Nozzle Types

NozzleThe definition of nozzles is devices that are engineered to control the flow of substances which are in a liquid or gaseous form, such as water or air. A nozzle can potentially regulate the direction, speed and / or pressure of the liquid or gas that passes through or over it. A spray nozzle further controls the substance, by means of atomizing (breaking up into small particles) and then dispersing the gas or liquid in the form of a spray. There are many types of nozzles, for both home and commercial use, depending on the function for which they are intended.

Purposes of Nozzles

Nozzles are built to serve a wide variety of purposes. In the home, popularly found atomizers are generally those which dispense spray paint, insect repellent or products for beauty and personal hygiene, such as perfume or deodorant. The most unusual type of household nozzle is designed to spray just the right amount of vermouth into a martini. Industrial nozzles may also be used for painting or treating crops with insecticide or herbicide to kill weeds. Other functions in industry and business include injection molding, cooling, air humidification, dust control and scrubbing of factory equipment. In addition, this handy device plays an important role in public safety – fire fighter’s hoses and fire extinguisher canisters are two examples.

Types of Nozzles

Common types of nozzles are hollow cone, full cone, flat jet and air assisted atomizers. The first type concentrates droplets on the outside of the cone only. The second produces a very even spray and is consequently utilized widely in industrial applications. The third sprays liquid in such a way that it forms a flat “layer.” The last uses air, gas or steam compression to create atomization, via a process also referred to as pneumatic atomization. Nozzles may be made from various types of metals (steel, aluminum, brass, copper or bronze), ceramic, rubber, synthetics (polyvinylchloride [PVC], polypropylene [PP] or polyamide [PA]) or a number of other materials.

2 Jan 2014