At Lechler, we know that not all sprays are created equal, and the secret often lies in the size of the droplets.
What is a droplet, anyway?
When liquid flows through a spray nozzle, it breaks apart into tiny particles of liquid: these are called droplets. Think of them like raindrops, only they can be much smaller or larger depending on the nozzle and the pressure used.
Why does size matter?
Droplet size impacts how a spray performs. It affects:
- Coverage area
- Penetration
- Evaporation
- Drift potential
- Impact energy
In simple terms: small droplets float and spread; large droplets hit hard and stick.
The Droplet Size Spectrum (with common applications)
Let’s break down the different droplet sizes and what they’re good for:
Very Fine (<100 microns)
These are like mist or fog; super tiny, almost invisible.
- Best for: Evaporative cooling, gas conditioning, odor control
- Why: They stay suspended in the air longer and evaporate quickly, ideal for cooling or interacting with gases.
Fine (100–200 microns)
Still light, but with a bit more body, like a light drizzle.
- Best for: Disinfection, humidification, coating
- Why: Good surface coverage without over-wetting, and less prone to dripping.
Medium (200–400 microns)
Think of it like steady rain.
- Best for: Spray drying, cleaning, lubrication
- Why: Balanced energy for impact and coverage. It doesn’t evaporate too fast but still spreads well.
Coarse (400–1000 microns)
Heavy raindrops, big and fast.
- Best for: Washing, cooling metals, fire suppression
- Why: These hit hard, clean better, and resist wind drift.
Very Coarse (>1000 microns)
Like a garden hose on shower mode.
- Best for: Quenching, heavy-duty cleaning, metallurgical processes
- Why: Maximum impact and volume. Designed for industrial processes where power matters.
Matching Droplet Size to the Job
Choosing the right droplet size isn’t about “bigger is better.” It’s about what your application needs:
- Need evaporation? Go small.
- Need impact? Go large.
- Need precision? Choose a narrow droplet size distribution.
- Need coverage? Use finer droplets with higher density.
At Lechler, we engineer nozzles that control droplet size with precision so your process performs exactly the way it should. Whether you're misting, washing, cooling, coating, or quenching, we’ve got the nozzle, and the droplet size, that fits.