What happens to the spray volume as nozzles wear and the orifice expands?

As nozzles wear over time and the orifice expands, the spray volume increases. This is due to the fact that a larger orifice allows more liquid to flow through it at a given pressure. When the nozzle is new, it has a specific design and size that produces a specific flow rate. However, as the nozzle wears, the orifice enlarges, which directly affects the volume of liquid being sprayed.

In practical terms, this means that even if the pressure remains the same, the rate at which the spray is delivered will be higher due to the increased size of the orifice. This is important for aerial applicators to monitor because an increase in spray volume can lead to over-application of product, potential damage to crops, or environmental concerns due to drift or runoff. Hence, understanding that the volume increases as nozzles wear helps applicators maintain efficacy and safety in their spraying practices.