An air nozzle controls the direction or characteristics of air flow by converting pressure into the flow. Air Nozzles are the smallest air amplifiers for point application. Frequently Nozzles control the flow rate, speed, direction, mass, shape, and pressure of the stream that emerges. In a nozzle, the velocity of fluid increases at the expense of its pressure energy. Air nozzles are one of the most common products used in a factory environment. They are primarily used for blowing off debris and liquid and for cooling or drying parts. It is using them for cleaning, part ejection, and conveying.
The original compressed air-operated engineered nozzle is a cone that provided the most flow amplification. They are helpful for compressed air applications because they entrain surrounding atmospheric air with the compressed air.
It is often a pipe or tube of varying cross-sectional area and can direct or modify a fluid’s flow (liquid or gas). Inefficient air nozzles consist of an air exit hole for the compressed air at the end of a pipe attachment. The pipe usually has a small hole on the side to release compressed air, reduce dead-end pressure, and create a helpful blow-off force.
Properly engineered air nozzles work by using the Coandă effect – entraining surrounding air and the compressed air in a ring of holes around the bottom or sides of the nozzle. The exiting air is a concentrated, high-velocity, laminar flow stream of amplified air. Standard cone-shaped air nozzles, with air exit holes around the bottom of the nozzle, provide the best flow per unit of air consumption and are best suited for light blow-off and cooling applications, thus providing a low-cost solution for the task. Modern engineered nozzles have holes on the bottom or sides with hole spacing, sizing, and internal design crafted to optimize for the highest force per unit of air consumed.
In most factories/manufacturing environments, many types of nozzles satisfy the requirements for specific applications. The challenge is to find the nozzle that provides the best performance at the optimal operating cost.
Choosing the material that the nozzle is constructed of will determine the unit’s wear. Nozzles, over time, could begin to clean a surface unevenly or over-spraying, which wastes chemicals, water, energy, and operating costs.
Using air nozzles, replacing non-engineered air nozzles, or replacing old nozzles with more efficient products can save high operating costs by using compressed air more effectively. There is also an average 10 dBA reduction in noise, and it meets OSHA standards, which improves the working environment. Nozzles provide precise, repeatable drying and blowing-off capabilities for all applications.
Air nozzle is available with the following accessories:
When considering an engineered nozzle, there are several factors to consider. It is recommended, when reviewing specification, to research the distance the force/CFM were taken and the line pressure. Determine if the force and pressure are suitable for your application: test and use brands known for improved performance and quality like ours. Stay wary of copies and ask if you need continuous or intermittent air supply.
Don’t forget to consider sensors and timers when applicable for energy savings. Besides the nozzles themselves – it is also essential to consider the compressed air piping system to ensure efficiency.
Lubricants corrode some materials from the compression process, which leads to leaks and particulates in the air stream. Copper, brass, steel, and aluminum are optimum choices for nozzle materials as they have low friction coefficients.
For cleaning applications, choose a nozzle with the highest force/unit airflow (Force/SCFM ratio), such as the Air Mag nozzle. It is also essential to consider air consumption. A regulator can be used to cut back the pressure to set the required force. Any additional force above the requirement will use more energy and cost more. Air pressure loss will result from compressed air through a pipe attached to a nozzle.
The higher the airflow through the pipe, the larger the pressure drop and pressure at the entrance of the nozzle. Any extra pressure (for example, 1 SCFM) entering the piping that is the same size as the nozzle – will cause the pressure to drop at the entrance of the nozzle. Therefore, for cost savings, the correct pressure/force must be determined at the entrance of pipping attached to the nozzle so that there is no pressure drop when the compressed air enters the nozzle.
The reduced air pressure/force will also have less noise pollution and provide a safer manufacturing environment for your employees. Air Edgers (Flat Jet nozzles) are also popular for cleaning flat or curved surfaces and have the advantage of having the force varied by adding/removing shims, which control the air exit volume and force.
Other factors that can negatively impact spray nozzle performance are plugging, erosion, corrosion, scale build-up, caking, accidental damage, and improper assembly. These are common in washing and rinsing operations, especially when using caustic solutions. Establishing and implementing a nozzle maintenance program is the most effective way to prevent and minimize costly spray nozzle problems.
Static Control – Ion air nozzles/Ring ionizer nozzles are highly effective at discharging and cleaning non-conductive materials. These nozzles can be mounted on handguns for confined workspaces. These are flexible, light, and easy to use for discharge processes.
When nozzles are used for drying, the traditional cone-shaped nozzle is recommended. For larger applications requiring several nozzles, more energy will be saved when using the Air Mag nozzles. Anodized aluminum or 303/304 Stainless Steel standard strength nozzles with 1/8″, ¼”, male NPT connection is ideal for blow-off liquids applications. Model 47001 is designed to fit into small spots and is used by many machine builders for blow-off applications. Model 47003 (anodized aluminum), Model 47003S (303/304 Stainless Steel), and Model 47003S-316L (316L Stainless Steel) –with a 1/8″ male NPT connection is ideal for most blow-off applications involving liquids.
Air Knives are like rows of linear air nozzles that can be made to very long lengths. Air knives provide uniform airflow across the entire length of the air knife. It provides high velocity and a constant air stream for fast drying and blow-off in a factory setting. Air knives are maintenance-free because there are no moving parts. They are safe because they have low noise pollution. Air knife kits are available, which include an air knife, extra shims, filter, pressure regulator, and gauge.
Using standard cone-shaped air nozzles that are efficient at converting pressure to flow is a good choice when selecting nozzles for cooling. These nozzles are better for cooling as they have less force/CFM but more flow/CFM than the more engineered nozzles. Round air amplifiers are essentially very large low-pressure but high-volume nozzles ideal for cooling molded parts and castings. They move large volumes of air using a small amount of compressed air, making it economical to operate.
Model 47004 (anodized aluminum), Model 47004S (303/304 Stainless Steel), and Model 47004S-316L (316L Stainless Steel) are a strong force and high flow amplification nozzles with a 1/4″ male NPT connection is ideal for most blow-off applications involving liquids and even lightweight parts and often used for heavier liquid. The 47010 is a higher-force nozzle but has less distance for laminar flow than the 47004. It has an anodized aluminum ¼” female NPT fitting nozzle with a Coandă profile resulting in extremely strong force at a distance. This nozzle is good for blow guns. It has a higher force for less distance for laminar flow.
Nex Flow manufactures specialized compressed air solutions that are easy to install and reliable. All products reduce noise in factories to enhance the safety of your environment. Nex Flow manufactures high-quality, economical, specialized compressed air solutions for blow, off, cooling, drying, and moving with representatives worldwide. Choosing Nex Flow means obtaining the best-customized solution, including full technical support. Our customer technical support provides blowing angle and direction tips during installation. All compressed air blow-off, moving, and cooling unit products have a five-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects.
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