Choosing a Spray Nozzle Material for Your Liquid

Match Material to Liquid and Duty Before Selecting the Nozzle

The wrong material fails early in service. Start by listing the liquid's properties: is it water, a solvent, a brine, or a slurry? Does it contain chlorides, acids, or abrasive particles? What is the operating temperature? These factors determine which of the available materials will survive. Brass, 303 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and plastics like PVC, PP, PVDF, and PTFE are all used in the CNSS range, but each has limits.

Brass for General Water Use at Moderate Temperatures

Brass is suitable for clean water or low-temperature wash applications. It resists general corrosion and is cost-effective. It is not recommended for abrasive liquids or long-term exposure to acidic or alkaline solutions.

Orange plastic and metal tool with a wire handle and a pointed nozzle

303 Stainless Steel for Moderate Corrosion and Wear

303 stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance than brass and is used in applications with mild chemicals or moderate temperatures. It is not recommended for chloride-rich environments or high-abrasion duty. It is more durable than brass but less resistant than 316 stainless steel.

304 Stainless Steel for General Industrial Washing

304 stainless steel is used in general washing, cooling, and rinsing processes. It resists oxidation and moderate chemical exposure. It is suitable for temperatures up to 150°C. Avoid 304 in chloride-containing environments, especially under stress or at high temperatures, where pitting may occur.

316 Stainless Steel for Chlorides and Harsh Chemicals

316 stainless steel is required when chlorides are present, such as in sea water, brine, or scrubbing liquor. It resists pitting and crevice corrosion better than 304. Use it in gas scrubbing, flue gas washing, and cooling tower applications where chloride exposure is expected.

Plastics for Acids, Solvents, and Abrasive Slurries

PVC, PP, PVDF, and PTFE are used where metals fail. They resist strong acids, alkalis, and solvents. They are also used in abrasive slurries where metal nozzles wear quickly. These materials are not suitable for high temperatures or high-pressure applications. They are typically used in low to medium pressure systems.

Material Choice Affects Clogging and Maintenance

Materials with large, unobstructed flow passages reduce clogging risk. Hollow cone nozzles with plastic bodies or 316 stainless steel are used in gas scrubbing and cooling where clogging from fly ash or scale is a concern. Plastic bodies are lighter and less expensive but have lower temperature limits than metal.

Confirm Material Against Your Process Conditions

Nozzle material must be confirmed against the actual liquid, temperature, pressure, and abrasion level. If the duty is uncertain, provide a process sheet or sample to the supplier. The factory accepts customisation and can match material to your specific application.