Why a Nozzle Should Not Be Chosen Based On Orifice Diameter?

Platforms specializing in nozzle retail and generic market nozzle manufacturers often adopt a simplistic view of nozzle design, focusing predominantly on machining processes. They typically perceive the orifice diameter as the sole critical specification for nozzles. However, defining the nozzle orifice diameter is not as straightforward as it seems. For instance, the orifice of a fan-shaped nozzle, resembling an olive or an eye, defies simple measurement by observation alone. Moreover, the significance of the nozzle orifice diameter notwithstanding, parameters such as nozzle flow rate and spray angle, which are integral to its performance, cannot be assessed merely by looking. These factors, among others, are crucial considerations that affect the overall functionality of the nozzle.

Typically, as a leading nozzle manufacturer, our design process begins with a crucial discussion centered around the specific performance requirements our clients seek. It is essential to recognize that liquid flow behaviors are not linear, making the initial inquiry into the desired performance outcome critical for tailoring our nozzle designs to meet those needs. For instance, consider a scenario where a client needs a flow rate of 2 liters per minute (LPM). Suppose an orifice diameter of 1mm is deemed sufficient to achieve this requirement. In that case, it is imperative to understand that nozzles with the same 1mm orifice diameter can vary significantly in terms of specifications such as angle, flow distribution, and thrust, ultimately influencing the nozzle's performance. Therefore, selecting a nozzle involves careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure it meets the client's specific needs effectively.

While most non-professional nozzle manufacturers treat nozzles as a type of metal product and simply define their specifications by size, a professional nozzle manufacturer will define or design the required nozzle specifications based on the "spray effect". For example, the spray effect of water and non-water fluids is different, and the fluid properties are one of the factors that need to be considered.

In addition, in terms of quality control, general processing suppliers only focus on whether the orifice size of the nozzle meets the expected requirements. However, for professional nozzle manufacturers like LORRIC, our quality control does not just confirm the orifice size. Instead, we carefully test the nozzles before they leave the factory to ensure that they meet the expected spray effect and requirements. This also leads to the fact that the manufacturing and testing costs and special equipment of professional nozzle manufacturers are several times higher than those of non-professional manufacturers.

Any manufacturer with sophisticated equipment and professional skills can drill a hole that meets the expected orifice size. However, the real difference between professional nozzle manufacturers lies in the fact that the former does not consider "nozzle performance" when manufacturing nozzles, while the latter, in order to achieve the performance required by the customer, makes arrangements for orifice size, flow path, material, processing method, etc., all of which are efforts to give the nozzle the ability to achieve the expected effect. If only the orifice size is considered, the performance of the nozzle will be unpredictable and not meet the expectations. For example, if a non-professional and professional manufacturer make a 5LPM flow nozzle, even if the flow rate meets the requirements, if the spray effect does not meet the requirements, the non-professional nozzle manufacturer will ask what orifice size you want and try to solve the problem by adjusting the orifice size. On the contrary, the professional nozzle manufacturer will ask: what is the distribution situation? What are the problems encountered on site? Will changing the model improve the effect? ... This is the difference between professional and non-professional nozzle manufacturers in terms of considering fluid properties as a whole or viewing nozzles from the perspective of mechanical processing dimensions.

Furthermore, we can also use this standard to evaluate the quality of a supplier. When a customer encounters a problem, how does the supplier serve you? A good supplier will not shirk away from problems and will communicate in a rational way, rather than being confined to the single factor of orifice size. LORRIC hopes that customers will tell us their needs, and then we will discuss what kind of product design can meet their needs. As a manufacturer of nozzles, LORRIC has its limitations, but we try our best to meet customer needs with our experience and technology. The product thinking of "only considering orifice size" is not LORRIC's product thinking.