Spray Pattern

Solid stream sprays provide the greatest impact, followed by flat fan and full cone sprays. Typically, fixed spray nozzles with full cone sprays are used for gentle rinsing and washing. Fluid driven nozzles with flat fan sprays offer more impact and are commonly used for cleaning. High-pressure and motor-driven nozzles use solid streams for maximum impact.

Spray Coverage and Obstructions

Cleaning coverage provided by various spray angles ranges from 65° to 360° degrees. Multiple nozzles may be required if a spray cannot reach a part of the tank due to internal obstructions such as a mixer or agitator.

Cleaning Cycle Duration

Most cleaning cycles last from 10 to 30 minutes and include three to four stages: pre-rinse, which should remove 90% of the soil; cleaning; post-rinse and sanitizing.

Nozzle Material and Connection Type

For most applications, stainless steel nozzles are used for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. For corrosive applications, nozzles made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are preferred. For sanitary applications, standards may require special materials, such as TEFLON®, and stringent design and mounting specifications.

Types of Tank Cleaning Nozzles

High pressure (motor-driven)	Two to four nozzles rotate on a motor-driven gear hub
Fluid-driven (reactionary force)	Rotational velocity increases as pressure increases
Fluid-driven (constant speed)	Rotates at constant speed as pressure fluctuates
Fixed (stationary)	Multiple orifice assemblies stay in position while spraying