A NEW spraying system developed by Pentair Hypro allows operators to change from one nozzle to another at the flick of a switch.

It allows operators to switch between nozzles with different spray characteristics – such as standard and low drift – switch between pesticide and fertiliser nozzles, and nozzles of different sizes to cover a wide range of application rates.

Roger James, Pentair Hypro product manager, said: “Selecting the right nozzle as the target or conditions dictate is crucial to get the greatest precision and best performance from agrochemical treatments.

“The parameters that determine the best nozzle will change during the spraying day and even within a field – Duo React allows the most common nozzle changeovers to be made with the flick of a switch, increasing the capability of a single sprayline with none of the drawbacks of a twin line setup.”

The Hypro Duo React nozzle body combines a single outlet on one side and a four-way turret on the other incorporating piston valves of a proven design.

An air supply on the sprayer operates the pneumatic valves, so the operator can switch between the turret and the single outlet at any time or use both at the same time using a control in the sprayer cab.

“Duo React allows operators to set out for a day’s spraying with nozzles of different sizes and types to suit different crops, spray targets and application tasks,” said Mr James.

Switching between a conventional flat fan and a lowdrift air-induction nozzle is the most likely scenario for crop spraying applications.

Operators can use the conventional flat fan in ideal spraying conditions and then exploit Duo React to switch without any delay to a nozzle such as the Hypro Guardian Air, pictured below, for increased drift containment.

Mr James said: “Guardian Air nozzles are ideal for when a breeze gets up or for working close to houses and other sensitive locations when you want to keep drift to a minimum.”

With liquid fertiliser, the Duo React allows the dribble bar to be fitted to the single outlet and pesticide nozzles to the four-way turret, with the operator switching between the two as required.

The Duo React system is now being offered as original equipment by a number of sprayer manufacturers, including Sands, Knight, Chafer and Lite-Trac.

John Deere has introduced its own version of the system as TwinSelect with singlenozzle manual switching through the GreenStar controller display.