Multiple decisions play a role in maximizing efficiency during the process of cleaning commercial tanks and equipment. Choosing to use spray nozzles instead of manual cleaning is important. Selecting the ideal tank cleaning device for your application is equally critical. Rotating or static? Efficiency class one or two? How many nozzles should I use, and which nozzle is best for a tank of my size?
However, once you’ve determined the very best option for your company, maximizing cleaning efficiency is not over. Specific details, such as pressure and impact, are equally important for optimal efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. Below, we explore one seemingly small, yet important aspect in tank and equipment cleaning: operating pressure.
When cleaning the surface area of a tank, rotating cleaning nozzles deliver the greatest impact. This is accomplished when large droplets strike the sides of the tank at high speeds. Optimal impact is achieved when two dynamic factors work simultaneously: distance between the nozzle and the wall and operating pressure.
As counterintuitive as it may seem, high pressure is not always the most effective option, because higher pressure does equate to higher impact. In fact, if operating pressure or distance between nozzle and wall aretoo great, the fluid will break down into smaller droplets.
The impact of a liquid jet against a surface plays a crucial role in the cleaning process. What is impact, exactly? Impact is simply the ratio of force to the surface. Impact surface and spray angle, flow rate, and pressure function to control impact.
Simply put, impact surface is the area of the tank where the droplet strikes. Impact value directly correlates with the size of the surface area. For example, a large surface area devalues impact. As surface area decreases, impact value increases. Nozzles classified as “high impact,” such as solid stream nozzles or flat fan nozzles, have a narrow spray angle (i.e. small surface area) and high impact value.
Flow rate is determined by the gal/min utilized during cleaning. As long as spray angle, pressure, and medium remain the same, increasing the flow rate by using larger spray nozzles will increase impact.
For rotating nozzles, pressure and impact have no linear relationship. Supply pressure simply influences rotation speed. Increased pressure equates to increased rotation speed. Higher supply pressure is not always effective. In fact, extremely high rotation speeds will atomize droplets into smaller droplets, reducing impact.
Lechler nozzles are designed to operate with optimum impact at the right operating pressures. Some function under high pressure, others operate under lower pressures. Below, we discuss a few specific nozzles, along with their ideal operating pressures to demonstrate the unique relationship between pressure and impact.
Free-spinning nozzles are powered by the cleaning fluid. The spray head rotates as the fluid sprays, producing rapid-repetition impact, excellent for washing dirt from tank surfaces. This effect is best achieved at low pressures. A small selection of free-spinning nozzles that operate with incredible impact at low pressures include:
Controlled-rotation nozzles are also driven by fluid flow. However, unlike free-spinning nozzles, a turbine wheel with an internal gear is used to control the pattern of rotation. Even at higher pressures, the spray impact is not compromised because larger droplets can still be achieved. Two excellent examples of controlled-rotation nozzles are listed below:
Built for battling persistent soiling, gear-controlled nozzles function at the extremely high impact under extremely high pressures. High-grade gear units work with measurably controlled rotation and run on two axes. These powerful jets sweep the entire tank surface by utilizing a specific pattern. Due to their extraordinary impact, they are often utilized in the food and beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and paper industries.
For over a century,Lechler has been engineering evolutionary spray solutions for a wide variety of industries, serving markets from food and beverage, chemical, steel, and power generation. We are more than just a nozzle manufacturer, however. We provide custom engineered spray solutions. We offer extensive resources to expand your spray application knowledge. We are here to guide your business into the most efficient and effective organization it can be.
Get in touch with us today at (800) 777-2926 or via our online contact form to begin a conversation. We look forward to offering more information!