THE IMPACT OF MULTI-PURPOSE NOZZLE DESIGN ON MOSQUITO FOGGING SPRAY CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Nozzle design affects fogging flow velocity patterns and acoustic characteristics, aiming to enhance mosquito control strategies essential for reducing diseases like dengue fever. Achieving optimal smoke dispersal through dense foliage and narrow spaces necessitates careful selection of nozzle types and diameters. The research focuses on the impact of audible sound on mosquito fogging spray properties in the presence of smoke and fog, examining the effect of nozzle design on fogging flow velocity patterns and characteristics, and the frequency response of noise distribution using different nozzle configurations. Utilizing CATIA V5, ANSYS Mechanical 2022 R2, and MATLAB software, various nozzle designs—including cone flat, square-flat, and cone-square-triangle—were analyzed. Results indicate that cone nozzles achieve the highest velocity thrust, outperforming flat, square, and triangle nozzles. The flat-cone nozzle excelled in smoke dispersal, maintaining high sound pressure levels (SPL) and acoustic pressure, particularly at a resonant frequency of 1700Hz, ensuring effective smoke penetration and distribution in dense foliage and narrow spaces. Wavelet analysis revealed that flat-cone and cone-square-triangle nozzles produce higher and denser wavelet pockets, enhancing turbulence and mixing for improved smoke distribution. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the flat-cone nozzle for comprehensive fogging coverage. The study recommends future research on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors into nozzle designs to develop smart nozzles that adjust spray patterns in real-time based on mosquito activity. This integration would maximize efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and optimize pesticide use by focusing resources on areas with high mosquito activity while reducing unnecessary applications. Such advancements could lead to more efficient mosquito control, minimizing the negative effects on the environment and non-target organisms.