Spraying

Spraying is the process of distributing a liquid or slurry as a fine mist or aerosol to cover surfaces or volumes. It relies on atomization, where a liquid is broken into droplets, often aided by pressurized fluid, air flow, or electrostatic charging. Sprays can be used for coating, treatment, cooling, disinfection, and delivery of substances over a defined area.

Common domains include agricultural spraying, where pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are applied to crops; painting and coating, which use spray guns or automated nozzles to deposit paint or varnish; and consumer or industrial aerosols, including personal care products, cleaners, and propellants. In large-scale settings, sprayers may employ booms, drones, or automated systems to cover extensive areas efficiently.

Techniques and equipment vary by nozzle design and operating parameters. Nozzles produce different spray patterns and droplet sizes, influencing coverage and drift. Methods include hydraulic, air-assisted, airless, and electrostatic spraying. Equipment ranges from handheld spray bottles and paint guns to agricultural sprayers, hydraulic units, and aerial application systems.

Safety and environmental considerations are important in spraying operations. Risks include inhalation exposure and off-target drift, which can affect people, wildlife, and ecosystems. Proper application requires training, personal protective equipment, adherence to label instructions, and engineering controls such as enclosed systems and drift-reduction technologies. Regulations often govern registration, timing, buffer zones, and reporting for agricultural sprays, coatings, and consumer aerosols.