Five Tips to Help Optimize the Performance of your Spray Nozzles
Just because your spray nozzles are spraying doesn’t mean they’re working properly or that you’re getting the benefit of optimal spray performance. Here are just a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the most from your spray nozzles.
1. Establish a comprehensive nozzle maintenance program. Inspecting your nozzles on a regular basis will pre-empt costly problems. Your program should include checking flow rate, spray pressure, drop size, spray pattern and spray coverage. Changes typically indicate nozzle wear or damage.
2. Consider a change in nozzle material if you feel you are replacing your nozzles too frequently. Materials with harder surfaces generally provide longer wear life.
3. Add line strainers or use nozzles with built-in strainers. Nozzle wear and clogging is often caused by solid particles in the sprayed liquid. This is particularly common when using recirculated water. Strainers will trap larger particles and prevent debris from entering the nozzle orifice or vane.
4. Decrease spraying pressure if possible. This will slow the liquid velocity through the orifice and help reduce wear.
5. Be sure you’re using the best nozzle for your application. Spray technology is advancing quickly. If you haven’t explored new nozzle options recently, you may be missing an opportunity to lower operating costs and improve product/process quality.
