Calibration of pest & weed control sprayers and equipment is critical to safety and proper results. Detailed procedures for calibrating all types of sprayers and equipment is described in detail.

1. Equipment Calibration
(Guessing is NOT a Strategy)
Andrew Greess Our Equipment. Your Success.
NPMA SW Conference
Albuquerque, NM www.QSpray.com
January 2011

2. Before We Start:
- Share experiences
- Ask Questions
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3. Calibration Outline:
- Equipment to be Calibrated
- Why Calibrate?
- Calibration Caveats
- Factors affecting Calibration
- Tools Required
- Examples
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4. Calibration Examples:
- Per Minute Application
Power Sprayer Pest Control
B&G/Backpack Pest Control
Fogger/Actisol Pest Control
Dusters Pest Control

5. Calibration Examples:
- Per Minute Application
Power Sprayer Pest Control
B&G/Backpack Pest Control
Fogger/Actisol Pest Control
Dusters Pest Control
- Per Acre Application
Granulators Pest Control
Power Sprayer Weed Control
Boom Sprayer Weed Control
Backpack Weed Control

6. Why Calibrate?
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7. Why Calibrate?
- Control Chemical Costs
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8. Why Calibrate?
- Control Chemical Costs
- Proper Results
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9. Why Calibrate?
- Control Chemical Costs
- Proper Results
- Safety Risks
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10. Why Calibrate?
- Control Chemical Costs
- Proper Results
- Safety Risks
- Liability Risks
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11. Why Calibrate?
- Control Chemical Costs
- Proper Results
- Safety Risks
- Liability Risks
- Label/Regulatory Compliance
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12. Calibration Caveats:
- Your calibration if valid only for a specific piece of
equipment, settings & conditions.
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13. Calibration Caveats:
- Your calibration if valid only for a specific piece of
equipment, settings & conditions.
- If settings or conditions change, RECALIBRATE!
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14. Calibration Caveats:
- Your calibration if valid only for a specific piece of
equipment, settings & conditions.
- If settings or conditions change, RECALIBRATE!
- Just because you calibrated 6 months ago, doesn’t
mean you know what is going on today.
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15. Calibration Caveats:
- Your calibration if valid only for a specific piece of
equipment, settings & conditions.
- If settings or conditions change, RECALIBRATE!
- Just because you calibrated 6 months ago, doesn’t
mean you know what is going on today.
- If your mix rate or application techniques are off,
calibration doesn’t matter.
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16. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
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17. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
- Pump Settings/Pressure
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18. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
- Pump Settings/Pressure
- Equipment Age & Wear
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19. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
- Pump Settings/Pressure
- Equipment Age & Wear
- Hoses & Fittings
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20. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
- Pump Settings/Pressure
- Equipment Age & Wear
- Hoses & Fittings
- Spray Tips
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21. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
- Pump Settings/Pressure
- Equipment Age & Wear
- Hoses & Fittings
- Spray Tips
- Equipment Settings, e.g., Agitation
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22. Factors Affecting Calibration:
- Engine Speed
- Pump Settings/Pressure
If anything changes,
- Equipment Age & Wear
RECALIBRATE!
- Hoses & Fittings
- Spray Tips
- Equipment Settings, e.g., Agitation
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23. Tools You Need for Calibration:
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24. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
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25. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
- Appropriate work place (not in client’s driveway)
X
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26. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
- Appropriate work place (not in client’s driveway)
- Measuring Device – with appropriate calibration
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27. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
- Appropriate work place (not in client’s driveway)
- Measuring Device – with appropriate calibration
- Receptacle (to catch water/material)
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28. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
- Appropriate work place (not in client’s driveway)
- Measuring Device – with appropriate calibration
- Receptacle (to catch water/material)
- Water Source
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29. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
- Appropriate work place (not in client’s driveway)
- Measuring Device – with appropriate calibration
- Receptacle (to catch water/material)
- Water Source
- Stop Watch (second hand)
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30. Tools You Need for Calibration:
- The Equipment being calibrated
- Appropriate work place (not in client’s driveway)
- Measuring Device – with appropriate calibration
- Receptacle (to catch water/material)
- Water Source
- Stop Watch (second hand)
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- Paper, Pencil, Calculator www.QSpray.com

31. Calibration Examples:

32. Calibration Examples:
- Per Minute Application
Power Sprayer Pest Control
B&G/Backpack Pest Control
Fogger/Actisol Pest Control
Dusters Pest Control
- Per Acre Application
Granulators Pest Control
Power Sprayer Weed Control
Boom Sprayer Weed Control
Backpack Weed Control

33. Math
Ahead
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34. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
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35. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
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36. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
- Fill spray tank with clean water
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37. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
- Fill spray tank with clean water
- Find the right size catch bucket
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38. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
- Fill spray tank with clean water
- Find the right size catch bucket
- Set the sprayer EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
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39. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
- Fill spray tank with clean water
- Find the right size catch bucket
- Set the sprayer EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Fill a bucket for exactly 1 minute
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40. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
- Fill spray tank with clean water
- Find the right size catch bucket
- Set the sprayer EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Fill a bucket for exactly 1 minute
- Measure the water
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41. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Minute (GPM)
- Easier with 2 people
- Fill spray tank with clean water
- Find the right size catch bucket
- Set the sprayer EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Fill a bucket for exactly 1 minute
- Measure the water
- Repeat & confirm
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42. Calibration Examples:
Manual Sprayer (B&G, Backpack) – Determine GPM
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43. Calibration Examples:
Manual Sprayer (B&G, Backpack) – Determine GPM
- Fill tank with water
- Find the right size catch bucket
- Pump & spray EXACTLY how you will be using the sprayer
- Fill a bucket for exactly 1 minute
- Measure the water
- Repeat & confirm
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44. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Determine GPM
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45. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Determine GPM
2 Methods:
- Measure the liquid
- Weigh the liquid
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46. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Determine GPM
2 Methods:
- Measure the liquid
- Weigh the liquid
- Don’t recommend
using water

47. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Measure the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Measure a precise amount of liquid
- Put the liquid in the tank
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48. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Measure the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Measure a precise amount of liquid
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Set the unit EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Operate sprayer for exactly 1 minute
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49. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Measure the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Measure a precise amount of liquid
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Set the unit EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Operate sprayer for exactly 1 minute
- Pour remaining liquid into measuring device
- Calculate liquid used
- Repeat & confirm

50. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Weigh the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Weigh the empty unit
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51. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Weigh the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Weigh the empty unit
- Weigh a precise amount of liquid, e.g., 16 oz.
- Put the liquid in the tank
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52. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Weigh the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Weigh the empty unit
- Weigh a precise amount of liquid, e.g., 16 oz.
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Set the unit EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Operate sprayer for exactly 1 minute
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53. Calibration Examples:
Foggers/Actisol Sprayers – Weigh the Liquid
- Start with an empty tank
- Weigh the empty unit
- Weigh a precise amount of liquid, e.g., 16 oz.
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Set the unit EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Operate sprayer for exactly 1 minute
- Weigh the unit
- Calculate liquid used
- Repeat & confirm Our Equipment. Your Success.
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54. Calibration Examples:
Electric Dusters – Determine Pounds per Minute
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55. Calibration Examples:
Electric Dusters – Determine Pounds per Minute
Same as Foggers
- Weigh empty unit
- Weigh dust
- Use unit for exact time period
- Re-weigh unit to determine usage
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56. Calibration Examples:
Granulators – Determine Pounds per Acre
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57. Calibration Examples:
Granulators – Determine Pounds per Acre
1. I do not believe you can get an accurate calibration while
walking around a home applying granules
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58. Calibration Examples:
Granulators – Determine Pounds per Acre
1. I do not believe you can get an accurate calibration while
walking around a home applying granules
2. Do not recommend relying on unit specs (speed, granule
size, unit wear)
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59. Calibration Examples:
Granulators – Determine Pounds per Acre
1. I do not believe you can get an accurate calibration while
walking around a home applying granules
2. Do not recommend relying on unit specs (speed, granule
size, unit wear)
3. Determine square footage then put down the correct
amount of granules
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60. Calibration Examples:
Granulators – Determine Pounds per Acre
- Weigh the granulator when empty
- Fill the granulator
- Weigh the full granulator
- Subtract the weight of the granulator to get the weight of
granules the device can hold
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61. Calibration Examples:
Granulators – Determine Pounds per Acre
- At the Property,
determine the square footage to be treated
- E.G., 50’ x 50’ Home (50+50+50+50=200’ perimeter)
- 200’ perimeter x 10’ wide band = 2000 square feet
- Talstar Granules, 3 lbs/1000 sq ft (read label)
- Need to apply 6 lbs around this house
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62. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Acre (GPA)
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63. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Acre (GPA)
- Fill tank with water (e.g., exactly 50 gallons)
- Find a suitable test area (asphalt or concrete)
- Measure out a test plot (e.g., 100’ x 40’, 4000 sq ft)
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64. Calibration Examples:
Power Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Acre (GPA)
- Fill tank with water (e.g., exactly 50 gallons)
- Find a suitable test area (asphalt or concrete)
- Measure out a test plot (e.g., 100 x 40, 4000 sq ft)
- Set the sprayer EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Spray the test plot
- Determine how many gallons were used, e.g. 15 gallons
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65. Calibration Examples:
- THE MATH
Example: We used 15 gallons on 4000 square feet.
How many gallons do we need per acre?
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66. Calibration Examples:
- THE MATH
Example: We used 15 gallons on 4000 square feet.
How many gallons do we need per acre?
15 gallons = X gallons
4000 sq ft 40,000 sq ft (1 acre)
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67. Calibration Examples:
- THE MATH
Example: We used 15 gallons on 4000 square feet.
How many gallons do we need per acre?
15 gallons = X gallons
4000 sq ft 40,000 sq ft (1 acre)
X = 150 gallons
Use this to calculate tank mix rate
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68. Calibration Examples:
Backpack Sprayers – Determine GPA
- Measure a precise amount of liquid
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Layout a test plot, e.g., 50’ x 20’
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69. Calibration Examples:
Backpack Sprayers – Determine GPA
- Measure a precise amount of liquid
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Layout a test plot, e.g., 50’ x 20’
- Set the sprayer & pump EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Spray the test plot
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70. Calibration Examples:
Backpack Sprayers – Determine GPA
- Measure a precise amount of liquid
- Put the liquid in the tank
- Layout a test plot, e.g., 50’ x 20’
- Set the sprayer & pump EXACTLY (speed, gun, tip, etc.)
- Spray the test plot
- Pour remaining liquid into measuring device
- Calculate liquid used
- Calculate GPA
- Use GPA to calculate tank mix rate

71. Calibration Examples:
- THE MATH
Example: We used 2 gallons on 1000 square feet.
Label Rate = 4 oz/1000 square feet
Use 4 oz in 2 gallons or 8 oz in a 4 gallon backpack
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72. Calibration Examples:
Boom Sprayer – Determine Gallons per Acre (GPA)
- Herbicide Applications
- Separate Training Class
- Lots of Methods
Ground Speed
Stationery
Volume
1/128 Method
- Links at Qspray.com
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73. Calibration – The Easy Way
Digital Flow Meters
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74. Calibration Keys:
- Calibration can be critical to your success
- Calibration is for specific equipment, settings & conditions
- If anything changes or time passes, recalibrate
- Calibration is one piece of the pie (mix rate, technique, etc.)
- If you don’t know how, ask for help
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75. More Info on Spray Equipment:
Cheat Sheets: www.Qspray.com/termites
Pest Management Magazine articles
 www.SprayEquipmentBlog.com
 follow on Twitter & FB: Andrew Greess
 Contact: info @ qspray.com or (800) 675-7485
Call us when you need sprayers/parts/advice
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