Engineers evaluate several technical parameters before selecting a nozzle:
Spray Pattern & Coverage – Full cone, hollow cone, flat fan, solid stream; coverage angle matters.
Droplet Size (SMD – Sauter Mean Diameter) – Smaller droplets increase surface area, improving heat/mass transfer; larger droplets may reduce drift or enhance impact. Actual droplet size depends on fluid properties, pressure, and nozzle design.
Flow Rate & Pressure – Must match pump capacity; affects atomization quality.
Chemical Compatibility – Consider corrosiveness, acidity/alkalinity, solvent resistance.
Temperature & Viscosity – High-temperature fluids require specialized metals; viscous fluids may need larger orifices.
Clogging Risk – Consider particle size, slurry content, and implement proper filtration and maintenance.
| Nozzle Type | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Cone | Reactors, washing, scrubbing | Uniform droplet distribution |
| Hollow Cone | Gas absorption, cooling, deodorizing | Produces fine droplets; surface-area dependent |
| Flat Fan | Cleaning, surface treatment, conveyor washing | High-impact spray; directional coverage |
| Air Atomizing | Precision coating, dosing, humidification | Produces very fine droplets; size depends on pressure and fluid properties |
| High-Temperature / High-Pressure | Thermal reactors, cooling systems | Material selection critical; check operating limits |
| Clog-Resistant | Slurries, viscous fluids | Larger orifices; maintenance still required |
| Tank Cleaning / CIP | Reactors, storage tanks | Rotating or fixed designs; must comply with process safety requirements |