Measurement of Droplet Size Distribution in Insecticide and Herbicide Sprays. Phase 2

摘要

The work presented in this report is the result of the second phase of a project to develop a hot-wire based instrument for measuring the volume median diameter contained in insecticide sprays. Prior to the design of such an instrument, calibration curves were obtained for Cythion, Scourge, and Dibrom-14. These calibration curves match that of mineral oil as determined in Phase I. It was determined that knowing the surface tension of the liquid is sufficient for determining which calibration curve should be utilized. Using this information, it was decided that the instrument being developed should contain the calibration curves both for water and for insecticides. Such an instrument has been developed and is designated as the AIMS (Army Insecticide Measurement System). The AIMS is a microprocessor based, compact, field portable instrument designed for operation from either 110Vac or from a 28V battery found on Army vehicles. All probes, cables, a thermal printer and spare paper are contained in a single enclosure, roughly the size of an attache case. The entire design was developed with ruggedness as a top priority. Two prototypes were delivered to the Army for type classification. Both laboratory and field testing were included as part of the contract. In addition to the development of the AIMS prototype, the use of 1 micron sensor wire was investigated for possible use for the detection of submicron droplets. These results are encouraging and our findings are presented as part of our results and recommendations.