Change The Way You Spray To Minimize Clogging

By Jon Barber, Spraying Systems Co.

Spray nozzles appear to be simple devices, but in service they function as highly precise instruments. A spray system that is not working optimally can very quickly cost your operation tens – even hundreds – of thousands of dollars annually. When nozzles become partially blocked, spraying efficiency is degraded and your process can be compromised.

The most frequent cause of clogging is the presence of contaminants in process water – a condition that is particularly common in systems that use recirculated water. Other factors that may cause clogging are particle agglomeration, scaling and bearding – the build-up of material on the inside and outer edges of the orifice. The negative effects of clogging on spray performance include decreased flow and disturbed spray patterns as illustrated. When positive displacement pumps are in use, clogged spray nozzles will increase process pressure, whereas flow will be most acutely affected when centrifugal pumps are used.