T100 Spraying Tips for Dusty Construction Sites

META: Master Agras T100 spraying on dusty construction sites. Learn pre-flight cleaning, nozzle calibration, and RTK setup for precise dust suppression results.

TL;DR

Pre-flight sensor cleaning is critical—dust accumulation can reduce RTK Fix rate by up to 30% and compromise centimeter precision
Adjust swath width to 7-9 meters for optimal dust suppression coverage on construction zones
Use coarse droplet nozzle calibration to minimize spray drift in open, windy site conditions
The IPX6K-rated airframe handles dusty environments, but daily maintenance extends operational lifespan significantly

Dust control on construction sites isn't optional—it's a regulatory requirement and a worker safety imperative. The Agras T100's 50-liter tank capacity and 24-meter maximum swath width make it the most efficient solution for large-scale dust suppression, but dusty environments demand specific operational protocols. This guide walks you through every pre-flight check, calibration setting, and technique needed to maximize performance while protecting your investment.

Understanding Construction Site Dust Challenges

Construction dust presents unique challenges that agricultural spraying doesn't typically encounter. Fine particulate matter—often containing silica, cement powder, and soil particles—creates an abrasive environment that threatens drone components.

Why Standard Protocols Fall Short

Agricultural spraying protocols assume relatively clean air with organic particulates. Construction dust is different:

Particle size: Construction dust ranges from 0.1 to 100 microns, with the finest particles penetrating seals
Abrasiveness: Silite and cement particles score 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, capable of scratching optical sensors
Electrostatic properties: Dry dust clings to charged surfaces, including GPS antennas and camera lenses

The T100's IPX6K rating protects against high-pressure water jets, but dust infiltration requires proactive prevention rather than reactive cleaning.

Pre-Flight Cleaning Protocol for Safety Features

Before every flight in dusty conditions, a systematic cleaning routine prevents sensor degradation and maintains the safety systems that protect both the drone and ground personnel.

Step 1: RTK Antenna Inspection

The RTK system delivers centimeter precision positioning—but only when the antenna maintains clear signal reception.

Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol
Clean the antenna dome in circular motions, removing all visible dust film
Inspect the antenna base seal for dust accumulation
Verify the antenna cable connection is secure and dust-free

Pro Tip: Keep a dedicated cleaning kit in a sealed container at the job site. Compressed air cans can actually force fine particles deeper into components—microfiber and alcohol are safer for sensitive electronics.

Step 2: Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Cleaning

The T100's omnidirectional radar and vision sensors are your primary safety systems. Dust coating reduces detection range and accuracy.

Cleaning sequence:

Power down the drone completely
Use a lens blower (not compressed air) to remove loose particles
Wipe each sensor lens with a lens-specific microfiber cloth
Inspect for scratches—replace protective covers if damaged
Verify all sensors show green status during startup diagnostics

Step 3: Propulsion System Check

Dust accumulation on motors and propellers affects flight stability and increases power consumption.

Inspect propeller leading edges for dust buildup and erosion
Check motor ventilation openings for blockages
Verify ESC cooling vents are clear
Listen for unusual motor sounds during startup

Nozzle Calibration for Dust Suppression

Dust suppression requires different spray characteristics than crop protection. The goal is maximum coverage with minimal evaporation and spray drift.

Optimal Nozzle Configuration

Parameter	Agricultural Setting	Dust Suppression Setting
Droplet size	150-300 microns	400-600 microns
Pressure	2-4 bar	1.5-2.5 bar
Flow rate	Variable	Maximum consistent
Nozzle type	Fine/Medium	Coarse/Very Coarse
Swath width	10-24m	7-12m

Larger droplets resist spray drift better in the open, often windy conditions typical of construction sites. The reduced swath width ensures adequate water volume per square meter for effective dust binding.

Calibration Procedure

Install coarse-spray nozzles rated for dust suppression applications
Set operating pressure to 2 bar as your baseline
Conduct a static flow test—target 6-8 liters per minute per nozzle
Adjust pressure incrementally until achieving consistent droplet formation
Document settings for site-specific conditions

Expert Insight: Wind speeds above 15 km/h require reducing swath width by 20-30% to maintain coverage accuracy. The T100's onboard weather monitoring helps, but always verify with a handheld anemometer at ground level where dust suppression matters most.

RTK Setup for Construction Site Precision

Construction sites demand centimeter precision for several reasons: avoiding equipment, maintaining safe distances from workers, and ensuring complete coverage without overlap waste.

Achieving Consistent RTK Fix Rate

The RTK Fix rate indicates how reliably the drone maintains centimeter-level positioning. On construction sites, multipath interference from metal structures and equipment can degrade this signal.

Optimization strategies:

Position the base station on elevated, clear ground—minimum 50 meters from large metal structures
Use a ground plane under the base station antenna to reduce multipath
Survey the site for potential interference sources before establishing flight paths
Monitor Fix rate during test flights—aim for >95% consistency

Base Station Placement Guidelines

Height: Minimum 2 meters above ground level
Distance: Within 5 kilometers of operational area for optimal accuracy
Clearance: 15-degree minimum elevation mask to horizon
Stability: Tripod on solid ground, protected from vehicle vibration

Flight Planning for Maximum Coverage

Efficient dust suppression requires strategic flight planning that accounts for site geometry, wind patterns, and water tank limitations.

Coverage Calculation

For effective dust suppression, target 0.5-1.0 liters per square meter depending on:

Soil type and moisture content
Ambient temperature and humidity
Wind conditions
Required suppression duration

With the T100's 50-liter capacity, each flight covers approximately 50-100 square meters at optimal application rates—or up to 500 square meters for light maintenance suppression.

Flight Pattern Optimization

Use parallel swath patterns aligned perpendicular to prevailing wind
Set 30% overlap between passes to ensure complete coverage
Program terrain following to maintain consistent height over uneven ground
Include buffer zones around active work areas

Multispectral Monitoring Integration

While primarily used for agricultural analysis, the T100's multispectral capabilities offer valuable construction site applications.

Dust Monitoring Applications

Multispectral imaging can identify:

High-dust zones requiring priority treatment
Moisture levels in treated areas
Coverage gaps from previous applications
Erosion patterns indicating drainage issues

This data enables predictive dust management rather than reactive suppression, reducing overall water consumption by 20-40% on well-monitored sites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping pre-flight cleaning in "light dust" conditions Even minimal dust accumulation compounds over multiple flights. What seems insignificant after one flight becomes sensor-degrading after ten.

Using agricultural spray settings for dust suppression Fine droplets evaporate before reaching the ground and drift away from target areas. Always recalibrate for coarse droplet production.

Ignoring RTK Fix rate warnings Flying with degraded positioning accuracy wastes water on already-treated areas while leaving gaps elsewhere. If Fix rate drops below 90%, land and troubleshoot.

Overflying active work zones Even with obstacle avoidance, construction sites have unpredictable hazards. Maintain minimum 30-meter horizontal clearance from active equipment and personnel.

Neglecting battery terminal cleaning Dust on battery contacts increases resistance, reducing flight time and potentially causing mid-flight power issues. Clean terminals before every battery swap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I perform deep cleaning on the T100 in dusty conditions?

Perform daily surface cleaning of sensors and antennas, with weekly deep cleaning of motor assemblies, battery compartments, and internal cooling channels. In extremely dusty conditions—visible dust clouds during operations—increase deep cleaning to every 3-4 flight days. Document all maintenance for warranty compliance.

Can the T100 operate effectively when dust visibility is reduced?

The T100's radar-based obstacle avoidance functions in low-visibility conditions where optical systems struggle. However, reduced visibility typically indicates dust levels that may exceed safe operational limits for both equipment and personnel. If visibility drops below 100 meters, suspend operations until conditions improve.

What's the minimum water quality requirement for dust suppression?

Use water with total dissolved solids below 500 ppm to prevent nozzle clogging and residue buildup. Construction site water sources often contain sediment—always filter through 100-mesh minimum screens before filling the tank. Contaminated water is the leading cause of nozzle calibration drift during extended operations.

Mastering T100 operations on dusty construction sites requires attention to details that agricultural operators rarely consider. The pre-flight cleaning protocol alone can extend sensor lifespan by 200% while maintaining the centimeter precision that makes drone-based dust suppression economically viable. Implement these practices consistently, and the T100 becomes an indispensable tool for regulatory compliance and worker safety.

Ready for your own Agras T100? Contact our team for expert consultation.