Category: Spray Pattern
- Term: Fan spray:** A flat, wide spray pattern resembling a sheet of water.
- Definition: Produces a broad, even distribution of liquid ideal for covering large areas quickly.
- Example: Fan spray nozzles are commonly used for watering lawns, cleaning surfaces, and applying herbicides.
- Category: Full cone spray:** A conical spray pattern with a hollow center.
- Definition: Offers good coverage with less potential for overspray compared to solid stream nozzles.
- Example: Full cone spray nozzles are used in applications like industrial cleaning, dust suppression, and applying pesticides.
Category: Flow Characteristics
- Term: Flow rate:** The amount of liquid passing through a nozzle per unit time, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM).
- Definition: Determines the pressure needed and the coverage area achieved with the nozzle.
- Example: High flow rate nozzles are used for tasks like washing cars or filling tanks, while low flow rate nozzles are suitable for delicate applications like misting plants.
- Term: Pressure drop:** The decrease in pressure experienced by the liquid as it flows through the nozzle.
- Definition: Affects the spray pattern and overall performance of the nozzle.
- Example: Understanding pressure drop is crucial for selecting the right nozzle for your application's pressure limitations.
Category: Materials
- Term: Brass:** A durable and corrosion-resistant material commonly used for nozzles in low-pressure applications.
- Definition: Offers good value and withstands moderate wear and tear.
- Example: Brass nozzles are popular for cleaning, irrigation, and general spraying tasks.
- Term: Stainless steel:** A stronger and more corrosion-resistant material than brass, suitable for high-pressure and demanding applications.
- Definition: Offers the best durability and longevity for harsh environments.
- Example: Stainless steel nozzles are preferred for industrial cleaning, chemical applications, and high-pressure washing.
Category: Spray Pattern:
- Air atomizing: Uses compressed air to break up liquid into a fine mist, ideal for delicate applications like painting and cooling.
- Hollow cone: Similar to full cone but with a narrower inner cone, offering focused coverage with minimal drift.
- Jetting: Produces a powerful, concentrated stream of liquid, often used for high-pressure cleaning and cutting.
- Penetrating: Designed to create a focused stream that pierces through dense materials like foliage or debris.
- Shower: Creates a gentle, rain-like spray pattern, suitable for watering delicate plants or applying herbicides.
Category: Flow Characteristics:
- Angle of repose: The angle at which the spray pattern falls back to the ground, impacting coverage and penetration.
- Flow coefficient (Cv): A dimensionless number indicating the flow rate through a nozzle for a given pressure drop.
- Impact angle: The angle at which the liquid hits the target surface, affecting cleaning effectiveness and potential damage.
- Shear rate: The rate at which different layers of liquid move relative to each other within the nozzle, influencing droplet size and uniformity.
- Turn down ratio: The maximum flow rate reduction achievable by adjusting the nozzle, offering control over spray intensity.
Category: Materials:
- Acetal: Lightweight and chemically resistant plastic for low-pressure and non-corrosive applications.
- Polypropylene (PP): Affordable and resistant to many chemicals, suitable for moderate-pressure applications.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Exceptionally resistant to abrasion and chemicals, ideal for demanding environments.
- Tungsten carbide: Extremely hard and wear-resistant material for nozzles handling abrasive or high-impact applications.
- Viton: A type of synthetic rubber offering excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and oils, suited for harsh conditions.
Category: Nozzle Parts:
- Cap: Covers the nozzle orifice for storage and prevents accidental spraying.
- Orifice: The opening through which the liquid flows, determining flow rate and spray pattern.
- Shroud: A surrounding structure that shapes the spray pattern and influences coverage.
- Stem: The part that connects the nozzle to the spray system, allowing for installation and adjustment.
- Vanes: Internal components that control the direction and distribution of the spray pattern.
Category: Applications:
- Abrasive blasting: Using pressurized air and abrasive media delivered through a specialized nozzle for cleaning or surface preparation.
- Atomization: Breaking down liquids into fine droplets for applications like humidification, combustion, and spraying paints.
- Cooling: Directing a controlled spray of liquid to cool objects or machinery, preventing overheating.
- Dust suppression: Applying water mist to control airborne dust particles in construction, mining, and other environments.
- Lubrication: Delivering lubricants precisely to specific points on machinery or equipment.
