Different types of spray nozzles

Different Types of Spray Nozzles: 11 Types Explained

When talking about different types of spray nozzles, we generally differ between hydraulic, pneumatic and tank cleaning spray nozzles. Hydraulic nozzles only use liquid pressure, whereas pneumatic nozzles use air and liquid pressure. There are 11 different types which include flat fan, full cone, hollow cone, solid stream, internal mixing, external mixing, impinging type, 2D, 3D, fixed and duct cleaning spray nozzle. Nozzle types differ in spray coverage, droplet size, impact force, material and operating requirements.

Comparison of the 11 different spray nozzle types

Spray nozzle type	Spray pattern or mechanism	Main advantage	Typical applications
Flat fan	Flat, fan-shaped spray	Uniform linear coverage	Cleaning, washing, coating
Hollow cone	Circular ring-shaped spray	Fine atomization	Gas cooling, chemical spraying
Full cone	Filled circular spray	Coverage across an entire area	Cooling, dust suppression
Solid stream	Concentrated liquid jet	High localized impact	High-pressure cleaning, trimming
Internal mixing	Air and liquid mix inside the nozzle	Fine atomization	Cooling, humidification
External mixing	Air and liquid mix outside the nozzle	Suitable for certain viscous liquids	Coating, lubrication
Impinging type	Atomized sprays collide	Very fine droplets	Humidification, ESD prevention
2D tank cleaner	Rotating spray in one plane	Broad cleaning coverage	Food and beverage tanks
3D tank cleaner	Multi-axis rotating jets	High-impact cleaning	Brewing, chemical processing
Fixed tank cleaner	Stationary multidirectional spray	Simple, low-maintenance design	Routine tank cleaning
Duct cleaning nozzle	Spray directed into enclosed ducts	Cleaning difficult-to-access areas	Industrial duct cleaning

Hydraulic spray nozzles

Hydraulic spray nozzles can be divided into 4 different types of spraying patterns:

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

Type of flat fan:	Tapered edge	Even spray	Descaling
Spray distribution	Tapered at both edges	Uniform across the spray width	Concentrated high impact spray
Overlap	Overlap	Little or no overlap required	Sometimes
Main purpose	Uniform coverage with overlapping nozzles	Uniform coverage from a single nozzle	Removal of scales and deposits

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.

Type of hollow cone	Fine spray	Semi-fine spray	Light rain
Droplet size	Below 100 µm	Below 300 µm	Below 1000 µm
Main purpose	Cooling, misting	Spraying of chemicals	Gas cooling, slurry spraying

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

Type of full cone nozzles	Standard angle	Atypical angle	Anti-clogging	Multi orifice
Charactertistics	Spray angle between 55° – 105°	Square or narrow spraying pattern	Larger free passage diameter	Several orifices
Main purpose	Cleaning, dust suppression	Irrigation in vertical farming	Aeration, foam breaking. fire extinguishing	Bottle cleaning, washing

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

Type of solid stream nozzle	Standard solid stream	Convex round jet	Paper trimming nozzle	Specialty solid stream
Charactertistics	Highest impact solid stream nozzle	Anti-clogging	Non-turbulent solid stream	Turbulence-free flow
Main purpose	High pressure cleaning	Wire and felt parts cleaning	Paper trimming	Marking, deburring

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 - 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

Industrial tank cleaners

Tank cleaners are specially designed spray nozzles used to efficiently clean the inside of tanks, vessels, containers, and other enclosed equipment. By distributing cleaning liquid across internal surfaces, they help remove residues, deposits, and other contaminants while reducing the need for manual cleaning.

Ikeuchi offers a wide range of tank cleaning nozzles for different industries and cleaning requirements. From fixed and 2D rotating nozzles to powerful 3D tank cleaners, each solution is designed to provide effective cleaning while optimizing water and chemical consumption. The right tank cleaner can help reduce cleaning time, lower operating costs, and improve overall cleaning performance.

Industrial tank cleaning spray nozzles can be divided into 4 different types

2D rotation

2D tank cleaners use a rotating spray head to distribute cleaning liquid across the internal surfaces of tanks and vessels. The rotation creates a consistent spray pattern, providing efficient coverage while reducing water and chemical consumption compared with manual cleaning.

Ikeuchi offers a wide range of 2D rotating tank cleaners for different tank sizes and cleaning requirements. Depending on the model, spray coverage can include 360°, upward 180°, or downward 180°.

Applications:

Food and beverage tanks
Chemical industry
Pharmaceutical industry

3D rotation

3D tank cleaners use multiple rotating spray jets that move in two directions, creating a three-dimensional cleaning pattern that gradually covers the entire internal surface of a tank. The concentrated jets provide a high mechanical cleaning impact, making 3D tank cleaners particularly suitable for removing stubborn residues and deposits.

Ikeuchi 3D tank cleaners are designed for demanding applications where thorough and reliable cleaning is required. Their controlled rotation provides complete coverage while helping to reduce cleaning time and optimize water and chemical consumption compared with manual cleaning methods.

Applications:

Cleaning fermentation tanks
Yeast cultivation tanks
Fruit blending tanks
Brewing vats with baked-on or sticky organic matter.

Fixed tank cleaner - shower ball

Fixed tank cleaners use stationary spray openings to distribute cleaning liquid across the internal surfaces of tanks and vessels. With no rotating or moving parts, they offer a simple, reliable, and low-maintenance solution for routine tank cleaning.

Ikeuchi fixed tank cleaners include the shower ball. It is built as a simple, one-piece structure that eliminates the mechanical failures common in rotating cleaners. It sprays water streams in multiple directions like a shower to wash the entire interior.

Applications:

Cleaning of smaller tanks and vessels.
Easy to remove dirt.

Duct cleaning nozzle

Ikeuchi duct cleaners are designed to efficiently clean the internal surfaces of ducts, pipes, and other enclosed spaces that can be difficult to access manually. By distributing cleaning liquid across the inner walls, they help remove accumulated dirt, dust, grease, and other deposits.

With a compact design and effective spray coverage, Ikeuchi duct cleaners provide a practical solution for automated cleaning while helping to reduce manual work, cleaning time, and water consumption.

Applications:

Duct cleaning.
Cleaning of hard-to-reach, enclosed pathways.

How to select a spray nozzle

Selecting the right spray nozzle is essential for achieving the desired spray performance while controlling water, chemical and energy consumption. The optimal nozzle depends on several factors, including the application, required spray pattern, capacity, pressure, droplet size and nozzle material.

When selecting a spray nozzle, consider these key specifications:

Spray pattern – Choose between flat fan, full cone, hollow cone, solid stream and other patterns depending on the required coverage.
Spray capacity – Determine how much liquid needs to be sprayed within a specific period.
Spray angle – The spray angle, together with the spraying distance, determines the approximate coverage area.
Operating pressure – Pressure influences spray capacity, droplet size and overall spray performance.
Droplet size – Fine droplets are suitable for applications such as humidification and cooling, while larger droplets can provide greater impact for cleaning and other applications.
Spray distribution – Consider whether uniform distribution, concentrated impact or overlapping sprays are required.
Liquid properties – Viscosity, surface tension, temperature, chemicals and abrasive particles can all influence nozzle selection.
Nozzle material – Select a material with the required chemical, heat and wear resistance. Common options include stainless steel, plastic and ceramics.
Installation conditions – Consider spraying distance, nozzle spacing, available mounting space, connection type and spray direction.
Required service life – For continuous or abrasive applications, choosing a more wear-resistant nozzle can reduce maintenance and replacement frequency.

With thousands of possible combinations, selecting a spray nozzle based only on flow rate is rarely enough. Ikeuchi can help determine the appropriate spray pattern, capacity, droplet size and material for your specific application.

How to select a spray nozzle

Read our complete guide on how to select a spray nozzle

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Video: What are the different types of spray nozzles

Written by Hirofumi Nakamura. Last updated 14/10-2026

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Different types of spray nozzles