AmaSelect CurveControl

Optimised application when driving round bends

In order to keep the application rate as constant as possible across the whole of the boom width when driving round bends, AMAZONE now offers the CurveControl function for the AmaSelect nozzle control on UX trailed sprayers and the Pantera self-propelled sprayer.

In the past, application of plant protection products when driving round bends has led to an over-application on the inside of the bend and an under-application on the outside of the bend. The problem increases with increasing boom widths. Over-applying on the inside of the boom must be viewed more critically, as potential overdose levels of more than 300 % are possible. When applying herbicides to the inside of a bend, for example, this effect (over-dosing) may lead to significant weakening of the crop or even total crop failure. Under-dosing in the outside area results in incomplete suppression of the weeds and fungal diseases and might lead to resistance developing as a consequence of under-dosing. Loss of yield is a possible as result of under-dosing or over-dosing. These losses are prevented by the AmaSelect CurveControl.

AmaSelect CurveControl determines the curve radius using sensors and thanks to the ability to automatically change the nozzles across the boom, ensures fully uniform application rates during cornering. The application rate can be adapted independently of the part-width section control, since the AmaSelect individually controls each nozzle body at a part width section distance of 50 cm. The AmaSelect CurveControl provides the option of adapting the amount applied by selecting one of four different nozzles or three nozzle combinations. Different nozzle options provide AmaSelect CurveControl with an enormous range of application rates and thus also facilitates their best-possible automatic optimisation while driving around curves. An additional special advantage of the AmaSelect CurveControl is the high-speed switching of the AmaSelect nozzle bodies, the automatic calculation of the variable distribution of the nozzle control versions within the boom and the automatic adJustment of the pressure to the changed flow rate resulting from the change of the nozzles on the boom. AmaSelect CurveControl takes into account the application rate of each individual nozzle, within the specified pressure range, to ensure functionality and reduction in spray drift, particularly in the marginal areas.

The graph provides a very good representation of the flexible distribution of the activated nozzle positions and nozzle combinations across the entire working width. The orange line shows the actual quantity sprayed while driving around curves. The application rate is thus the average of the target application rate. In addition to the normal application rate, over-dosing and under-dosing can also be selected. These options can be used to shift the line upwards or downwards to reduce any minor under-application and over-application ahead of the switch points. Since these options result in a variation in the application rate, the operator can make their decision according to the plant protection scheme required.

Provided with an appropriate set of nozzles, the variable functions of the AmaSelect CurveControl make it possible to vary the application rate across the boom to an enormous extent and independently of the part-width section control, in order to compensate for over-dosing and under-dosing as much as possible while driving round a bend.