Tank Cleaning Nozzles (Part 2)｜How to Select Right Nozzle Based on Tank Size

 

1. Tank Cleaning Nozzles｜Types, Features and Applications

 

Part 1 of this series of articles introduced the three types of tank cleaning nozzles from IKEUCHI, their features, and applications: the 2D rotating type suited for rinsing off dirt that is easily removable, the 3D rotating type suited for cleaning off stubborn dirt with powerful straight water streams, and the fixed or non-rotating type whose one-piece structure needs virtually no maintenance.

That part was meant to help choose the right tank cleaning nozzle type for your application or need.

 

2. After choosing the right nozzle type, find the right model.

Finding the right nozzle type, is only the first step to selecting the right nozzle. The next step is finding the right series from the chosen type, and then selecting the right models from the series, because there are different sizes, small, medium and large, within the same series.

In addition to finding the best nozzle model for a particular tank, it is important to inquire about the water supply and pressure available in the facility. Depending on the available water supply and pressure the selection can be narrowed down to the most suitable models for the job.

 

3. Finding the right model with the help of reach distance data.

The reach distance of a water stream sprayed from a nozzle and the available water supply are important factors to find the best nozzle.

The reach distance indicates the size of tank that can be cleaned. The tank cleaning nozzle catalog lists the reach distance of virtually all nozzles.

This example uses the SR Series, 2D rotating type nozzles.

The graph below shows the relation of the water pressure and the reach distance for the SR Series. The operating water pressure is on the Y-axis and the X-axis represents the diameter with the nozzle at the center.

For example: The task is to find the best suited nozzle for a tank with a 3-meter diameter.

Tracing a line up from the 3-meter mark shows that four curves intersect with the line. This means that the nozzles with these four model numbers are able to clean a tank with a 3-meter diameter.

 

The next things to consider when selecting the best nozzle is the availability of cleaning water and the maximum water pressure in the facility.

If the tank diameter is smaller than the reach distance, the nozzle will clean with more power. Therefore, the models selected for this example can also be used to clean tanks with a diameter of less than three meters. To clean a tank larger than three meters, the water pressure would have to be increased or a nozzle with a higher reach distance would need to be used.

 

4. The reach distance is not the distance the water stream can travel.

Contrary to popular belief the reach distance is not the distance the water stream can travel.

Right after the water stream leaves the nozzle it has a certain momentum, but the further away from the nozzles it flies, the more it loses its momentum. For the purpose of cleaning tanks, it would not be relevant to show how far the water can fly if it is ineffective for cleaning after a certain distance.

That is why IKEUCHI defines the “reach distance” as the distance from the nozzle to the point after which the water stream is no longer effective.

 

5. The distance for which the spray stream keeps its effective momentum for cleaning

To make it easier to understand the video and pictures will explain the difference between the reach distance and the distance the water stream actually travels.

For the video below, the nozzle “SR42” was installed one meter off the ground and it is spraying at a water pressure of 0.3 MPa.

 

Some water droplets will fly as far as seven meters from the nozzle, to where the man in orange is standing, getting him only slightly wet.

On the other hand, the man in gray is standing approximately 1.9 meters from the nozzle and his entire body is steadily getting hit by water.

 

 

6. Exceptions to the Definition of Reach Distance | RJ Series and SWB Series

Hopefully this made the difference clear. In the tank cleaning nozzle catalog, the reach distance of almost all nozzles is given in diameters, to facilitate matching the diameter of tanks.

There are only two exceptions, one is the Rotary Jetter (RJ) Series, a 3D rotating type nozzle whose reach distance is given as radius.

 

The second exception is the Shower Ball (SWB) Series, a fixed or non-rotating type nozzle. The model numbers for these SWB nozzles are given in corresponding tank sizes instead of reach distance. Please refer to the chart on the page for the SWB series (in the catalog).

 

7. Summary | Tank Cleaning Nozzles｜How to Select the Right Nozzle Based on Tank Size

1. Tank Cleaning Nozzles｜Types, Features and Applications
2. After choosing the right nozzle type, find the right model.
3. Finding the right model with the help of reach distance data.
4. The reach distance is not the distance the water stream can travel.
5. The distance for which the spray stream keeps its effective momentum for cleaning
6. Exceptions to the Definition of Reach Distance | RJ Series and SWB Series

 

Stay tuned for more articles regarding tank cleaning nozzles.