What should be done when nozzle wear results in a 10% or greater flow difference from new?

When nozzle wear leads to a flow difference of 10% or more compared to new specifications, changing the nozzle is the appropriate action. Over time, nozzles can wear down due to factors like abrasion from the material being sprayed or chemical degradation. This wear can significantly alter the nozzle's flow rate, impacting the overall performance and efficiency of the spraying operation.

Replacing the nozzle ensures that the equipment returns to its intended operational capacity and maintains accurate spray patterns, which is critical for achieving effective application rates and coverage. Using a worn nozzle could result in uneven distribution of the sprayed material, leading to potential inefficiencies or even harm to crops or surfaces being treated.

While adjusting pressure settings, using a larger nozzle orifice, or calibrating the sprayer could be viable alternatives in other contexts, they do not address the root issue of a worn nozzle. Only a nozzle replacement directly rectifies the flow discrepancy caused by wear and restores the system to optimal functioning.