How Can I Identify If My Spray Nozzle Is Worn Out and Needs Replacement

1. How Can I Identify If My Spray Nozzle Is Worn Out and Needs Replacement? Industries that heavily rely on the use of spray nozzle systems understand how important it is that their spray nozzles work properly and efficiently. Poor spray patterns can directly impact the functionality of a spray nozzle system. While spray pattern services can help you with the testing of spray nozzles and determine their effectiveness, you must first be able to identify the warning signs that your spray nozzle has worn out. In this blog, we will discuss the common signs of spray nozzle wear that will help you know that your nozzle is worn and needs fixing or replacement. Warning Signs of Spray Nozzle Wear Though regular preventative maintenance is necessary to extend the life of a spray nozzle, there comes a time when they eventually wear out. Understanding the signs of nozzle wear starts with knowing various types of damages that a nozzle can suffer and how these damages look like. Types of Damages in Nozzles Wear and Erosion - When you notice that the material of your nozzle has started to deteriorate, know that it has begun to erode or wear out. Corrosion - It typically occurs when your spray nozzle reacts with its environment or the sprayed liquid. When a nozzle corrodes, you will notice a buildup of oxides or salt surrounding the nozzle tip. Sometimes, its symptoms appear like that of wear and erosion. High Temperature - When a spray nozzle is consistently exposed to extreme temperatures in the environment for a prolonged period, the material of the spray nozzle starts getting broken down. It often occurs

2. when you choose a spray nozzle made from material that is unsuitable for your application. Caking - Also called bearding, caking refers to the buildup of materials around the orifice of a nozzle that causes obstruction in the spray flow. It occurs when the spray liquid begins to evaporate. Clogging - A nozzle is clogged when particles of the liquid get stuck in the orifice. Accidental Damage - It is the physical damage that could result from the abrasive nature of improper cleaning tools or an accidental drop when installing it. Incorrect Assembly - As the name suggests, this problem arises when a nozzle is incorrectly installed in a spray system. How to Detect Poor Performance of a Spray Nozzle If you cannot see any apparent damage but have issues, then the following set of symptoms can help you find suitable solutions during a routine inspection. First Set of Symptoms: Higher flow rates than usual A decrease in the spray angle A decrease in the impact and pressure of the spray Larger spray droplets than normal Irregular spray patterns In this case, you may need to replace the current nozzle and select a nozzle material with either more abrasion resistance or more corrosion resistance. Second Set of Symptoms: Softened nozzle material

3. Unpredictable functioning and performance Both these symptoms may also indicate that you need to replace your nozzle and select a material with higher temperature resistance. Third Set of Symptoms: Decreased flow rate Reduced spray angle Irregular spray pattern When you notice these symptoms, you should clean the nozzle properly with suitable non-abrasive cleaners and solvents. Besides, you might also need to clean the nozzle orifice and check if the filter is working properly. Fourth Set of Symptoms: Significant damage on the outside of the nozzle Leakage of spray liquid around the nozzle Unpredictable performance When you notice these symptoms, it’s your cue to replace your spray nozzles. When you are having issues with the spray pattern and cannot figure out the solution, it is best to seek spray pattern services to find critical information like cone angle, presence of streaks and voids, asymmetry ratio, and more. Source: https://www.enurga.com/spraypattern.htm