Charge-to-mass ratio measurement in agricultural electrostatic spraying: critical review and design insights

Electrostatic spraying technology has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance droplet deposition, improve coverage uniformity, and reduce pesticide waste. Accurate evaluation of charging efficiency using standardized apparatuses is essential for optimizing electrostatic spraying systems and enabling consistent comparisons across different studies. This review systematically explores methodologies for measuring the charge-to-mass ratio, with a particular focus on Faraday cages and conductive plates. Key design considerations, such as material selection, geometric configuration, insulation from external influences, and measurement sensitivity, are discussed for their impact on measurement accuracy and reliability. By analyzing these factors, this review contributes to the development of a standardized charge-to-mass ratio measurement system, promoting consistency in evaluating electrostatic spraying technologies. Its novelty lies in the comparative evaluation of existing techniques and the identification of critical parameters influencing measurement reliability. Additionally, this review serves as a practical resource for researchers, especially newcomers, providing guidance on designing and evaluating electrostatic charging systems without requiring extensive experimentation