SEMI-AUTO PESTICIDE SPRAYER FOR GREENHOUSE

NUR SYAHIRAH BINTI SHAFEK HAMLAN

MOHAMAD IKHWAN SHAFIQ BIN MHD RAZALI

MOHAMAD HAIQAL BIN MOHAMAD AKHIR

MOHAMAD SYAHMI IKRAM BIN MOHAMAD ZAHIDAN

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

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SEMI-AUTO PESTICIDE SPRAYER FOR GREENHOUSE

NUR SYAHIRAH BINTI SHAFEK HAMLAN

MOHAMAD IKHWAN SHAFIQ BIN MHD RAZALI

MOHAMAD HAIQAL BIN MOHAMAD AKHIR

MOHAMAD SYAHMI IKRAM BIN MOHAMAD ZAHIDAN

This Report is Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for

The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology

Centre for Diploma Studies

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

May 2017
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“We admit this report is the result of our own work except the summary and citations
every only we have explains its source”

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to our beloved Supervisor,

Dr. Hasyamuddin bin Othman which provided us the possibility to complete this
project report. Also a special gratitude will give to all project members, Mohamad
Syahmi Ikram bin Mohamad Zahidan, Mohamad Haiqal bin Mohamad Akhir, Muhd
Ikhwan Shafiq bin Mhd Razali and Nur Syahirah binti Shafek Hamlan whose give
fulfill contribution in stimulating and encouragement helped each other to coordinate
our project especially in writing this report.

Furthemore, we would like to acknowledge with much appreciation to our

parents and other friends member for give full support and spirit spending time with
us to finish up this project. Last but not least, we would like to thank our faculty head
of the project, En Suhairi bin Ismail who invested her full effort in guiding us in
achieving the goal. Also, we have to appreciate the guidance given by other faculty
members as well who guided me in the completion of our project report.
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ABSTRACT

A population of parasite called ‘greenhouse whitefly’or Trialeurodes Vaporariorum.sp

are frequently found in a greenhouse rock melon plantation in Taman Kekal
Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM), Batang Merbau in Kelantan and it is becoming a
threat to the plants. Since the size of the plantation in the greenhouse is massive, the
pesticide spraying process in the greenhouse is cost, energy and time consuming.
Workers find it hard and tiring to spray pesticides to each of the plants in the plantation.
Therefore, this study is planned to help the workers in solving their problems. The
main aim of this project is to develop a pesticide sprayer system in greenhouse for
whiteflies prevention and to analyze functional characteristics of the pesticide spraying
system with specialists. The system works in a reciprocating movement and consists
of main components such as tires, a crank mechanism, a frame and a piston pump. All
of the components are assembled to form a pesticide sprayer system. By pushing the
trolley, a pushing force is applied to the handle, the tyre moves forward, forming a
kinetic movement will be transferred through the mechanism that transmits power to
the piston pump. This system has met all the objectives and requirements which is
made suitable for spraying in greenhouses.
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ABSTRAK

Sekelompok parasit yang dikenali sebagai 'lalat putih rumah hijau' atau Trialeurodes
Vaporariorum.sp sering ditemui di ladang rock melon di Taman Kekal Pengeluaran
Makanan (TKPM), Batang Merbau di Kelantan dan ia menjadi ancaman kepada
tumbuh-tumbuhan di situ. Dengan saiz ladang di rumah hijau yang besar, proses
penyemburan racun serangga di dalam rumah hijau itu memerlukan kos, tenaga dan
masa yang banyak. Pekerja-pekerja di tempat itu mendapati kerja menyembur racun
serangga amat sukar dan memenatkan untuk setiap satu daripada tumbuh-tumbuhan di
ladang berkenaan. Oleh itu, kajian ini dirancang untuk membantu pekerja dalam
menyelesaikan masalah mereka. Tujuan utama projek ini adalah untuk
membangunkan satu sistem racun serangga untuk rumah hijau tersebut untuk
pencegahan lalat putih rumah hijau dan untuk menganalisis ciri-ciri fungsi sistem
semburan tersebut dengan pakar. Sistem ini berfungsi dalam gerakan salingan dan
terdiri daripada komponen utama seperti tayar, satu mekanisme engkol, bingkai dan
pam omboh. Semua komponen dipasang untuk membentuk satu sistem racun
penyembur. Dengan menolak troli, kuasa menolak akan terhasil, tayar akan bergerak
ke hadapan, menghasilkan tenaga kinetik yang akan dipindahkan melalui mekanisme
yang menghantar kuasa ke pam omboh. Sistem ini telah mencapai semua objektif dan
keperluan dan ciri-ciri yang dibuat sesuai untuk menyembur dalam rumah hijau.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

ABSTRACT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background 1

1.2 Problem Statement 3
1.3 Objectives 3
1.4 Scope of Project 4
1.5 Project Significant 4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Innovation of Technology in Pesticide Spraying 6
2.2.1 Mechanical Sprayers 6
2.2.2 Spray Nozzle Characteristics in Pesticide Spraying 9
2.2.2.1 Droplet Size 9
2.2.2.2 Droplet Velocity 10
2.2.2.3 Fan Angle 11
2.3 Prevention and Control of Greenhouse Whiteflies 12
2.3.1 Chemical Control Using Insecticides 12
2.3.2 Biological Control 13
2.3.3 Sticky Traps 14
2.4 Summary 16
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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction 17
3.2 System Design 18
3.3 Main Components 19
3.3.1 Softwares 21
3.4 Production 22
3.4.1 Calculations 22
3.4.1.1 Calculating Maximum Working Pressure 22
3.4.1.2 Calculating The Length of Crank and Connecting
Rod 23
3.4.2 Fabrication 26

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Results 32
4.2 Design Analysis 34
4.2.1 Body Frame 34
4.2.2 Motion Analysis 35
4.3 Cost Analysis 36
4.4 Reviews From Experts 39

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion 40
5.2 Recommendations 41

REFERENCES 42
APPENDICES 44
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LIST OF TABLES

NO. TITLE PAGES

Table 4.1 A summary of comparison between the Semi-Automatic

Pesticide Sprayer and the traditional method 33

Table 4.2 Market Price of Materials and Components 36

Table 4.3 Model Cost Analysis 37

Table 4.4 Wholesale Product Pricing 38

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LIST OF DIAGRAMS

NO. TITLE PAGES

2.1 Solar power generation on the first day and

solar power generation on the second day 6

2.2 Actual model of automatic pesticide spraying machine 7

2.3 Actual model of the machine 8

2.4 The analysis of spray velocity 11

2.5 Yellow Sticky Traps 14

2.6 Mean percentage of adult whiteflies settled per pepper

leaf disk following short-distance contact with reduced

risk product treatments 15

2.7 Safer’s Natural Insecticides™ sticky traps 15

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3.1 Overall idea of the project 17

3.2 Computerised graphic model designed by using SketchUp 18

3.3 Block diagram of the designed system 18

3.4 Rubber fixed wheel 19

3.5 Universal/trolley wheel 19

3.6 Knapsack sprayer and piston pump mechanism 20

3.7 The knapsack sprayer 20

3.8 The crank mechanism 21

3.9 Simple figure of the spraying system 22

3.10 Basic figure of a slider crank mechanism 23

3.11 The summary of the design of the mechanism 26

3.12 Selection of metal rods that comes in many shapes and

sizes 27
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3.13 V-shaped metal rod 27

3.14 Metal plate 27

3.15 Cutting of metal rod 28

3.16 Welding of the skeleton for the base 28

3.17 Welding of the screw on the tire 29

3.18 Installation of tires 29

3.19 Completed assembly of all of the components 30

4.1 Final results of the assembly 32

4.2 Cross section of the frame support 34

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

GDP - Gross Domestic Product

TKPM - Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan

sp. - Species

A - Ampere

V - Volts

RPM - Revolution Per Minute

DC - Direct Current

m - Metre

BCPC - British Crop Protection Council

Pa - Pascal

fps - Frames Per Second

hrs - Hours

L - Litre

g - Grams

s - Second

RM - Ringgit Malaysia
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LIST OF EQUATIONS

NO. TITLE PAGES

3.1 Pressure equation 22

3.2 Equal pressure level equation 22

3.3 Height between centre of rotation and the axis of slider 23

3.4 Length of connecting rod 23

3.5 Length of crank 24

4.1 Moments of Inertia 34

4.2 Maximum stress 34

4.3 Moment 34

4.4 Shear stress 35

4.5 Speed 35

4.6 Force (Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion) 35

4.7 Work 35
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LIST OF APPENDICES

NO. TITLE PAGES

A1 Solidworks Design of the System 44

A2 Gantt Chart 46

A3 Letter and Questionnaire 48

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The agricultural sector in Malaysia is one of the most important source of economy
in Malaysia, contributing 12 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
and providing employment 16 percent of the population. The number of population
keeps rising day by day, increasing the amount of food demand. The Malaysian
farmers and researches have been working hard to maximise and increase the amount
of crops produced to meet the demands.

To increase the quality of the crops produced, the farmers should find ways to
maintain the health of the trees in their farms. Parasites and insects can affect the
quality of the crops as they could destroy the trees, extract nutrients and spread
pathogens and diseases to the trees. However, the spraying of pesticides in either small
farms or a massive plantation has been the only effective way to overcome these
problems.

Pesticide application refers to the practical way in which pesticides, including

herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or nematode control agents, are delivered to their
biological targets such as pest organism, crop or other plants. Public concern about the
use of pesticides has highlighted the need to make this process as efficient as possible,
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in order to minimise their release into the environment and human exposure such as
operators, bystanders and consumers of produce. (Bateman, R.P, 2003). The practice
of pest management by the rational application of pesticides is supremely multi-
disciplinary, combining many aspects of biology and chemistry with: agronomy,
engineering, meteorology, socio-economics and public health, together with newer
disciplines such as biotechnology and information science.
One of the most common forms of pesticide application, especially in conventional
agriculture, is the use of mechanical sprayers. Hydraulic sprayers consist of a tank, a
pump, a lance (for single nozzles), and a nozzle (or multiple nozzles). Sprayers convert
a pesticide formulation, often containing a mixture of water (or another liquid chemical
carrier, such as fertilizer) and chemical, into droplets, which can be large rain-type
drops or tiny almost-invisible particles. This conversion is accomplished by forcing
the spray mixture through a spray nozzle under pressure. The size of droplets can be
altered through the use of different nozzle sizes, or by altering the pressure under
which it is forced, or a combination of both. Large droplets have the advantage of
being less susceptible to spray drift, but require more water per unit of land covered.
Due to static electricity, small droplets are able to maximize contact with a target
organism, but very still wind conditions are required.

There are many types of spraying applications such as a hand-driven sprayer (also
known as a knapsack sprayer), fuel-operated sprayer, battery-operated sprayer, aerial
sprayer (using a small aircraft) and the most advanced type is by using drones.
However, among all these types of applications, there are concerns that were made in
terms of operation cost and the consume of time and energy in the process of pesticide
spraying.
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1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

A population of parasite called ‘greenhouse whitefly’or Trialeurodes

Vaporariorum.sp are frequently found in a greenhouse rock melon plantation in Taman
Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM), Batang Merbau in Kelantan and it is becoming
a threat to the plants. These parasites breed rapidly as the female insects lay eggs under
the leaves of the plants.

All of the life-stages of the insect besides eggs and pupae can cause damages to
the plants by feeding and inserting their stylet directly into the leaf veins and extracting
nutrients from the leaf phloem sap. Besides that, these parasites have an ability to
transmit several plant viruses.

Since the size of the plantation in the greenhouse is massive, the pesticide spraying
process in the greenhouse is cost, energy and time consuming. Workers find it hard
and tiring to spray pesticides to each of the plants in the plantation. Therefore, this
study is planned to help the workers in solving their problems.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are:

i) To develop a pesticide sprayer system in greenhouse for whiteflies prevention;

and
ii) to analyse functional characteristics of the pesticide spraying system with
specialists.
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1.4 SCOPE OF PROJECT

This project will consist of designing and fabricating a pesticide-spraying

mechanical device that saves time, energy and cost for the workers in the greenhouse
plantation. Core subjects in the mechanical engineering field including fluid
mechanics, strength of materials, machine mechanics, graphic designing, computer-
aided design, etc. is applied throughout the researching, analysing and building
process. The right specifications of the components are calculated and determined to
avoid waste and incompatibility for the device. Analysis will be made by determining
the working pressure of the spray and the maximum length of spray. In additional to
that, comparisons will be made by comparing to the traditional way for pesticide
spraying in terms of the efficiency, time and cost.

1.5 PROJECT SIGNIFICANT

The findings of this study will give benefit to us in terms of gaining extra
knowledge and experience in doing this research. Not only learning theory in class but
we had chances in applying all the knowledge we learnt throughout our studies in
mechanical engineering technology, at the same time, we gained more understanding
and appreciating the importance of the knowledge.

In additional to that, the user can get convenient in their daily working routine
and get done with their tasks easily without burdening their lower back pain due to
carrying a heavy load on their back.
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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Reviews on several journals and researches will be made and explained

throughout this chapter. It is important to study the previous works that are related to
this project as it will be the guide and reference for this project. Topics that are related
to this project will be discussed and compared in terms of the development and
technology of mechanical sprayers and the prevention of whiteflies in greenhouses.
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2.2 INNOVATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN PESTICIDE SPRAYING

2.2.1 MECHANICAL SPRAYERS

Many innovations have been made for the industry of agriculture.

Venkateswarlu et al., (2016) designed an agricultural solar sprayer with multi
applications by using the most abundant, inexhaustible source of energy, the sun. The
developed system is used for spraying fertilizer, pesticides, fungicides and painting. It
has been proposed that the running cost of the developed system is less compared to
the conventional sprayer. From the results obtained, the time required for charging the
full battery capacity of 12V, 12A by practically is 14.15 hours. A fully solar charged
battery could spray 580 litres of fertilizer, which approximately spray 5-6 acres of land.
If it is charged for a whole day, it can be used to spray 200 litres of pesticide. Overall,
the system can help the farmers perform their regular work as well as saves fuel up to
large extent.

Figure 2.1: Solar power generation on the first day (left) and solar power generation
on the second day (right). (Venkateswarlu et al., 2016).
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Another research conducted by N. Kumbhare et al., (2016) designed an

automatic pesticide spraying machine that saves time and operational cost and also
saves humans from affecting adversely. Consisting of the main body frame, battery,
DC motor, nozzles, pipes, wheels, tank and DC pump, the four-wheel drive machine
is individually driven by a 30 RPM DC motor. Its frame is made up of mild steel and
the tank is kept at the centre of the body. A remote with a range of 50 metres are used
to operate the machine with a power source of a 12V 9A DC battery. The battery and
motor are attached directly to the wheels. When the machine moves forward, at the
same time, the pump discharges liquid from tank towards to the nozzle fitted to the
pipe. It has proven that this machine saves a lot of money and energy as well as reduces
the harm effect that occurs to the worker’s health which reduces the exposure of
chemicals. It covers a large area in less time and also labour cost will be reduced.

Figure 2.2: Actual model of automatic pesticide spraying machine (Kumbhare et al.,
2016)

Kumar. A et al., (2014) has developed a model of a simple wheel driven sprayer
for pesticide spraying. The machine is a two-wheeled body with a pump being cranked
and pushed and pulled to pump and build pressure in the tank for pesticide spraying.
The wheels are fixed on the main axle and cranking is on the other axle which pushes
the piston rod in and out of the cylinder, pumping the air pressure into the tank. The
tank is fitted on the frame through the suction tank that contains the pesticide. The
sprayer is connected to a connecting rod. When the handle is pushed, the wheels rotate,
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creating a force that pumps air simultaneously. As the air pumps and compresses, the
pressure drops and the liquid is sprayed. This wheel driven sprayer cost less money,
portable and user friendly as it is easy to move in fields as well as improves the quality
and effectiveness in pesticide spraying. It can spray pesticides two rows at one time
and simultaneously without using too much work and energy as well as reduces the
fatigue of the operator.

Figure 2.3: Actual model of the machine (Kumar. A et al., 2014)

Another innovation made by Kolhe et al., (2014) is an Eco-Friendly

Mechanically Operated Multipurpose Spray Pump. Kolhe et al., (2014) designed a
model running without any fuel and fully operated by a user. It consists of a trolley of
4 wheels (2 mounted on the rear shaft and another 2 mounted on the guide shaft at
front). The mechanism works when the trolley is pushed forward, work done by the
wheels get transmitted to the piston then it reciprocates and starts building pressure.
Power will be transmitted to the driving shaft that is attached to the main wheels,
pressure starts developing inside the cylinder, the nozzles starts acting and sprays.
Calculations made have shown that the pump can deliver the liquid at sufficient
pressure where output of the nozzle in 1 minute is 0.3 and with a spray width of 0.4m.
The handle of the machine was designed and considered following the
recommendation by K. N Dewangan (2010) which is 0.7 and 0.8 of shoulder height to
avoid muscular fatigue. As a result, it might be a little heavy but it works efficiently in
rough conditions and it is very economical and affordable for all kinds of farmers as it
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does not require any fuel to operate. Moreover, its nozzles can be adjusted to any height
so this device can be used for any crop.

2.2.2 SPRAY NOZZLE CHARACTERISTICS IN PESTICIDE SPRAYING

The distribution of spray droplets can be influenced by the architecture of the

plants present (Brown et al., 2007), the physical and chemical properties of the
chemical (viscosity, surface tension and concentration), the local meteorological of the
environment (wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity) and the
application techniques (nozzle type, nozzle’s position, spray height, spray position,
pressure and flow rate). In a research conducted by Gary J. Dorr et al., (2013), it is said
that it is possible to both maximise the effectiveness of the pesticide application
process as well as reducing the amount of off target spray deposition. The research
focuses on the characteristics of several types of spray nozzles in terms of droplet sizes,
velocity, fan angle, spray liquid density, spray liquid properties and spray
characteristics.

2.2.2.1 DROPLET SIZE

Studies have shown that droplet size is a major factor influencing the amount
of spray drift as well as deposition of the spray on a target (Bird et al., 1996; Craig et
al.,1998; De Schampheleire et al., 2009; Dorr et al., 2008). A comparison made by
Nuyttens et al. (2007a) of published results from 17 references for the British Crop
Protection Council (BCPC) reference nozzles and found that absolute results can vary
by over 50% between different researches depending on measuring protocol, settings
and type of measuring equipment. In the research conducted by Gary J. Dorr et al.,
(2013), five air-induction nozzles and three typical nozzle types were experimented at
500kPa operating pressure. The air-induction nozzles produced significantly (P < 0.05)
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coarser droplet sizes of all than the typical nozzles with one that has extended range
flat-fan nozzle, producing the finest droplets of all.

2.2.2.2 DROPLET VELOCITY

There are less published data is found regarding the literature on droplet
velocity compared to droplet size. This is because of the difficulty in measuring the
velocity to obtain the results. However, the initial droplet velocity is generally have
been assumed to be equal to the average liquid sheet velocity. From Raffel et al.
(2007), the velocity of the spray sheet close to the nozzle was measured using an
Oxford Lasers imaging system (Oxford, UK) and particle image velocimetry software
(VidPIV 4.0). The imaging system consisted of a high speed digital camera (Photron
Fastcam Ultima 512) and copper-neon pulsing laser (LS20-50). To synchronise the
camera together with the laser, a pulse generator (BNC Model 500, Berkley
Neuclonisc Corp) was used. A resolution of 512 × 512 pixels of maximum resolution
was achieved under a 2000 frames per second camera. It was found that the 200fps
camera was too large to have the velocity calculated. To achieve 25,000fps (40 𝜇 s
between each images), a frame straddling technique was used with a camera speed of
2000fps (500𝜇s between camera frames). The images of the Oxford imaging system
can be used to determine the size of the droplets as well as velocity. However, with
the settings used to measure the sheet velocity, we cannot measure droplets less than
100𝜇m. Hence, the size measurement from this technique has not been used before.
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Figure 2.4: The analysis of spray velocity. At picture at right, the lighter the shading,
the higher the velocity. The arrows point in the direction of movement (Gary J. Dorr
et al., 2013)

In general, the velocity of a droplet from a nozzle tends to be greater close to

the release point and reduces with distance away from the nozzle. In a research
conducted by Gary J. Dorr et al., (2013), states that the maximum velocity tends to
occur at the maximum distance from the nozzle (approx. 50mm). The average tends to
occur about the middle of the measured area. The liquid discharge velocity calculated
from an equation derived is 17.3, 23.6 and 30.0ms-1 for nozzle pressures of 150, 280
and 450 kPa respectively.

2.2.2.3 FAN ANGLE

From a research conducted by Gary J. Dorr et al., (2013), a method of an image

analysis program (Image Pro Plus) was used to measure the fan angle. The angle of
the spray sheet (fan angle) as it exits from the nozzle carried between 100 degrees and
151 degrees. Out of all three nozzles tested, air-induction nozzles had the narrowest
fan angle (P < 0.05) and Turbo Teejet® nozzles has the widest fan angle (P < 0.05).
The fan angle for all nozzles tested can be increased by increasing the pressure
significantly (P < 0.05). The spray mixtures tested did not have a significant effect on
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the fan angle. All of the nozzles tested are supposed to be 110-degree fan nozzles but
the actual measured angle recorded varied between 100 to 151 degrees. This shows
that the variation of the fan angle can influence the uniformity of spraying applications.

2.3 PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY

2.3.1 CHEMICAL CONTROL USING INSECTICIDES

Referring to Mohd Rasdi. Z et al., (2012), a research and experiment on

evaluation of insecticides on whitefly and predator on brinjal and tomato plants were
made. The study was conducted at Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development
Institute (MARDI) in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Insecticides that are used in these
experiments were the commonly used ones by farmers in the farm (Myint, 1997). Five
insecticides (named avermectin, white oil, buprofezin, lambda-cyhalothrin and
cyromazine) are applied for four weeks straight at manufacturer’s recommended rates
in clear days, from 0900hrs to 1000hrs using a nine-litre knapsack sprayer under
pressure 1.0 to 2.0 bar. The results are obtained by sampling of larva of whitefly.

All insecticides used have notably reduced the population of whitefly larvae
for the entire sampling period compared to the untreated plots. Among all of the
insecticides applied, avermectin was the most effective, reducing the number of
whiteflies 8.33/leaf, followed by Buprofezin which was just slightly effective.
Buprofezin did not kill the adult whiteflies during treatment (Bogran and Heinz 2000).
The adult whiteflies continue to breed and reproduce and the number of larvae
recorded is high. White oil decreases the population of whitefly larvae to 15/leaf. Other
two insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and cyromazine in treated plots, the level of
population were maintained at above 20 larvae/leaf at the end of the study, showing
that it is completely ineffective against whiteflies. The quantity of whitefly changes
inconsistently in lambda-cyhalothrin and then increased tremendously to a very high
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level. In the cyromazine treated plot, there was a decrease in the total number of
whiteflies but then the population continuously increase.

In conclusion, it is clearly shown that avermectin is the most effective

insecticide to reduce the population of whitefly larvae. Buprofezin and white oil could
decrease the population of whitefly acceptably with only slight decrease of density of
whiteflies in the plantation.

2.3.2 BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Biological control is the most natural way to prevent and control the amount
of pests in crops. In the past 20 years, there are 15 species of natural enemies that have
been identified and introduced against 18 pest species in greenhouses as a result of a
huge success in biological control (van Lenteren et al., 1992). The biological control
method has already been a common method to prevent pests in crops.

Natural enemies such as insect parasitoids, arthropod predators and pathogens

however can affect biodiversity through predation, parasitism, pathogenicity,
competition and other attack towards non-target species (Follett et al, 2000). The are
about 75 species of whitefly predators have been identified, like bugs such as spiders,
beetles, etc. are unable to maintain greenhouse whitefly numbers below damaging
levels, even though a complex of predators may do so (van Lenteren et al., 1995).
However, in a research conducted by Onillion (1990) states that biological control
through releasing predatory bugs such as Macrolophus or Dicyphus may be able to
sufficiently reduce whitefly populations.

Pathogens of insects belong to very different taxonomic groups like viruses,

bacteria, protozoa, fungi, etc. There are no records of nematodes parasitizing whiteflies
before. but it is possible that whiteflies can be killed by viruses and bacteria due to
secondary infections by entrance through open wounds. There are fungi pathogens
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such as Aschersonia and Verticillum that attacks whiteflies that are regularly mention
in the literature. These fungi germinate in the insect’s cuticle through penetration and
colonise in the interior of the host.

2.3.3 STICKY TRAPS

Figure 2.5: Yellow sticky traps (Source: Google Images)

A research conducted by Tara L. Moreau et al., (2011), using combinations of reduced

risk products such as trap crops and sticky traps for greenhouse whiteflies. A few
treatments were used such as control, Hot Paper Wax™, olive oil, rosemary oil and
Safer’s Natural Insecticide™. Hot Paper Wax™ and Safer’s™ are two commercial
products that claimed to be used to control whiteflies. Olive oil and rosemary were
selected based on their use in earlier short-distance experiments.
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Figure 2.6: Mean percentage of adult whiteflies settled per pepper leaf disk
following short-distance contact with reduced risk product treatments, (Tara L.
Moreau et al., 2011)

Results revealed that more adults were settled on leaf disks treated in olive oil,
rosemary oil and Safer’s Natural Insecticides™. Results showed that more eggs were
laid on disks treated with Hot Paper Wax™ than the others.

Figure 2.7: Safer’s Natural Insecticides™ sticky traps. (Source: Google Images)
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2.4 SUMMARY

Overall, there are some agreements and disagreements that are concluded
throughout the review. It is found that there are many mechanical sprayers designed,
some of them are motor powered, solar powered or even work in a reciprocating
movement. Besides that, we can see how important the characteristics of nozzles are
to give the best results and coverage in spraying. In additional to that, besides spraying
pesticides, there are many other ways that can be done to prevent whiteflies in
greenhouses but each of these methods have various results and effectiveness. Overall,
the development of technology in agriculture is rapid and keeps growing in time.
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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

In this section, discussions will be made involving methods and processes in

designing and fabricating the pesticide spraying device. The next task is to design the
system, involving some calculations and measurements. After the design has been
finalized, the fabrication process of the system takes place.
The method used to draw this project in the earliest stage is sketching and
drawing to get a rough idea how it will look like. Then the completed and approved
design will be converted into the computer using SketchUp, AutoCAD and Solidworks
to get a proper and clear understanding of the designed system.

Figure 3.1: Overall idea of the project. (R. M. Branch. Instructional design: The
ADDIE Approach)
 18

3.2 SYSTEM DESIGN

Figure 3.2: Computerised graphic model designed by using SketchUp

The system creates a reciprocating movement through the rotating movement

of the tire. When a pushing force is applied to the handle, the tire moves forward,
so does the slider crank mechanism that is also attached to the fixed tire will move.
The kinetic movement will be transferred through the crank and towards the pump
shaft. The mechanism will produce an up and down movement of the pump shaft
and creates a pumping motion. When the amount of pressure is adequate for
spraying, the pesticide will be sprayed through the nozzle.

Pump shaft
Pushing Fixed tyre + through Pumping
Nozzle
force crank connecting motion
rod

Figure 3.3: Block diagram of the designed system

 19

3.3 MAIN COMPONENTS

i) Frame

The frame will be prepared, design and fabricated to meet the suitable
size and dimensions for the use in greenhouses

Specifications:

 Dimension : 90 cm x 65 cm x 152 cm
 Material : Cast Iron

ii) Fixed wheel

Two fixed wheel will be installed at the back of the frame.

Tire diameter: 13.5 inches / 34.29 cm

Figure 3.4: Rubber fixed wheel.

iii) Universal wheel/trolley wheel

Two universal wheels will be installed at the front of the frame. Tire
diameter: 12cm

Figure 3.5: Universal/trolley wheel.

 20

. iv) Knapsack sprayer

A sprayer that consists of a pump mechanism, storage tank and nozzle.

Specifications:

 Model : Gajah 16L Knapsack Sprayer

 Capacity : 16 Litres
 Pressure : 2.0 – 4.0 kg/cm2
 Max. pressure : 8.0 kg/cm2
 Net weight : 3.75 kg
 Gross weight : 4.30 kg
 Dimension : 455 mm × 220 mm × 475 mm

Figure 3.6: Knapsack sprayer and piston pump mechanism.

Figure 3.7: The knapsack sprayer

 21

v) Nozzle

Six nozzles will be attached at the front of the system, three nozzles at
left and right.

vi) Slider Crank Mechanism

The mechanism is designed by using certain formulas to provide the

highest possible efficiency.

Figure 3.8: The crank mechanism

3.3.2 SOFTWARES

i) SketchUp - A design software used at the beginning of the project to

give a draft design of the mechanism.

ii) AutoCAD and Solidworks – A professional designing software that

has precise information of the system including colour, mass,
engineering analysis and dimensions of the system.
 22

3.4 PRODUCTION

3.4.1 CALCULATION

3.4.1.1 CALCULATING MAXIMUM WORKING PRESSURE

The maximum working pressure is the maximum pressure applied to the sprayer where
the water level inside the tank is at the lowest. The basic formula for the calculation is:

𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ (3.1)

Figure 3.9: Simple figure of the spraying system

Maximum working pressure = 𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃𝐵 (3.2)

 23

𝑘𝑔 𝑚
𝑃𝐵 = (1030 2
) (9.81 ) (1.524 𝑚 − 0.005 𝑚) = 15348.4317 𝑃𝑎
𝑚 𝑠

3.4.1.2 CALCULATING THE LENGTH OF CRANK AND CONNECTING

ROD

Calculations and formulas for calculating and designing the slider crank mechanism
are as below where 𝑎2 is the crank, 𝑎3 is the connecting rod, C is the height between
the centre of rotation and the axis of slider, 𝜆 is the coupler link ratio and 𝜙 is the
corresponding crank rotation.

Figure 3.10: Basic figure of a slider crank mechanism (Source: Middle East
Technical University (METU))

1 (1−𝜆2 ) sin 𝜙
𝐶= × (3.3)
2 [(1+ 𝜆2 )+(1− 𝜆2 ) cos 𝜙]

1 1
𝑎32 = × [( 1+ 𝜆2 )+( 1− 𝜆2 ) cos 𝜙]
(3.4)
2
 24

1 𝜆2
𝑎22 = 𝑎32 𝜆 2 = × [( 1+ 𝜆2 )+( 1− 𝜆2 ) cos 𝜙]
(3.5)
2

Equations (3.3), (3.4) and (3.5) yield a singly infinite set of solutions for the slider-
crank mechanisms satisfying a given crank rotation (stroke = 1 unit). One can also use
the eccentricity, crank or coupler link length as the free parameter to determine the
other link lengths.

𝑎2 is determined by measuring the length between the centre of rotation of the tire and
the screw that is mounted 8.5 cm or 85 mm from the tire. The coupler link ratio, 𝜆 is
0.38399 when the corresponding crank rotation, 𝜙 is 155𝑜 . From all these information
obtained, we can determine the length of 𝑎3 :

𝑎22 = 𝑎32 𝜆 2

(85𝑚𝑚)2 = 𝑎32 (0.3833 )2

𝑎3 = 221.36 𝑚𝑚

Determining the stroke length:

1 1
𝑎32 = ×
2 [( 1 + 0.38399 ) + ( 1 − 0.383992 ) cos 155]
2

𝑎3 = 1.15505
 25

𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 × 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 𝑎3

1.15505 × 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 221.36 𝑚𝑚

𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 191.646 𝑚𝑚

Calculating the height between the centre of rotation and the axis of slider, C:

1 (1 − 0.383992 ) sin 155

𝐶= ×
2 [(1 + 0.383992 ) + (1 − 0.383992 ) cos 155]

𝐶 = 0.48069

𝐶 = 0.48069 × 191.646 = 92.123 𝑚𝑚

Overall, the length of 𝑎2 = 8.5 cm, 𝑎3 = 221.36 mm and C is 92.123 mm.

 26

Figure 3.11: The summary of the design of the mechanism.

3.4.2 FABRICATION

The fabrication process consists of selection of materials, metal cutting and shaping,
welding, and installation of components. The metal cutting process is the first step to
make the frame for the system to be placed. A 1.5-inch v-shaped metal rod is used and
cut in certain dimensions to make the skeleton of the base and a metal plate to cover
on it.
 27

Figure 3.12: Wide selection of metal rods that comes in many shapes and sizes.

Figure 3.13: V-shaped metal rod.

Figure 3.14: Metal plate.

 28

Figure 3.15: Cutting of metal rod.

After all the metal has being cut in desired dimensions, all of them will be attached
together by welding.

Figure 3.16: Welding of the skeleton for the base.

After that, tires are installed, including the fixed tires and the universal tires. A small
screw is welded on the rim of the tire.
 29

Figure 3.17: Welding of the screw on the tire

Figure 3.18: Installation of tires

 30

Figure 3.19: Completed assembly of all of the components

The final process of fabrication is the assembly of all the components. Components
such as the tank, pump system, pipes and nozzles are installed.
 31

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter discusses on the result, analysis and problems that are encountered
throughout the completion of the project. After the development and completion of the
system, it will then be evaluated in order to measure the effectiveness and to ensure
whether it had met the outlined objectives successfully.
 32

4.1 RESULTS

Figure 4.1: Final results of the assembly

The final assembly was successfully made based on the materials and components
chosed as in Figure 4.1. The fabrication of the system has succesfully been made based
on the design that meets the criteria such as:
• Size that is suitable for operating in the isles in greenhouses.
• The coverage of spray that covers most of the surface of the plants.
• The effective elements such as time taken and cost to spray.

Experiments and tests have been made to compare between the traditional way and the
semu-auto pesticide sprayer. It has been found that it takes 7.2 litres of liquid per
minute at an operational speed of 2.815 metres per second. The operational speed is
the most concerned element to determine how efficient the system is. When it is too
fast, the sprays might not cover most of the plants and when it is too slow, there will
be waste of time, energy and chemicals. Usually in the traditional way, the time taken
for one whole operation if a small plantation has 500 trees, 100 trees per row, might
take an average of one and a half hour, depending on the size of the trees. It is estimated
that the semi-auto pesticide sprayer could only take an average of 120 minutes to spray
pesticides for the whole plantation. Regarding the estimated time taken, it also affects
the operational cost of one whole operation which results that the traditional way costs
higher than the semi-auto pesticide sprayer.

Regarding some health concerns, typically by applying pesticides to trees by using the
traditional method is unhealthy and hazardous. Workers are highliy exposed to
 33

pesticides and harmful chemicals which might result in high risk of getting chronic
diseases such as pesticide poisoning or worse, fatality (Environews Forum, 1999).
Besides that, carrying the heavy knapsack sprayer at their backs could cause chronic
back pain and muscle fatigue at their limbs due to moving them for too much. The
semi-auto pesticide sprayer is made as a user-friendly device that is designed to be
ergonomic to the user. The heavy loads are placed on the device and other gardening
and farming equipments can be placed on it. All of the nozzles are placed in a certain
amount of height to cover even tall plants that could prevent workers from moving
their limbs for too much.

Table 4.1: A summary of comparison between the Semi-Automatic Pesticide

Sprayer and the traditional method.

Semi-Automatic Traditional method

Pesticide Sprayer (Knapsack sprayer)

Operating speed 2.815 metres/second 1.33 metres/percond

7.2 litres/minute or 0.12 1.2 litres/minute or 0.02

Output flow rate
litres/second (6 nozzles) litres/second (1 nozzle)

Distance sprayed/L 23.46 metres/litre 66.5 metres/litre

No of trees covered/min
(Each trees are 2ft 108-110 trees/minute 37-39 trees/minute
apart)

Health concerns No back pain Back pain problems

Low exposure to pesticide High exposure to pesticide

Less tiring Tiring

Muscle fatigue at neck

Less or minor fatigue.
and limbs.

Maintenance High maintenance Low maintenance

 34

4.2 DESIGN ANALYSIS

4.2.1 BODY FRAME

1.5 inch = 3.81 cm

= 0.0381 m

0.3 cm = 0.003 m

1.5 inch = 3.81 cm = 0.0381 m

Figure 4.2: Cross section of the frame support

1) Moments of Inertia, I

𝑏𝑑 3
𝐼= (4.1)
12

(0.0381)(0.003)3 (0.003)(0.0381 − 0.003)3

𝐼= +
12 12

𝐼 = (8.5725 × 10−11 ) + (1.0811 × 10−3 )

𝐼 = 1.0811 × 10−3 𝑚

2) Maximum Stress, 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥

𝑀𝑦
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = (4.2)
𝐼

Moment = Force × distance (4.3)

= 196.2N × 0.65m = 127.53 Nm
Y = 0.0381 m /2 = 0.01905 m
 35

𝑀𝑦
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝐼
(127.53)×(0.01905)
= (1.0811 × 10−3 )

= 2247.199 Pa

3) Shear Stress, 𝜏

𝑃
𝜏= (4.4)
𝐴
2247.199𝑃𝑎
= = 54.536 kPa
0.0412053 𝑚2

4.2.2 MOTION ANALYSIS

Operational speed = Distance ÷ Time taken (4.5)

= 100 m ÷ 35.64 s
= 2.815 m/s

Pushing force = Mass × acceleration (4.6)

= 50 kg × 2.815 𝑚/𝑠 2
= 140.75 N

Work done per metre = Pushing force × displacement (4.7)

= 140.75 N × 100 m
= 14.075 kJ
 36

4.3 COST ANALYSIS

Table 4.2: Market Price of Materials and Components

Market Price of Materials and Components

Item Price

Wheelbarrow tire RM 20.00/unit

Raw metal iron rod RM 15.00/ft

Universal tire RM 25.00/unit

Knapsack sprayer RM 86.00/unit

Nozzle RM 6.00/unit

Screws, bolts and nuts RM 5.00/kg

Tube RM 0.80/metre

Joints (Brass) RM 4.00/unit

 37

Table 4.3: Model cost analysis

Model Cost Analysis

Item Quantity Total Price

Wheelbarrow tire 2 RM 40.00

Universal tire 2 RM 50.00

Raw metal iron* 20 kg RM 300.00

Screws, bolts and nuts. 1 kg RM 5.00

Knapsack Sprayer 1 unit RM 86.00

Nozzle 6 units RM 36.00

Tube 4 metres RM 3.20

Joints 7 units RM 28.00

TOTAL RM 548.20

*Raw metal iron used in this project is free, obtained from UTHM.
 38

Table 4.4: Wholesale Product Pricing

Type of Cost Price

Product RM548.20

Time taken to complete the product is

seven days, takes an average of 4 hours
Labor per day. If a worker is paid RM4/hour,
the labor cost would be RM112.00 for
one product.

Overhead RM 10.00

TOTAL RM 558.20

Profit margin (20%) RM 55.82

TOTAL RM 614.02
 39

4.4 REVIEW FROM EXPERTS

In order to achieve the second objective of this research project, a review and
evaluation from a specialist, En. Rosdi bin Ab. Rahman was obtained. It can be
summarised that the research project is a good start to involving and improving the
agriculture sector and could be a great encouragement to the young people to get
involved in innovation. However, there are improvements that could be made and tests
that should be conducted to make it more beneficial and effective to the agriculture
industry.
 40

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECCOMMENDATIONS

This chapter confers on the conclusion of the Semi-Auto Pesticide Sprayer project.
Besides, it also discusses some recommendations and suggestion for the future
endeavor.

5.1 CONCLUSION

From the experimental results and discussions, it can be summarized that this
research project is a success as it achieves all the objectives mentioned earlier. The
results show that the semi-auto pesticide sprayer could help workers who suffer from
fatigue work with this device because it is designed to be ergonomic to users. The
operating speed of the Semi-Auto Pesticide Sprayer is faster than the conventional
method. However, this invention could be improved due to not long lasting duration
of operation if the tank is once full, the output flow rate is a lot and the operational
speed is a bit fast in resulting an uneven coverage of pesticide for the trees.
 41

5.2 RECCOMMENDATIONS

In recommendations to solve these problems, the crank mechanism could be

improved by applying two strokes per cycle to have an efficient amount of work and
working pressure and an even coverage of pesticides for the trees. Besides that, the
tank should have a larger capacity to make a single operation last longer. As for the
overall idea, this pesticide sprayer system could be a start for further research and
upgrades. The knowledge and skills gained from this research project will give more
experiences to the students from this project.
 42

REFERENCES

Sanjay.S, Sridhar.R, Syed Moinudeen.T,, Harshitha.V. (2015), “Design and

Fabrication of Mechanical Pest Sprayer”. Magna
College of Engineering, Chennai, India. International Journal of Innovative
Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol 4.
M. Venkateswarlu, Dr. M. Ashok Kumar, M. Nagikaran, K. SagaKumar, (2016).
“Agricultural Solar Sprayer with Multi Applications”. Institute of Technology
Kurnool, Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Vol 2.
Shivarja Kumar. A., Parameswaramurthy. D. (2014). “Development of Wheel Driven
Sprayer”, Institute of Technology, Maralur, Tumukur, India. International
Journal of Engineering Research, Vol 2.
Dhiraj N. Kumbhare., Vishal Singh., Prashik Waghmare., Altaf Ansari., Vikas Tiwari.,
Prof. R.D. Gorle, (2016). “Fabrication of Automatic Pesticides Spraying
Machine”, Ambedkar College of Engineering and Research., International
Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Vol. 3.
Gary J. Dorr, Andrew J. Hewitt, Steve W. Adkins, Jim Hanan, Huichun Zhang, (2013).
“A Comparison of Initial Spray Characteristics Produced by Agricultural
Nozzles”, The University of Queensland., Nanjing Forestry University.,
Elsevier. Ltd.
Gregory J. McKee (2010), “Coordinated Pest Management Decisions in the Presence
of Management Externalities: The Case of Greenhouse Whitefly in California-
grown Strawberries”, North Dakota State University, USA., Elesvier.Ltd.
Joop C. van Lenteren, Herman J. W. van Roermund, Susan Sutterlin, (1995).
“Biological Control of Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes Vaporium) with the
Parasitoid Encarsia: How Does it Work?”, Wagenigen Agricultural University,
The Netherlands., Academic Press. Inc.
 43

Tara L. Moreau, Murray B. Isman, (2011)., “Combining Reduced-risk Products, Trap

Crops and Yeallow Sticky Traps for Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes
Vaporium) Management on Sweet Peppers (Capsicum annum)”, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Elsevier, Ltd.
Mohd Rasdi, Z., Che Salmah, M. R., Abu Hassan, A., Hamady, D.,Hamaseh, A.,
Fauziah Ismail. (2012) “Field Evaluation of Some Insecticides on Whitefly
(Trialeurodes vaporium) and Predator (Macrolophus caliginosus) on Brinjal
and Tomato Plants”, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vol.
2, No. 3, pp, 302-311.
 44

APPENDICES

A1- SOLIDWORKS DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM

Isometric view

Trimetric view
45
 46

A2 – GANTT CHART
47
 48

A3 – LETTER AND QUESTIONNAIRE

49
50