What is the purpose of bleed valves at the ends of the spray boom?

The purpose of bleed valves at the ends of the spray boom is to prevent pressure from building up from trapped air when the spray valve is opened. In aerial applicators, effective and uniform spraying is crucial for applying pesticides or fertilizers. When the spray system is activated, it is important that air is not trapped within the lines, as this can lead to uneven distribution of the spray, potentially causing some areas to receive too little product and others too much.

Bleed valves allow for the release of trapped air, thus enabling a smooth flow of the liquid when the spray operation begins. This ensures that the entire boom operates efficiently and that the nozzles deliver the desired spray pattern as intended. Maintaining consistent pressure and flow is essential for both the effectiveness of the application and the safety of the environment.