This article explores nozzle spray patterns, a seemingly minor yet crucial element in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Understanding the selection and impact of different spray shapes—fan, cone, spiral, and others—is essential for professionals dealing with liquids or gases. It dives into the characteristics of various spray patterns and their effect on flow distribution. This knowledge will aid in selecting the most suitable nozzle for your needs, enhancing spray efficiency, reducing costs, and improving product quality.
What is a Spray Pattern?
A spray pattern, also known as spray shape or distribution shape, refers to the shape produced by a nozzle when discharging liquid or gas onto a target in a vertical plane. It's a primary characteristic for classifying nozzles. While spray patterns can vary with pressure, most nozzle types retain their spray shape, with changes only in size and aspect ratio.
Introducing Various Spray Patterns
Fan Spray
Spray Patterns
Single-fluid nozzles create a fan-shaped spray, with a linear shape that tapers at the edges.
Flow Distribution
The flow distribution of fan nozzles is stronger in the middle and weaker at the ends, resembling a mountainous distribution.
Solid Cone Spray
Spray Patterns
Single-fluid nozzles produce a conical spray shape, known as solid cone nozzles, resulting in a circular pattern.
Flow Distribution
Their flow distribution also shows a mountainous pattern with strength concentrated in the middle.
Hollow Cone Spray
Spray Patterns
These single-fluid nozzles emit a spray that forms a hollow circular shape, identified as hollow cone nozzles.
Flow Distribution
Their flow distribution is stronger at the edges and weaker in the middle, forming a valley-like pattern.
Spiral Spray
Spray Patterns
Single-piece spiral structured nozzles, sometimes referred to as pigtail or mosquito coil nozzles, disperse in a solid cone shape with multiple concentric circles.
Flow Distribution
Spiral nozzles feature a multi-valley flow distribution, with peaks decreasing from the center outwards and a tapering flow at the sides.
The Angle of Spiral Nozzles
Spiral spray nozzles can reach angles up to 170 degrees, covering larger areas than typical fan or cone nozzles.
Liquid Agitation Spray
The Principle of Liquid Agitation Spray
Applied below the liquid surface for agitation, these single-fluid nozzles, through special structural design, create stirring and circulating spray effects. They are useful for mixing chemicals, directing suspended solids to filters, and preventing sedimentation of solid debris. Achieving the purpose of energy-efficient liquid agitation, these nozzles can draw in up to four times the liquid volume of their supply, expelling it through an amplifying nozzle to efficiently achieve stirring.[1]