus. 14. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said fans are arranged substantially in a row. 15. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said fans are substantially within the same plane. 16. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the speed or operation of said fans are synchronised. 17. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which a plurality of fans are driven by the same power source. . , fc" r~\ . *;■;* ! 2- OCT 1996 17 ' < . ,.oJ ^ s? : \! 247801 Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a bulk supply for material to be distributed. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one ef the preceding claims wherein introduction means introduces material to be distributed into the output airflow of the fans. Distribution apparatus as claimed in claim 19 which includes injector nozzles for the injection of said material to be distributed into said airflows. 21. Distribution apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes means for propelling itself along the ground. 22. Distribution apparatus, as claimed in claim 21 which is mobile along the ground, comprising a vertical array of a plurality of fan units whose planes of rotation are substantially vertical and latitudinal with respect to said apparatus, the airflow of said fans being directed onto a baffle plate substantially parallel to said rotational planes, said baffle arrangement diverting the airflow of the fans into at least one substantially vertical and outwardly directed column of air, there being introduction means for introducing material to be distributed into said airflow. 23. Distribution apparatus, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings accompaying the provisional specification. 24. A method for the distribution of material, said method comprising the introduction of said material into a substantially vertical column of air ^ generated from the combined airflow of the plurality of fans at different' c\-.. "'A ' 2- OCT 1996 ^ 18 ' . vertical elevations. 247801 25. A method as claimed in claim 24 wherein the direction of the generated airflow is substantially latitudinal with respect to said apparatus. 26. A method as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the direction of generated airflow is substantially perpendicular to the inward flow of air to said fans. 27. A method of distribution employing the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 22. 28. A method for distributing material, said method comprising arranging a plurality of fans and/or groups of fans at differing heights, providing directional means for the output of each fan to direct a substantial proportion of each fans airflow to one or both sides of said distribution apparatus, wherein the material to be distributed is introduced in a fine form to the airflows associated with each fan. 29. A method, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings accompanying the provisional specification. SPLASH EQUIPMENT (BOP) LIMITED by its Attorneys JAMES»/& TOLLS V % v ^ c or rrn \ 2- OCT 1996 39