page_title: Spray characteristics
section_title: Spray Angle and Coverage
hierarchical_section_title: Spray characteristics / Spray Angle and Coverage
caption_attribution_description: English: Illustration of spray pattern coverage
context_page_description: Spray nozzles are designed to perform under various operating conditions. The following characteristics should be considered when selecting a nozzle:
  Spray Pattern
  Capacity
  Spray impact
  Spray Angle
  Drop Size
context_section_description: The spray angle diverges or converges with respect to the vertical axis.  As illustrated in the figure below, the spray angle tends to collapse or diverge with increasing distance from the orifice. Spray coverage varies with spray angle.  The theoretical coverage, C, of spray patterns at various distances may be calculated with the equation below for spray angles less than 180 degrees. The spray angle is assumed to remain constant throughout the entire spray distance. Liquids more viscous than water form smaller spray angles, or solid streams, depending upon nozzle capacity, spray pressure, and viscosity. Liquids with surface tensions lower than water produce wider spray angles than those listed for water.  Spray angles are typically measured using optical or mechanical methods.  The optical methods include shadowgraphy, extinction tomography, and Mie Imaging.  Sprays angles are important in coating applications to prevent overspraying of the coated materials, in combustion engines to prevent wetting of the cylinder walls, and in fire sprinklers to provide adequate coverage of the protected property.
caption: Spray coverage
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