The BETE XAER air atomising spray nozzle provides a full cone round spray pattern for liquids and is especially suited for liquids with a high viscosity (100+ cP). The round pattern XAER complements the existing XAEF nozzle, which produces a flat fan spray pattern.
The XAER nozzle operates with an external mix, which means the atomisation of the fluid takes place outside the nozzle. As the XAER is an external mix, (as opposed to an internal mix), the flow rate is not dependent on the air pressure, which results in easier control. It is available for 1/8″ and 1/4″ pipe sizes and can be specified in a choice of standard materials including nickel-plated brass, 303, or 316 stainless steel. The XAER can also be constructed from other materials to accommodate demanding conditions.
Typical applications include spray drying, where the fluid pressure is typically lower and the fluid viscosities are typically higher. Other applications for the BETE XAER nozzle include gas cooling and coating foodstuffs. The versatility of the nozzle is demonstrated by one of its more unique applications, injecting a viscous liquid into a gas stream that contains powder particles in order to coat the powder with the liquid.
Low flow, misting, and air atomising nozzles
The XA nozzle system uses the energy in compressed air to produce highly atomised sprays at low flow rates. There are many interchangeable components that can be assembled to achieve a variety of spraying objectives.
Spray set-ups
XA nozzles produce eight distinctly different types of sprays, depending on which interchangeable air and fluid caps are selected. The spray type and flow rate are determined by the set-up—a specific combination of one air cap and one fluid cap.
Internal mix set-ups
Liquid and air streams meet within the nozzle and are mixed together and expelled through the same orifice(s). This internal mixing means the streams are not independent; a change in air flow will affect the liquid flow. This makes precise metering of the liquid more difficult than with an External Mix Set-up. Internal Mix Set-ups are able to produce the finest atomization of any of the XA set-ups, but they are generally not suitable for use with liquids which have a viscosity that is above 200 centipoise.
External mix set-ups
The air and liquid streams exit the nozzle independently and are combined and mixed outside of the nozzle. Because there is no connection between the air and liquid lines within the nozzle, the air and liquid flow rates can be controlled independently, allowing precise metering of the liquid. The atomization can be controlled by adjusting the air flow rate—more air produces finer atomization. In most cases these set-ups do not atomize as finely as Internal Mix Set-ups. External Mix Set-ups may be used with liquids having a viscosity above 200 centipoise and for abrasive suspensions. BETE Applications Engineering can provide guidance for spraying high viscosity liquids.
Siphon set-ups
Internal and External Mix Set-ups require the liquid to be supplied to the nozzle under pressure from a municipal water supply, pump, or pressure vessel. Siphon Set-ups use the flow of compressed air within the nozzle to siphon liquid from a container. Siphon Set-ups are frequently used for spraying additives from a container without the use of a pump. They provide the lowest flow rates available in the XA series (as low as 0.1 GPH).
