Redball Spray Monitor Detects Plugged Nozzles

Redball Spray Monitor Detects Plugged Nozzles SPRAYING Accessories 8-2-15 "With the new Redball Monitor you can avoid costly errors due to clogged spray nozzles," says Steve Claussen, Benson, Minn., designer of the new-style, inexpensive spray monitor that retails for $97.50. Claussen says the Redball Monitor saves you the cost of monitors that sell for $500 to $1,500. Manufactured by C.A.P. Inc., Willmar, Minn., the system features four plastic tubes, each with calibration marks and each with a small red ball inside. Chemical or fertilizer flows from the pump into the bottom of the monitor where it's then forced up through the plastic tubes and hoses to the nozzles. You can tell the level the balls should be at by using a chart that indicates the calibration level for various nozzles and application rates. Redball accurately monitors application rates from 5 to 30 gals. per acre, says Claussen. Each tube can monitor up to 4 spray nozzles on your sprayer or planter,depending on application rates. When a nozzle is plugged or partially plugged it'll put back pressure on the red ball, forcing it to drop in the tube. Likewise, if the ball rises in the tube, it indicates a possible broken hose. The unit has no electronic or mechanical parts to malfunction and, according to the company, the high-impact plastic is tough to break and is resistant to chemical corrosion. The 4-tube monitor comes complete with 3/8-in. outlets leading to the nozzles. Adapters for 1/4 and 1/2-in. hoses are available. The system works with piston and centrifugal pumps, but hasn't yet been tested with squeeze pumps, says Claussen. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, C.A.P. Inc., P.O. Box 961, 500 Industrial Drive, Willmar, Minn. 56201 (ph 612 235-0461).

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