Check and calibration of spraying machinery in Lombardy: activity results from 1999

This paper deals with the results deriving from the elaboration of the reports on the data of the technical characteristics, the performance and the use conditions of the sprayers inspected by the accredited Centres in Lombardy, carried out from 1999 until 2020. With particular focus on the information drawn after the coming in force of the inspections mandatory (2016), the sprayers fleet highlighted first of all a difficult replacement of older machines. Furthermore, an other important point was the ascertainment of some components necessarily present on the machines subject to inspection (e.g. hand wash tank, safety valve on the filter, etc.). The old and worn condition of the fleet led also to the detection of a significant amount of malfunctions, mainly involving the filter system and the hydraulic circuit, considering the machine components, and the flow rate regulation and the distribution diagram conformity, under the performance point of view.

I. Introduction

Among other purposes, metrology comprises the consideration of testing procedures commonly established in either legislation or documented standards, to provide accurate and reliable measurements for the health, the safety and the environment.