Types of spray nozzles and where each one works best
Spray pattern, droplet size and impact differ by nozzle type. Use this guide to narrow down the family, then open the family page for the range.
Spray nozzle types at a glance
| Type | Pattern & droplets | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Full cone | Solid round coverage, medium to large droplets | Cooling, washing, dust suppression, scrubbing |
| Hollow cone | Ring pattern, finer droplets | Gas cooling, scrubbing, humidification |
| Flat fan | Sheet or line pattern, even or tapered edges | Washing, coating, conveyor cleaning, agriculture |
| Solid jet | Concentrated stream, highest impact | Descaling, high-impact cleaning, long reach |
| Spiral | Full or hollow cone, very large free passage | Scrubbers, slurries, fire protection |
| Air atomizing | Two-fluid, very fine adjustable droplets | Humidification, coating, gas cooling |
| Mist / fog | Fine-orifice high-pressure fog | Cooling, dust, odour control, misting systems |
| Flood jet | Wide-angle, low-impact flat spray | Dust control, washing, fertiliser |
| Ultrasonic | Very fine, low-velocity droplets | Thin coatings, dry fog |
| Clip-on | Clamps onto the header pipe | Pretreatment and washing tunnels |
| Eductor | Multiplies pumped flow in tanks | Tank mixing and agitation |
| Water curtain | Wide continuous sheet | Fire separation, heat shielding |
Droplet size and coverage also depend on pressure, flow and model. Ask us to confirm for your duty.
How spray pattern affects results
Coverage shape decides where the liquid lands. Full cone nozzles cover a round area evenly; hollow cone nozzles concentrate liquid in a ring and give finer droplets; flat fan nozzles produce a line that overlaps neatly along a header.
Droplet size versus impact
Fine droplets evaporate quickly and capture fine dust or heat; coarse droplets carry momentum for washing and wetting. Raising pressure makes droplets finer and increases flow through the same orifice.
Materials
Brass suits general water duties. Stainless steel 304 or 316 suits corrosion, heat and hygiene. PP, PVDF and PVC suit aggressive chemicals and pretreatment lines.
How to choose the right nozzle
Five inputs decide almost every spray nozzle selection. Tell us these and we will shortlist the model.
Spray pattern
Full cone, hollow cone, flat fan, solid jet or fine mist, chosen by the area and the job.
Flow & pressure
Required flow (LPM) at the available pressure (bar) sets the orifice size.
Spray angle & distance
Coverage width at the target distance determines angle and spacing on the header.
Droplet size
Fine for evaporation and gas cooling; coarse for impact, washing and wetting.
Material & connection
Brass, SS 304/316, PP, PVDF or PVC; thread size and type (BSP/NPT) or clip-on.