What are the main functions of a nozzle?

Main functions of a nozzle:

1. Flow control: By adjusting the nozzle opening size, precise control of liquid or gas flow can be achieved to meet the water supply or spraying needs of different working conditions.

2. Spray shape and atomization: The nozzle determines the spray angle, atomization degree, and droplet size, producing various spray patterns such as circular, fan-shaped, and atomized sprays to adapt to different applications such as cleaning, irrigation, cooling, and coating.

3. Pressure and impact force: The nozzle design directly affects the dynamic pressure and impact force during spraying, thus determining the efficiency and penetration depth of cleaning or irrigation.

4. Energy saving and water saving: A reasonable nozzle structure can reduce working pressure while maintaining spraying effect, thereby achieving energy saving and improving the overall system economy.

How to select the appropriate nozzle size and shape based on fluid characteristics and working pressure?

Selecting the Appropriate Nozzle Size and Shape Based on Fluid Characteristics and Operating Pressure

1. Fluid Viscosity and Density

High-viscosity liquids (such as fertilizer solutions) require nozzles with larger orifices to reduce flow resistance; low-viscosity water can use smaller orifices to obtain a fine mist.

Experiments show that under the same operating pressure, liquid density has a significant impact on spray velocity, and the optimal orifice size needs to be verified using a CFD model.

2. Operating Pressure Range

As the operating pressure increases, the nozzle flow coefficient decreases, and the liquid mass flow rate decreases with increasing gas-liquid ratio; therefore, in high-pressure systems, nozzles with larger cross-sections should be selected to maintain the required flow rate.

For conventional irrigation pressures of 0.2–0.6 MPa, the flow characteristic curves of round, square, and elliptical orifices are basically the same, and the shape can be selected according to the required spray angle.

3. Spray Angle and Coverage Requirements

Hollow cone nozzles can provide wide-angle atomization of 40°–165°, suitable for large-area uniform irrigation; deflector nozzles produce umbrella-shaped sprays, suitable for localized rinsing.

For applications requiring fine droplets and wide coverage, circular or elliptical nozzles are recommended; for emphasis on impact force, square or porous structures can be used.

4. The Influence of Nozzle Shape on the Flow Field

CFD studies show that different cross-sections, such as circular, elliptical, square, cross-shaped, and triangular, produce significantly different entrainment characteristics at the same flow rate. The shape determines the central impact force and lateral diffusion of the jet stream.

In practical selection, the geometry that best achieves uniform distribution can be chosen based on the root distribution of the target crop or the terrain slope.

5. Customization and Modularization

Yuyao Sun-rainman possesses independent R&D capabilities in nozzle design and production, and can provide customized nozzle solutions based on customers' fluid parameters, pressure ranges, and irrigation layouts, ensuring product adaptability and reliability in different regions.