Jet Spray Tank Agitation: Design, Sizing, and Plumbing for Effective Mixing

Spray tank agitation keeps pesticides uniformly suspended—critical for accurate application rates and preventing nozzle clogs. Jet agitation uses pump output to create mixing turbulence; mechanical agitation uses paddles. For most liquid applications, jet systems offer simplicity and reliability at lower cost.

Jet Agitation Fundamentals

• Diverts portion of pump flow through nozzles at tank bottom
• Creates rolling action that prevents settling
• No moving parts in tank—minimal maintenance
• Costs $500–$1,000 less than mechanical systems

Sizing Jet Agitation Correctly

Volume Requirements

• Liquid concentrates: 8% of tank capacity (GPM)
• Granular/non-soluble: 12% of tank capacity
• Example: 200-gal tank with liquids needs 16 GPM agitation flow

Agitation Boosters

• 3X or 5X boosters multiply jet velocity, reducing required flow
• 200-gal tank with 3X booster: 16 GPM ÷ 3 = 5.33 GPM needed

Total Pump Sizing

Pump output ≥ (spray application GPM + agitation GPM) × 1.25 safety factor

Example: 5 GPM spray + 5.33 GPM agitation = 10.33 GPM × 1.25 = 13 GPM minimum pump rating

Plumbing Best Practices

❌ Avoid: Return-Line Agitation

• Creates backpressure reducing pump performance
• Manufacturers (Hypro, Udor) explicitly warn against
• No shutoff possible—must dump tank for pump service
• Exception: centrifugal pumps only

✅ Recommended: Dedicated Lines

• Return line to tank top (no valve needed)
• Agitation line to tank bottom with gate valve for flow adjustment
• Gate valve doubles as spray pressure trim—more agitation = less spray pressure

Verification Before Acceptance

Observe agitation pattern during fill test: no dead spots, uniform surface movement, no settled material after 5 minutes. Confirm pump delivers rated output under load.

Properly designed jet agitation ensures every gallon sprayed matches your intended rate—protecting crops, budgets, and regulatory compliance.