Precision Chemical Application of the MerlinIC Field Boom Sprayer Conversion System

Latitude-Ag is proposing research regarding the chemical application accuracy of the Merlin Injection-Cleanout (IC) System a commercial field sprayer conversion system. Made to be retrofit onto any boom sprayer the Merlin IC offers a cost-effective solution to improve current machinery by saving applicators time during cleanout and money in conserved chemicals. This groundbreaking system is unlike any other product on the market and is capable of multiport- chemical injection section-level recirculation and fast cleanout times. The hypothesis is that this innovative design bolstered by the patented section recirculation valve (SRV2 Valve) solves the problem of misapplication in direct in-line injection sprayers. Latitude-Ag will validate the advantages of the Merlin IC System by collaborating with the USDA- ARS Application Technology Research Unit in Wooster Ohio to determine its lag time and mixture uniformity. The research will examine these two key factors of precise chemical application by mounting a spray boom retrofitted with the Merlin IC System over a turntable and analyzing spray samples after the flow rate changes and when various amounts of nozzles are active. If the theory is proven it will be confirmed that the Merlin IC System enables accurate application of crop protection chemicals on conventional direct in-line injection sprayers. In limiting the amount of misapplied and overapplied chemicals the system will reduce environmental contamination and conserve natural resources of soil water and air. If the research uncovers misapplication issues caused by the studied factors Phase II will solve for any of those errors with design and/or software advancements.