micronAir AU8000 User manual

AU8000
SPRAYER
Operator's Handbook
and
Parts Catalogue
Micron Sprayers Limited
Bromyard Industrial Estate
Bromyard
Herefordshire HR7 4HS
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
[phone]
E-mail: [email protected] Iss 15W
Web site: www.micron.co.uk 03/20

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................1
2. SPECIFICATION.............................................................................................1
3. ASSEMBLY.....................................................................................................2
4. OPERATION ...................................................................................................3
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY...................................................................................5
6. CALIBRATION................................................................................................. 6
6.1 Output Rate of Chemical.......................................................................6
6.2 Adjustment of Droplet Size.................................................................. 10
7. MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................12
7.1 Knapsack Mistblower – Routine Maintenance .................................... 12
7.2 Possible Engine Faults and Remedies................................................ 13
7.3 Maintenance of Sprayhead................................................................. 14
8. PARTS LISTS................................................................................................16
8.1 AU8000 Sprayhead.............................................................................16
8.2 AU8000 Atomiser................................................................................18
9. CONVERSION FACTORS ............................................................................20

MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
1. INTRODUCTION
The AU8000 Sprayer consists of a Micronair AU8000 sprayhead mounted on a knapsack
mistblower.
The sprayhead provides a narrow, easily controlled spectrum of spray droplets to ensure
an even distribution of product with a minimum of wastage. Air from the mistblower rotates
the atomiser and is then directed into the airstream which carries the spray safely away
from the operator and ensures maximum swath width and penetration of foliage.
The AU8000 sprayer is intended for use in agriculture, public health spraying, migratory
pest control (locust, armyworm etc.) and in any other application where a safe, effective,
portable sprayer is required. It can be used with conventional water-based chemicals
(both solutions and solids in suspension) and with specialised ULV formulations. The unit
is supplied with easily interchangeable restrictors for quick and easy calibration of output
rate for all chemicals and application techniques.
Regardless of chemical type or application rate, the AU8000 sprayhead ensures optimum
coverage of the target with a minimum wastage of chemical due to incorrectly sized
droplets or run-off.
The AU8000 sprayhead is also available separately as a conversion kit for use with an
existing mistblower. For satisfactory operation, the air output from the mistblower must be
as shown in the specification below.
2. SPECIFICATION
AU8000 Sprayhead
Length: 30 cm
Diameter: 15 cm
Weight: 1.5 Kg
Air inlet tube dia: 63 mm
Chemical flow rate: 0.07 – 1.20 litres/min
Spray droplet size: Adjustable 40 – 200 microns VMD subject to formulation used
Tank and Blower
Chemical tank capacity: 12 litres max, 10 litres recommended working capacity
Weight (empty): 10.7 Kg (without sprayhead)
Engine: 72.3 cc 4.1 HP (3.0 kW) 2-stroke
Fuel tank capacity: 1.4 litres
Fuel consumption: 1.8 litres/hour at maximum (spraying) throttle setting
Blower output: 23 m3/min
Air velocity: 125 m/sec at outlet

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
3. ASSEMBLY
These instructions apply both to AU8000 sprayheads supplied as part of a complete
sprayer and to sprayheads supplied as conversion kits. The steps with numbers in square
brackets [ ] refer to conversion kits ONLY and should be disregarded when assembling a
sprayer supplied complete. There may be some minor differences when installing
conversion kits on some models of sprayer. Parts are identified by their reference number
in Fig. 5.
[1.] Ensure that the mistblower is empty, clean and in good running order.
[2.] Disconnect the chemical feed hose from any existing on/off valve or flow regulator.
Leave the feed hose connected to the chemical tank.
[3.] Remove the original spray nozzle and outlet, leaving only the flexible air duct and
rigid air tube attached to the blower.
4. Slacken both clamping screws of the handle and valve assembly (13). Slide the
handle over the rigid air tube with the handle angled towards the sprayhead. Position
the handle over the stepped part of the air tube. Leave both clamping screws loose.
5. ONLY if installing a conversion kit, cut the air tube (19) as required to give a
comfortable position for the sprayhead when held by its handle.
6. Insert the end of the rigid air tube (19) into the inlet of the sprayhead so that 40 mm of
tube is inside the casing. Rotate the sprayhead so that the drain hole in the casing is
at the bottom. Secure the sprayhead to the air tube with the pipe clip (20).
7. Put on the knapsack mistblower and hold the sprayhead at the correct angle for the
crop or pest to be sprayed. Rotate the handle to the most convenient position and
tighten the two clamping screws
8. Place a pipe clip (20) over the end of the flexible air duct and tighten the clip to grip
the air tube.
9. Push the feed hose from the chemical tank on to the inlet fitting (17) of the control
valve. Note that this fitting is stepped to accept varying sizes of hose. If necessary,
the hose should be cut to length or replaced if it is too short. Secure the hose with
the pipe clip (12) provided.
10. If using a fixed restrictor tube, select the appropriate flow restrictor tube (8) (see
section 6) and fit this to the outlet of the on/off valve using the cap nut (14). If using
the optional stepped flow restrictor valve, connect the outlet fitting of the control valve
to the inlet of the restrictor valve using the hose provided and connect the inlet tube of
the sprayhead to the outlet of the restrictor valve. Ensure that the filter (16) is in
position.
11. Connect the atomiser feed hose (11) to the outlet of the flow restrictor and secure
with a pipe clip (12).
12. Fill the tank with a non-toxic liquid (e.g. water for conventional application or
kerosene for ULV) and run the sprayer for several minutes (see Operation section 4)
to test for leaks.

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
Fig. 1 – Attachment of AU8000 Sprayhead to Mistblower
4. OPERATION
This section describes the operation of an AU8000 sprayer with the knapsack mistblower
supplied by Micronair. If the sprayhead is used with a different mistblower, some operating
procedures may differ; refer to the mistblower manufacturer's instructions.
1. Make up a mixture of 50 parts regular (NOT high octane) petrol (gasoline) and 1 part
(2%) two-stroke oil. For the first five fills of the fuel tank the oil concentration should
be increased to 25:1 (4%). Standard engine oil should NOT normally be used. If
two-stroke oil is not available, SAE 30 oil may be used for short periods but the
mixing ratio must be 25 parts fuel to 1 part oil (4%). See mistblower instruction book
for full fuel mixing instructions.
2. Close the fuel valve under the fuel tank and pour fuel (as mixed in step 1) into tank.
DO NOT OVERFILL.
3. Ensure that the chemical control valve on the handle is closed with its lever parallel to
the sprayhead.
4. Remove the cap of the chemical tank and check that the flexible air hose inside is
pushed firmly onto the fitting at the bottom and into the filter at the top. Also check
that the cap at the opposite side of the inside of the tank is pushed firmly in place.
5. Pour the required amount of chemical into the tank and replace the cap firmly.
6. Open the fuel valve.

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
Fuel Valve Choke Lever Throttle Lever
Fig. 2 – Engine Controls
7. Move the throttle lever on the handle to the central START position.
8. If the engine is cold, move the choke lever down to the CLOSED position.
9. Ensure that the sprayhead is in a safe place away from foliage or obstructions.
10. Put your left foot on the lower part of the sprayer frame and your left hand on the cap
of the chemical tank to stabilise the machine. Pull gently on the recoil starter cord
until you feel maximum resistance (the engine compression is at its maximum). Pull
the cord rapidly and firmly until the engine starts. DO NOT pull the cord hard against
its end-stop. Should the engine fail to start, do not allow the carburettor to become
flooded with fuel. If the carburettor does become flooded, proceed as follows:
i) Open the choke by moving the lever fully upwards.
ii) Close the throttle.
iii) Pull on the starter cord 10 – 20 times.
iv) Wait several minutes and repeat steps 8 – 10.
11. Allow the engine to idle for 15 – 20 seconds and then slowly move the choke lever
fully upwards to the OPEN position.
12. Allow the engine to run at approximately 50% of its maximum speed for one minute
and then set the throttle lever to the IDLE position so that the engine idles smoothly.
13. Lift the knapsack mistblower onto the operator's back. Note that the operator must
hold the sprayhead and NOT let it drag on the ground. This operation is easiest with
two people. However, the operator can put the knapsack on alone if it is first lifted
onto a waist-high surface.
14. When in the spraying area, set the throttle lever to its MAX position. DO NOT run the
engine for a prolonged time at part throttle.
15. Turn the flow of chemical on and off with the valve on the handle. The lever of this
valve may either be pressed down against its spring for intermittent operation or may
be raised to a locked position for continuous spraying.
16. Only open the chemical valve when the mistblower is running at its correct operating
speed (MAX throttle). Opening the valve when there is no airflow can result in a
build-up of chemical inside the sprayhead and the risk of contamination or plant
damage when the airflow is increased.

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
17. The sprayer must always be directed DOWNWIND of the operator and each pass
through the sprayed area must be UPWIND of previous passes. This ensures that
the operator is always walking through an unsprayed area and cannot be
contaminated by any spray blown back by the wind.
18. The sprayer should be held at a distance of at least 1m (3 ft) from the target
whenever possible. This ensures an even distribution of spray droplets and
minimises the risk of damage to vulnerable crops by high velocity air from the
sprayhead.
19. The rotating gauze of the atomiser should not be allowed to come into contact with
foliage or the operator.
20. When using a ULV drift spraying technique to give a wide swath in open terrain (e.g.
locust or armyworm control), the sprayhead should be held at an angle of about 30
degrees above the horizontal. This allows the wind to carry the spray from the
maximum height to achieve the widest swath.
21. Set the throttle lever to the idle position after closing the chemical valve if the sprayer
is not to be used for more than one or two minutes. However, do not allow the engine
to idle for a prolonged period (see point 16 above).
22. To stop the engine, move the throttle lever to the IDLE position and allow the engine
to idle for one minute before moving the throttle lever fully anti-clockwise to the STOP
position.
23. The entire sprayer, including the AU8000 sprayhead, must be thoroughly cleaned
after use. If a ULV chemical has been used, it must be flushed out with a suitable
solvent such as kerosene. Water is only suitable if a water based formulation has
been used. The outside of the sprayer, the tank, hoses and sprayhead must be
cleaned AFTER flushing the tank hoses and atomiser.
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
The AU8000 sprayer must be used by a qualified operator in accordance with the
recommendations and statutory requirements for the use of sprayers and the chemical
being sprayed.
These requirements will be set out in the applicable local legislation and in the label of the
chemical.
In the United Kingdom, the precautions and regulations concerning the use of pesticides
and sprayers are defined in the Code of Practice for the Use of Pesticides on Farms and
Holdings (Published by HMSO for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the
Health and Safety Commission).
The use of pesticides and sprayers are subject to legislation or codes of practice in most
other countries. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that these are read,
understood and complied with.
The following recommendations are for guidance only and do not exclude any statutory
requirement:

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
1. Always wear adequate protective clothing, eye protection and respiratory protection
when mixing, transferring or spraying pesticides. The minimum level of protection will
be stated on the chemical label or in the Code of Practice in most countries.
2. Protective clothing, respirators etc must be removed as soon as exposure to
pesticides has ceased. All items must be washed or disposed of safely according to
the manufacturers' recommendations.
3. Ensure that the sprayer is correctly calibrated for the chemical, application technique
and crop or pest being sprayed.
4. Take note of the speed and direction of the wind. Ensure that spray droplets do not
drift on adjacent crops, another person's land or an inhabited area. Always spray
downwind to avoid operator contamination. Never walk through a sprayed area.
5. All traces of chemical must be washed from the operator's skin immediately after
spraying and before eating, drinking or smoking.
6. Remove all traces of chemical from the tank, pipework and sprayhead as well as from
external surfaces of the sprayer.
7. All residues of chemical from the sprayer, pesticide containers or mixing vessels etc
must be disposed of safely by an approved means. Do not contaminate an off-target
area or allow pesticides to reach streams, wells or groundwater.
8. Dispose of empty chemical containers safely by an approved means. Do not keep
containers for re-use for other purposes.
6. CALIBRATION
As with any mistblower, an AU8000 sprayer must be calibrated before use. This involves
setting the correct output rate of chemical and adjusting the sprayhead to produce the
appropriate droplet size for the chemical and application technique being used.
The following sections describe the calibration of a standard Micronair AU8000 sprayer.
Some details of the procedures may differ if the sprayhead is used with a different model
of mistblower.
6.1. Output Rate of Chemical
The output rate of chemical from the sprayer will be determined by the required application
rate (in litres/hectare) and the area sprayed per minute (in hectares/minute).
The flow of chemical from the atomiser is controlled by either by the interchangeable
restrictor tube attached to the on/off valve or by an optional stepped variable restrictor
valve. The pressure of the chemical also affects the flow rate. Chemical is pressurised by
air from the blower fan so the sprayer must be calibrated with the engine running at the
maximum throttle setting.
The following steps describe the calibration procedure in detail:

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
1. Establish the average walking speed of the operator. This will depend upon, for
example, the target being sprayed, the evenness or slope of the ground, the amount
of chemical carried and the temperature.
The most accurate means of assessing walking speed is for the operator to spray the
actual crop or target in a 'trial run' with clean water. The speed can then be
calculated from the time to cover a measured distance.
2. Establish the width of the swath of spray on the target. In row crops or orchard
spraying this can often be determined by the number of rows sprayed at a time. In
public health or pest control spraying using a drift technique over open ground the
swath width must be determined by the use of sensitive cards or papers These
should be placed both horizontally and vertically. The cards should be mounted
downwind of the spray line. The sprayer must be used under typical conditions of
wind and temperature.
When spraying field crops or open areas (e.g. for locust control), the distance
between successive passes of the sprayer should be less than the measured
maximum swath width to ensure adequate overlap of the spray and allow for
variations in the wind and terrain.
Fig. 3 – Coverage of Sprayer

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MICRONAIR AU8000 SPRAYER
3. Calculate the area treated by the sprayer per minute. Fig. 3 shows the sprayer being
operated over a field crop.
If the operator is walking at S km/hr this corresponds to 1000 x S metres/hour:
Distance travelled = 1000 x S metres/minute
60
If the width of the swath (distance between passes) is W metres, then the area
treated per minute is:
Area treated = 1000 x S x W sq metres/minute
60
This is converted to hectares by dividing by 10,000:
Area treated = 1000 x S x W = S x W ha/minute
60 x 10,000 600
This gives the standard formula for calculating the coverage of a sprayer:
Area/min = Swath Width (m) x Speed (km/hr) ha/min
600
Example:
Speed: 4 km/Hour
Swath Width: 12 m
Therefore:
Area treated = S x W 4 x 12 = 0.08 ha/min
600 600
Table 1 shows the coverage of the sprayer for various swath widths and spraying
speeds.
4. Calculate the required output from the sprayer in litres/minute to give the correct
application rate for the chemical being used.
The output rate of chemical is given by the area sprayed (in hectares) per minute
multiplied by the required application rate in litres per hectare.
Example:
Coverage: 0.08 ha/min
Application rate: 2 litre/ha
Output = 0.08 x 2 = 0.16 litre/min
SWATH WIDTH (METRES)Speed
Km/hr 2 5 10 15 20 25 30 50
2 0.007 0.017 0.033 0.050 0.067 0.083 0.100 0.167
3 0.010 0.025 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150 0.250
4 0.013 0.033 0.067 0.100 0.133 0.167 0.200 0.333
5 0.017 0.047 0.083 0.125 0.167 0.208 0.250 0.416
Table 1 – Coverage of Sprayer in ha/min