If you use spray nozzle systems for the production process, you may know the significance of appropriately functioning nozzles. You must check the quality of the spray patterns to ensure proper functionality.
Thus, it is critical to know when your spray nozzle is damaged and ready to be replaced. When everything is well-maintained, you can obtain correct spray pattern information such as spray cone angle, patternator number, asymmetric ratio, and a few other things.
Here we’ll discuss the signs of nozzle wear:
To extend nozzle life, you should perform regular preventative maintenance. You must understand when your nozzle is worn out and requires fixing or replacing.
- Wear and Erosion
When a spray nozzle starts to wear or erode, the material will slowly worsen due to abrasion, expanding the opening.
- Corrosion
Corrosion is usually the result of a chemical reaction. The corrosion symptoms look a lot like those of wear and erosion.
- High Temperature
When a spray nozzle comes in contact with harsh environmental temperatures for a long period, the material will gradually break down. That usually occurs when the nozzle is not suitable for the environment it is exposed to.
- Bearding or Caking
Caking refers to the buildup of materials around the orifice. It causes obstruction. The buildup of materials occurs when the sprayed liquid evaporates.
- Improper Assembly
In a spray system, the nozzle is often incorrectly installed. However, nozzles with accessories such as gaskets, O-rings, caps, and valves have higher chances of incorrect installation, resulting in premature damage.
- Accidental Damage
It is physical damage that is relatively easy to diagnose. It generally results from the abrasive nature of improper cleaning tools or an accidental drop during installation.
Indications of Poor Spray Performance
If you can’t detect apparent damage right away, look for these set symptoms that indicate poor spray pattern performance. If you notice any of these signs during spray pattern testing, several solutions are available.
- Symptom Set One
- Greater flow rates
- Reduction in the spray cone angle
- Reduction in spray force
- Formation of bigger droplets
If you notice any of these symptoms, replace the nozzle with a material with more abrasion resistance.
- Symptoms Set Two
- Softened material
- Inconsistent performance
These symptoms demand nozzle replacement with a material that is resistant to high temperatures.
- Symptoms Set Three
- Reduced flow rate
- Diminished spray angle
- Decreased spray pattern
When you notice these symptoms, thoroughly clean the nozzle with non-abrasive cleaners and solvents. Clean out the nozzle opening and internals with the correct tools. Also, check the filtration solution.
- Symptoms Set Four
- Visible damage to nozzle’s exterior
- Leakage around the nozzle
- Irregular performance
These symptoms usually need nozzle replacement.
- Symptoms Set Five
- Potential leak around the nozzle
- Inconsistent spray pattern
If you notice these symptoms, disassemble the nozzle and check for component damage before reassembly.
Remember, it is essential to perform preventative maintenance of the nozzle to extend its life.