Depositional Control of Macroscopic Particles by High-Strength Electric-Field Propulsion

Trials have been carried out to determine the efficacy and practicability of an electrostatic method of dusting crops. Using an 80-kV electrostatic generator and a motor-powered knapsack-type duster, pesticide particles have been charged by ionic bombardment, and good deposition has been achieved. Subsequent attempts to reduce the complexity and cost of the apparatus have resulted in the development of a ``triboelectrogasdynamic gun''-a novel device for electrostatic powder deposition. (Patent specifications have been filed.) This very simple device has produced an output electrode potential of 200 kV and is capable of effecting greater control over the deposition of macroscopic particles than would be practicable with conventional electrostatic devices. Applications are foreseen in both agricultural and industrial operations, though this paper deals mainly with the agricultural case.