What are the different types of spray nozzles?
When talking about different types of spray nozzles, we generally differ between hydraulic and pneumatic ones. Hydraulic nozzles only use liquid pressure, whereas pneumatic nozzles use air and liquid pressure.
Hydraulic spray nozzles can be divided into 4 different types of spraying patterns:
- Flat fan
- Hollow cone
- Full cone
- Solid stream
Flat fan nozzles
Flat fan nozzles, also known as flat spray pattern nozzles, are known for their mountain-shaped spray pattern or even distribution. This type of nozzles can be divided into mountain-shaped distribution and an even distribution. The mountain-shaped flat distribution helps to provide a uniform spray distribution in multi-nozzle setups. The even flat distribution creates an even spray impact across the entire spray area.
Applications:
- Cleaning
- Spraying water or chemicals
- Cooling
- Paper or metal trimming
Hollow cone nozzles
Hollow cone nozzles are known for their donut-shaped spraying pattern. These type of nozzles are ideal for applications where a smaller droplet size is required as the hollow spraying pattern limits the amount of water which comes out.
Applications:
- Cleaning
- Spraying water or chemicals
- Cooling and washing gases
- Humidifying and chemical reactions
- Paper or metal trimming, etc.
Full cone nozzles
Full cone nozzles spray in a cone-shaped manner and with an even distribution. As the name suggests, the entire surface is sprayed within the cone. Spray angles typically range from 30 – 120º. They are also available with a full square spraying pattern which is suitable for vertical farming growing towers.
Applications:
- Cleaning
- Spraying water or chemicals
- Cooling
- Paper or metal trimming
Solid stream nozzles
A solid stream nozzle spray in a constant solid stream. This can either be in a one-stream, two-stream or a 7-stream pattern. Solid stream nozzles spray with the highest spray impact, which makes them ideal for cleaning purposes or trimming.
Applications:
- Cleaning and cooling
- Spraying water or chemicals
- Paper or metal trimming, etc
Pneumatic types of spray nozzles
Pneumatic nozzles, also known as two-fluid nozzles, mix gases into liquids and atomize them into a spray using a high-pressure pump and an air compressor. They can be used for a wide variety of applications, as they can generate finer fogs than hydraulic spray nozzles and can also spray highly viscous liquids. They can be divided into 3 different types: Internal mixing type, external mixing types and impinging type.
Pneumatic spray nozzles can be divided into 3 different types of air-liquid mixing systems
- Internal mixing type
- External mixing type
- Impinging type
Internal mixing type - excellent atomizing performance
In an internal mixing nozzle, the air and gas meet inside the nozzle and mix before it leaves the spray nozzle. This leads to a consistent droplet size and distribution generally with a mean droplet of 100 µm or less. Internal mixing types include low flow rate nozzles, medium capacity fine fog nozzles, large capacity fine fog nozzles, semi-fine nozzles and slit laminar nozzles.
Applications:
- Moisture control
- Dust suppression
- Cooling
- Cleaning
External mixing type - clog resistant
In the external mixing type, compressed air and liquid are mixed outside the nozzle. This makes this type of nozzle highly resistant to clogging. The external mixing type is further classified into the inner air type and outer air type. featuring a structure that minimizes liquid dripping when the spray shuts off. These nozzles can be operated either by liquid pressurization or liquid suction. External mixing type nozzles include clog resistant fine fog nozzles and steam driven nozzles.
Applications:
- Spraying oil
- Lubricant spraying
- Coating with honey etc.
Impinging type - dry fog
Atomized droplets are impinged against each other creating ultrasonic waves, which results in creation of a uniform distribution of even finer droplet sizes.
Applications:
- Humidification
- Dust suppression
- Moisture control
- ESD control
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