Pressure gauge calibrator ensures proper rates

Pressure gauges are routinely used by pesticide spray applicators and irrigation managers to set up spray and watering rates. The accuracy of pressure gauges on sprayers and irrigation lines need to be checked regularly for proper operation. Defective gauges can cause either over- or under-application of chemicals or water. For example, the flow output would increase approximately 40 percent if the pressure is doubled.

USDA-Agricultural Research Service agricultural engineer Heping Zhu at the Application Technology Research Unit in Wooster, Ohio, has developed an easy to use, hand-held pressure gauge calibrator consisting of pneumatic hand pump, a factory calibrated gauge and a port for the tested gauge. If a gauge is determined to be defective, Zhu said it can either be replaced with a new one or if the defective gauge is still functioning, it can be re-used if the same pressure is always used.

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For more: Heping Zhu, USDA ARS, (330) 263-3871; heping.zhu@ars.usda.gov.