ISO 16122-2:2024

Overview

ISO 16122-2:2024 - "Agricultural and forestry machinery - Inspection of sprayers in use - Part 2: Horizontal boom sprayers" specifies requirements and test methods for inspecting horizontal boom sprayers while in use. To be applied together with ISO 16122-1:2024, this part focuses on the sprayer’s condition relative to environmental risk and its ability to achieve correct application. Inspector protection and general inspection principles are covered in Part 1.

Key topics and requirements

This standard defines inspection criteria and verification methods across the main functional areas of a horizontal boom sprayer, including:

• Leaks and dripping - static and dynamic leak detection and spraying/dripping onto machine parts.
• Pumps - verification of pump capacity, pulsations and air chamber performance.
• Spray mix agitation - hydraulic and mechanical agitation checks.
• Spray tanks - lids, filling strainers, pressure compensation, tank level indicators, emptying/filling devices, induction hoppers, and container-cleaning devices.
• Measuring and control systems - pressure indicators, flow meters, pressure adjusting devices and section pressure equalizers.
• Lines, filters and valves - integrity, isolation and serviceability.
• Spray boom - alignment, stability, damping, nozzle spacing/orientation, boom deformation and height adjustment.
• Nozzles - similarity, dripping, transverse distribution and flow-rate measurement.
• Ancillary equipment - blowers, spray guns/lances (condition, trigger and flow/angle adjustment).
• Test methods - specified procedures for pump tests, pressure indicator verification, flow-meter installation, forward-speed control systems, transverse distribution testing with a horizontal patternator, coefficient of variation (CV) calculations, nozzle flow measurements and pressure-distribution/variation checks.

The document lists how to perform verifications and measurements but does not replace manufacturer instructions or regulatory requirements.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 16122-2 is intended for practical application in the field to improve spray effectiveness and reduce off-target contamination. Typical users include:

• Sprayer manufacturers and designers - product validation and quality control.
• Service technicians and calibration engineers - in-field inspection, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Farm and forestry operators - ensuring application accuracy, reducing chemical waste and environmental risk.
• Certification bodies and regulators - routine compliance inspections and performance audits.
• Research and extension services - training and demonstration of best practices for sprayer management.

Benefits include improved spray uniformity, reliable nozzle and pump performance, reduced environmental contamination and optimized pesticide/fertilizer application rates.

Related standards

• ISO 16122-1:2024 - General requirements and inspector protection (mandatory companion document).
• Other national or regional standards and pesticide application guidance may be used alongside ISO 16122-2 for regulatory compliance and safety.

Keywords: ISO 16122-2, horizontal boom sprayers, sprayer inspection, agricultural sprayers, spray uniformity, nozzle flow, pump capacity, patternator, sprayer testing.