This is a free DIY spray rig design using an IBC, fire pump and boomless nozzle.
In total, the spray rig costed $621 in parts, $800 for a pump (already owned) and $100 for an IBC (already own), resulting in a rough cost of $1,521 for a brand new (DIY) spray rig.
Considering a brand new (and fancy) sprayer costs anywhere from $10k to $30k+ for similar capacities, I think this is an excellent low cost choice.
At a water rate of 100L/ha this design could cover 10ha/hr and be useful for operations up to 400ha (assuming 20% farm coverage in an 8hr work day).
One of the main adventages of this system is that the fire or trash pump acts as a large agitator and mixer while also allowing for small granular products to move through the pump. This means granular fertilisers can be added and mixed in the same tank that is used for spraying.
A boomless nozzle was used for this design due many obstacles in the paddock, undulating country and to reduce blockage. An alternative method is to use a boom.
Parts:
- Pump (I used a 50mm fire fighting pump with an output of 440L/min and produces about 20-30PSI which is slighly underpowered. A trash pumps will also work)
Tank
- IBC (1000L tank or any type of tank)
- 50mm IBC Adaptor Female Buttress x Female
- 50mm Camlock Type F
- 50mm Tank Outlet
Spray Line
- 25mm Ball Valve Female x Female
- 25mm Nipple Male x Male
- 25mm Tee Female
- Reducing Bush Male x Female 25mm x 8mm
- Pressure Gauage (120PSI) (8mm Male)
- Male x Hose Barb – 25mm x 25mm (Mistake, use a Nut and Tail and 25mm Nipple instead)
- 25mm suction hose
- 25mm Camlock Type C
Extra: An inline strainer could be added to the spray line after the ball valve to catch any coarse material that could cause a blockage. I’d recommend using a coarse 35 mesh screen if using compost extracts or micronised products. This may cost an extra $50-$100 but could be worth it to prevent blocking the nozzle.
Boomless Nozzle
I wanted to have the boomless nozzle detach from the spray line for easy cleaning in case of a blockage which is why a Camlock is added.
- 17m Silvan Boomless Nozzle (6mm Female)
- Reducing Nipple Male x Male 15mm x 6mm
- 15mm Ball Valve Female x Female
- Reducing Nipple Male x Male 25mm x 15mm
- 25mm Camlock Type A
Intake Line
- Male x Hose Barb – 50mm x 50mm (Mistake, use a Nut and Tail and 50mm Nipple instead)
- 50mm suction hose
- 50mm Camlock Type C
Return Line
- 50mm Ball Valve Female x Female
- 50mm suction hose
- Nut and Tail Female 50mm x 50mm
Venturi
A venturi works be forcing the flow into a smaller area which increases flow speed but decreases pressure, therefore creating a low pressure at the point where the venturi opens up again. I created by own by connecting the reducing nipple to the reducing socket while also attaching the hose barb (after some modification) instead the socket. I then dilled 4x 25mm holes into the socket behind the exit of the barb therefore allowing the spray mix to be mixed more efficiently with the return flow. This creates a 4-5x more agitation from the same volume and speed of return flow.
- Nipple Male x Male 50mm x 50mm
- Elbow 90° Female x Female 50mm
- Reducing Nipple Male x Male 50mm x 20mm
- Reducing Socket Female x Female 50mm x 20mm
- Male x Hose Barb – 20mm x 20m
- Nipple Male x Male 50mm x 50mm
