Axial nozzles vs tangential nozzles

Spray nozzles are often divided into four overarching groups: full cone, hollow cone, straight jet and flat fan. Full cone and hollow cone nozzles can then be classified as tangential or axial, both differing in their suitability for each application.

The two main areas of consideration when it comes to tangential design and axial design nozzles are their installation and operation.

Installation

Axial and tangential nozzles differ in the way they are installed. An axial nozzle produces spray in the same direction in which it was screwed on, whereas a tangential nozzle produces spray at a 90-degree angle to the direction in which it was screwed on.

Operation

The way in which liquid is injected into the nozzle also differs. Liquid is injected in line with the spray direction in axial designs. In tangential nozzles, the liquid is injected at an angle to the spray direction into a whirl chamber, which creates a uniform area distribution that is evenly dispersed.

Full cone nozzles

Axial

These use a specially shaped vane placed at the nozzle inlet to give a rotational speed to the fluid flowing through the nozzle. The rotational speed of the fluid subjects water exiting the nozzle orifice to centrifugal force and opens up in the shape of a full cone. It is ideal for applications such as cleaning and surface spraying.

Tangential

This type of full cone nozzle produces a high and strong rotation of the liquid. The whirl chamber has no vane and free internal passages, which makes these nozzles less prone to clogging. A specially designed tip placed at the bottom of the nozzles increases their atomising effect. It is ideal for applications such as injection of chemical components and scrubbers.

Hollow cone nozzles

Axial

Ideal for applications such as cooling and cleaning of gas, dust and fume control, these nozzles have spiral grooves in the swirl insert that create a liquid whirlwind effect. The effect generates small uniform droplets that are absorbed faster, cool quicker and moisturise better.

Tangential

Typically used in applications such as air humidification, foam control and cooling, the nozzles are designed with an off-centre inlet combined with a 90-degree turn. These nozzles use a tangential injection of liquid into a whirling chamber to generate centrifugal forces, breaking up the liquid vein as soon as it leaves the orifice to obtain very large spray angles.

Generated by a revolving motion of the liquid, the axial design creates an even spray over a circular area. It is most suitable for higher impact applications such as cleaning and surface spraying. The tangential design works with an offset passage inside the nozzles that injects fluid into the turbulence chamber, where the centrifugal force produces a high rotation speed and generates a spray cone.

Axial cone nozzles have a uniform and precise distribution, but can be prone to clogging, whereas tangential cone nozzles have a less uniform distribution, but a high resistance to clogging.

It is important to prioritise the strengths of the nozzles based on each application and their suitability for it.