Spray nozzles & systems
Maintenance guide for nozzles and spray systems
The nozzle is often a small component in a complex process, but its importance and performance is absolutely crucial for the spray process to work as intended. Regular inspection and maintenance with regard to wear, clogging and possible damage, prevent costly unplanned downtime, as well as ensuring process efficiency. Most spray problems can be avoided by following a simple maintenance program – visual inspection, cleaning, regular nozzle replacement, etc.
Monitoring, inspection and maintenance
Spray system components working together
Spray nozzles are highly engineered precision components designed to provide performance functionality for a particular process such as cooling, coating, or cleaning. The nozzle’s quality ensures a complete spray system with multiple components (pumps, filters, valves, piping) will operate effectively and efficiently.
Nozzle wear and clogging
Not only can damage, wear, corrosion, or clogging affect the nozzle’s performance (system effectiveness) – it also affects the other components of a spray system, potentially resulting in increased energy costs, wasted resources, and unscheduled downtime.
Example of how nozzle wear and corrosion can affect the total flow in a spray process
In this example we compare three different orifice sizes of the TF56XPN spiral nozzle to show the effects of nozzle wear. The picture illustrates the total flow of a spray lance consisting of 20 TF56XPN nozzles. If the nozzle orifice increases by 10% due to erosion, the flow increases by 20%. If the orifice increases by 20%, it leads to 50% increase in water consumption.
Maintenance guide for nozzles and spray systems
Regular maintenance of the spray process is important to avoid unscheduled downtime, increased amount of liquid used, high energy costs, etc. Changes in the spray process can also lead to a deterioration in the quality of your company's processes and products.
1. Regular cleaning, maintenance and nozzle replacement
- Soaking/washing with appropriate cleaning fluids is the best method to clean without damaging the nozzle.
- Always clean tips with a soft instrument such as a cleaning brush.
- Never use sharp instruments such as probes or picks. Even a tiny nick in the orifice will result in degradation of spray performance.
- Ultrasonic cleaning baths can help clean small nozzles and orifices.
- Replace nozzles that show sign of wear, damage or corrosion.
2. Visual nozzle inspection
Visual inspection can show signs of damage that may have occurred during installation or standard operation. Though not always evident, a quick visual inspection can usually identify wear or corrosion.
3. Visual spray pattern inspection
Uneven spray pattern, concentration of flow in a certain part of the spray, changed spray angle, etc. are all signs that the nozzle's performance has deteriorated and that the nozzle is not spraying as intended.
FLAT FAN NOZZLE
Normal spray pattern
Poor spray pattern
Signs of poor performance
- Flow becomes centered
- Coverage angle is reduced
FULL CONE NOZZLE
Normal spray pattern
Poor spray pattern
Signs of poor performance
- Liquid centers in cone
- Coverage angle is reduced
HOLLOW CONE NOZZLE
Normal spray pattern
Poor spray pattern
Signs of poor performance
- Spray pattern is not precise
- Flow rate fluctuates
4. Monitoring flow rate and pressure
The flow rate and operating pressure drop of the nozzle are directly related. If these values change from nominal, it can indicate issues with the nozzle like clogging or excessive wear.
5. Monitoring system performance and effectiveness
Changes in overall system performance, such as temperatures, pollutant levels, and coverage, can indicate nozzle issues like damage, clogging, or wear.
