SPRAY NOZZLE

Abstract

A spray nozzle has a nozzle portion at an outlet or downstream end that includes a nozzle body defining an opening therethrough, and a movable stem or pintle at least partially within the opening of the nozzle body. The stem and nozzle body define a gap therebetween to define a fluid passageway for fluid in the nozzle to flow through the nozzle portion and out of the nozzle throughout a range of relative movement between the stem and the nozzle body. The relative movement and the size of the gap may be controllable independently of fluid pressure of fluid within the nozzle. The nozzle body and the stem may define geometries so that the flow area between the stem and the nozzle body does not increase, and may decrease, in the downstream direction. The axis of the spray may be at an angle to the nozzle.

Claims

1. A spray nozzle comprising: a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end and adapted to flow fluid within the hollow body in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end; and a nozzle portion located at the distal end of the body, the nozzle portion including a nozzle body defining an opening therethrough, and a stem or pintle having at least a portion located within the opening of the nozzle body, wherein at least one of the stem or nozzle body are movable relative to each other so that, within a range of relative movement between the stem and the nozzle body, the nozzle body and the stem define a gap therebetween to define a fluid passageway permitting fluid within the hollow body to flow through the nozzle portion and out of the distal end; wherein the relative movement and a size of said gap are controllable independently of a pressure of fluid within the hollow body.

2. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 1, wherein the relative movement of the stem and the nozzle body is performed by at least one motor or mechanical actuator operatively connected to at least one of the stem or the nozzle body.

3. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 1, wherein said relative movement does not change said pressure.

4. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 1, wherein a change of the pressure does not change a relative position of the stem and the nozzle body.

5. A spray nozzle comprising: a hollow body having an upstream end and a downstream end and adapted to flow fluid within the hollow body in a downstream direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end; and a nozzle portion located at the downstream end of the body, the nozzle portion including a nozzle body defining an opening therethrough, and a stem or pintle having at least a portion located within the opening of the nozzle body, wherein at least one of the stem or nozzle body are movable relative to each other so that, within a range of relative movement between the stem and the nozzle body, the nozzle body and the stem define a gap therebetween to define a fluid passageway permitting fluid within the hollow body to flow through the nozzle portion and out of the distal end; wherein geometries of said nozzle body and said stem define said gap so that a flow area defined between the stem and the nozzle body does not increase in the downstream direction along said gap.

6. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 5, wherein said flow area decreases in the downstream direction along said gap.

7. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 5, wherein a radius of curvature of the stem is greater than a radius of curvature of the nozzle body.

8. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 7, wherein the radius of curvature of the stem is at least twice the radius of curvature of the nozzle body.

9. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature of the stem and the radius of curvature of the nozzle body define a convergence point.

10. A spray nozzle comprising: a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end and adapted to flow fluid within the hollow body in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end; a nozzle portion located at the distal end of the body, the nozzle portion including a nozzle body defining an opening therethrough, and a stem or pintle having at least a portion located within the opening of the nozzle body, wherein at least one of the stem or nozzle body are movable relative to each other so that, within a range of relative movement between the stem and the nozzle body, the nozzle body and the stem define a gap therebetween to define a fluid passageway permitting fluid within the hollow body to flow through the nozzle portion and out of the distal end; and a movable member or rod extending within the hollow body and operatively connected to at least one of the stem or the nozzle body such that movement of said member within the hollow body effects said relative movement, wherein said relative movement is in a direction that is at an angle to a direction of movement of the member.

11. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 10, wherein said member includes a slot therein that extends at an angle relative to said direction of movement of the member, a direction of movement of the stem is at an angle relative to the slot, and the stem includes a portion engaging and slidable along said slot, and wherein movement of said member moves the slot such that the slot engages the portion of the stem and moves the portion, and thereby the stem, in the direction of movement of the stem.

12. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 10, wherein said angle of the direction of said relative movement is about 90 degrees.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following Detailed Description, which is to be understood not to be limiting, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a spray nozzle;

[0031] FIG. 2 is an schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the proximal end of the spray nozzle of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 is an schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the distal end of the spray nozzle of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of geometry of the nozzle body and stem of an embodiment of a spray nozzle;

[0034] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4A;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for an embodiment of a spray nozzle;

[0036] FIG. 6A is a schematic end view of the distal end of an embodiment of a spray nozzle;

[0037] FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the spray nozzle of FIG. 6A taken along the section line 6B;

[0038] FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle of FIG. 6B taken along the section line 6C;

[0039] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of a spray nozzle operating at a reduced gap and/or pressure;

[0040] FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of a spray nozzle operating at maximum gap;

[0041] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a spray nozzle having a right-angle head and a sliding block mechanism;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the costs of spillback systems versus the cost of systems disclosed herein at various system sizes;

[0043] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the operating costs of spillback systems versus the operating costs of systems disclosed herein at various system sizes and under varying flow and pressure conditions;

[0044] FIG. 11A shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a spray nozzle;

[0045] FIG. 11B shows an enlarged view of the end of the nozzle of FIG. 11A, in which the stem is in a nearly closed position;

[0046] FIG. 11C shows an enlarged view of the end of the nozzle of FIG. 11A, in which the stem is in a more open position compared to that shown in FIG. 11B;

[0047] FIG. 12A schematically shows an arrangement of a nozzle system;

[0048] FIG. 12B schematically shows an arrangement of a previously-known system;

[0049] FIG. 13 is a graph showing drop size under K factor and pressure conditions; and

[0050] FIG. 14 is a graph showing K factors achieved at certain inlet diameters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] An embodiment of a spray nozzle is described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. A spray nozzle 10 has a body 20, and inlet 30 toward a proximal end of the body 20, and a nozzle portion 40 at a distal end of the body 20. The proximal end of the body 20 has a motor mount surface 14, to which a motor or actuator 55 may be mounted. The nozzle portion 40 has a nozzle body 50 and a movable stem or pintle 60. The stem 60 is movable relative to the nozzle body 50 so as to create a variable flow aperture between the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50, which varies the flow out of the nozzle 40. O-ring seal 15 seals the interior fluid passage of the nozzle from the outside environment. The o-ring seal may be elastomeric, metal, or any other appropriate material, as a person of skill in the art would understand.

[0052] The stem 60 is controlled by a stepper motor 55 or other linear actuator (not shown), which may be connected at a proximal end of the nozzle 10. Liquid enters through a connection at the inlet 30. A computer-controlled motor 55 attaches to the central rod 70 or other member which is in turn connected to the stem 60. Liquid flows between the curved surface of the pintle 60 and the nozzle body 50 and exits the nozzle portion 40 in a hollow cone spray pattern. The spray angle can be controlled by manufacturing the nozzle portion 40 with curves that terminate at a specific angle. For example, the spray angle may be about 90-100, but the nozzle can be configured to generate other spray angles, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. When it is necessary to decrease the flow from a given operating point, the control system signals the motor 55 to pull the rod 70 proximally (to the left in FIGS. 1-3), which closes or reduces the gap between the pintle 60 and the nozzle body 50, decreasing the flow area. Since the gap is now smaller a thinner liquid sheet forms and the supply pressure can be decreased without compromising the droplet size performance because the thinner sheet already tends to break up into smaller droplets. According to testing by the inventors, drop size is thus comparable to that of a spillback lance. As the supply pressure can be decreased by, for example, adjusting the speed of the supply pump, the power input to the system decreases when the flow decreases. The spray angle and droplet size thus can be held substantially stable during gap and/or pressure changes. In contrast to a spillback system, for example, it is necessary to size the pump and motor 55 only for the maximum process flow, which results in capital cost savings.

[0053] As can be seen in FIG. 1, for example, a proximal end of the rod 70 is configured in a generally-square shaped section 80 that extends through and substantially corresponds to a square-shaped opening 90 in the proximal end of the body 20. In such embodiments, the shapes of the section 80 and opening 90 permit the rod 70 to move linearly relative to the body 20 (in proximal and distal directions) but generally prevent rotation of the rod 70 relative to the body. It should be understood that though the illustrated embodiment utilizes generally square shapes, other embodiments may use other shapes, such as but not limited to non-round shapes, to prevent such rotation.

[0054] Restraining the rod from rotating may also facilitate assembly of threaded components such as the stem 60 and body 50. A non-round feature, e.g., section 80, can assist in achieving this. For example, a threaded stem 60 can be slid into the nozzle 40 from the discharge end, and threadedly attached to the rod 70. As the rod 70 is restrained from rotation by the non-round feature, the threading can be more easily achieved. As the rod is restrained from rotation, attachment of a motor 55 is also made easier. Various other mechanical restraint mechanims may also be implemented, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0055] It should be noted that though the illustrated embodiment depicts the stem 60 being moved, in other embodiments the nozzle body 50 is moved to vary the gap/aperture size, and in yet other embodiments both the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50 are moved. Thus, the resulting relative movement of the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50 adjust the gap. In some embodiments one motor or actuator 55 moves the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50. In other embodiments, multiple motors or actuators 55 are utilized.

[0056] It should also be noted that, in order to reduce wear of components, e.g., the stem 60 and nozzle body 50 that are subject to the highest flow velocities, components may be made of erosion-resistant materials, e.g., hardened stainless steel, Tungsten carbide, or ceramics. Joining of these materials may be accomplished by threading, brazing, welding, shrink fitting or any other suitable joining techniques as should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the illustrated embodiment uses feed holes 45a, 45b to feed liquid through the nozzle portion 40. However, other embodiments may utilize passages of other shapes, as should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. In yet other embodiments, guide vanes or some other suitable means, either currently known or later developed, may be used, as should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the shapes and/curvatures of the flow surfaces of the body 50 and the stem 60 are selected so that the flow area through the nozzle portion 40, e.g., along the passageway between the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50, does not increase or decrease in the downstream direction. As the radius of the flow passage increases in the downstream direction due to the increasing radius of the stem 60, the area of the flow annulus around the stem would nominally increase. This would adversely decrease the velocity of the exiting liquid, meaning the velocity of the liquid exiting the nozzle will not be maximum, and this would diminish drop size performance. To address this, in various embodiments the curves of the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50 are selected so as to converge so that an increase in area resulting from the expanding radius of the pintle 60 does not cause an increase in flow area. In some embodiments the radius of the curve defining the termination angle (interference angle) of about 5-10. It should be understood that the termination angle a also affects the spray angle, and the termination angle may be selected so as to provide a desired spray angle profile.

[0059] Other embodiments have non-circular flow area profiles. However, it should be understood that many different profiles and geometries may be used so that the flow area does not increase, or even decreases, in the downstream direction. It is noted that, in practice, the ratio of the radii of the curves is limited so that stem diameter does not decrease to zero.

[0060] An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that they provide the ability to control the flow rate and drop size independently. This is achievable, at least in part, because the flow gap can be controlled independently of the flow pressure. The control over the gap size is achieved by movement of the stem 60 relative to the nozzle body 50. This can be achieved, for example, by moving the rod 70 axially, such as by using a stepper motor 55, linear actuator, pneumatic cylinder, servo actuator, or, in cases where continuous control is not necessary, manual adjustment. However, it should be understood that the movement of the stem 60 may be controlled by any suitable means, whether currently known or later developed.

[0061] On the other hand, variation in pressure may be separately achieved, such as by pump speed controls, one or more control valves, or other suitable means that are currently known or later developed. Again, manual control of pressure is possible. The system can be configured to accommodate, for example, flows from 15-850 L/min (4-225 gallons per minute (gpm), pressures from 14-41 bar (100-800 psi), and/or include nozzle inlet diameters from 0.25 inches to 2 inches. The system can be configured to operate in high temperature environments by selection and use of appropriate materials for operating conditions, as one of ordinary skill in the art should understand. The system can be configured as an inline/linear, or a right angle configuration, or any other desired or suitable configuration as should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0062] Such embodiments allow control of the flow system when the operating spray characteristics of the nozzle 40 are known, e.g., by testing and measurement of the nozzle under operating conditions. The flow characteristics of an exemplary embodiment of a spray nozzle are shown in FIG. 5. The curves relate K-factor (nozzle opening), pressure, and drop size. The resulting operating map allows for programming of a control system. This system may then be controlled for desired drop size/flow characteristics. By way of example, if one desires the drop size to remain constant over a range of flow rates, this can be achieved by selecting a flow opening, i.e., the position of the stem 60 relative to the nozzle body 50, that achieves constant drop size at desired flow rate using a selected pressure. For example, FIG. 5 shows, for that spray nozzle embodiment, how the flow can be varied along a line of constant drop size by varying the K-factor (by varying the annulus gap, e.g., a 0.25 inlet can have a K factor range of 0.13<K<5.9) and the pressure. In FIG. 5, the curve labelled SFA denotes small flow area, the curve labelled CSDS denotes constant small drop size, the curve labelled LFA denotes large flow area, and the curve labelled CLDS denotes constant large drop size.

[0063] When decreasing the flow rate, for example, the pressure and flow area can be reduced to maintain constant or substantially constant drop size represented by a curve. Conversely, for large flow rates, higher pressure is required to atomize, yet the system can maintain the desired drop size. For example, operating point A in FIG. 5 denotes relatively small process flow providing a small drop size in which the annular gap is reduced to provide a small flow area (small in the context of the operating range(s) of the system for such parameters) a low pressure is used, e.g., achieved via a low pump speed. Operating point B in FIG. 5 denotes relatively large process flow in which the annular gap and thus flow area is increased. To maintain drop size, higher pressure is used, e.g., via higher pump speed.

[0064] As should be understood, drop size depends on the K-factor (of the gap) and pressure. Therefore, by changing the gap, one can change the droplet size. At lower pressures and higher K-factors, droplet sizes are generally larger, whereas at higher pressures and lower K-factors, the droplet sizes are generally smaller. Droplet size can be increased or decreased by manipulation of either the K-factor or the pressure, or by manipulation of both the K-factor and the pressure. For example, if the system is at operating point B and it is desired to increase drop size, the pressure can be decreased, e.g., to the pressure that is designated by curve CLDS.

[0065] The inventors have found that certain embodiments can achieve a turndown capability of greater than 12:1, surpassing the turndown ratio of previously-known nozzles. The maximum flow at a given pressure is reached when the annulus gap is open so wide that the flow area at the exit between the stem 60 and body 50 is larger than the area between the body 50 and stem 60 at the inlet. At this point the spray is not atomized because a large amount of energy is lost in turbulence inside the nozzle. The minimum flow is reached when the two parts are so close together that small surface imperfections disrupt flow, and create streaks and voids in the spray. The minimum gap can be decreased by polishing of the two surfaces to reduce or remove surface imperfections. Thus, the turndown ratio is limited by the physical characteristics of the components, rather than the ability to control the operating parameters of the nozzle 40.

[0066] In some embodiments, the nozzle 40 may be combined with a computer control system to control the flow characteristics. The computer system may be programmed with the operating characteristics of the spray system. The system may then, based on the operating characteristics, provide the desired flow rate and drop size, independently, e.g., by independently controlling the flow gap and the pressure. Further embodiments may include a computer feedback loop that monitors a process variable of interest, such as temperature, and adjusts both the opening of the nozzle and the supply pressure to maintain the required droplet size and flow rate according to the operating characteristics of the nozzle 40.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the concentricity of the stem 60 with the nozzle body 50 within is maintained so as to achieve a more uniform spray distribution. The greater the deviation from concentricity, generally, the greater the non-uniformity of the spray distribution because the the gap between the stem 60 and the nozzle body 50 varies around the circumference of the nozzle 40. Concentricity may be achieved by maintaining tight tolerances on the outside diameter of the stem 60 and the bore in the nozzle body 50 through which it passes. Tolerances of within 0.001 have been found to obtain acceptable spray uniformity, although some embodiments perform acceptably at greater tolerances. However, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, any suitable mechanism may be used to center the stem 60, which is currently known or later developed.

[0068] Another embodiment of a spray nozzle 110 is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. The nozzle 110 is similar in certain respects to the nozzle 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, 4A and 4B, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral 1 are used to indicate like elements. In nozzle 110, nozzle portion 140 is oriented at an (non-zero) angle to the body 120 so that the axis of the spray cone is at an angle to the axis of the body 20. Such embodiments may be useful where the nozzle must be inserted from the side of a pipe but must spray at an angle to the direction of flow in the pipe.

[0069] To achieve a spray cone oriented at a non-zero angle to the axis of the body 20, the actuation motion of the rod is converted to motion in a different or angled direction. In nozzle 110, a sliding block assembly 1000 is used. Sliding block 1000 includes a block 1010 having a slot or guideway 1020 therein. In this particular embodiment, the slot 1020 is angled with respect to the axis of the rod 170. Stem 160, which is oriented at an (non-zero) angle relative to the rod 170 includes a pin or other portion 165 located so as to engage and be slidable within slot 1020.

[0070] In operation, as the rod 170 is moved within the body 120, here axially, the block 1010 is correspondingly translated. Upon such movement of the block 1010, the angled surfaces of the slot 1020 exert an force on the pin 165 at an angle to the rod 170, causing the stem 160 to move at that angle to the rod 170. This movement is achieved because the movement of the rod 170 is constrained to particular directions by the body 120 (left or right in the Figures), and the movement of the stem 160 is constrained to particular directions within the nozzle portion 140 (up and down in the Figures). Accordingly, the movement of the rod 170 causes the stem 160 to open/close the nozzle flow area in a direction at an angle to the rod 170 and the nozzle 110 as a whole. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the stem is at a right angle to the rod 170 and the body 120. However, as those skilled in the art should comprehend, the nozzle 110 may be constructed so as to move the stem 160 at any desired angle and direction.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, no backlash correction is necessary. This is because the pressure of the liquid always loads the mechanism in the same direction (here, toward the outlet of the nozzle), so there is no backlash. However, while the illustrated sliding block assembly provides this feature, and is also simple, robust, and provides high mechanical advantage to overcome hydraulic and friction forces in the nozzle, it should be understood that the inventors contemplate other suitable mechanisms to translate direction of force/movement in nozzles may be used, whether currently known or later developed.

[0072] A spray nozzle in operation is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7B depicts the nozzle operating at a relatively large gap (flow orifice size) and/or high pressure and thus relatively high flow (within the operating range of the system). FIG. 7A depicts the nozzle operating at a smaller gap and/or lower pressure and thus relatively low flow. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 7A and 7B, the system can maintain relatively constant spray angle and drop size (about 90-100) at different gaps, flows, and/or pressures.

[0073] Another embodiment of a spray nozzle 310 is shown in FIG. 8, having a right-angle head that has a sliding block mechanism (as does the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6B). The nozzle 310 is similar in certain respects to the nozzle 110 described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral 3 are used to indicate like elements. Spray nozzle 310 has a body 320, an inlet 330, and a nozzle portion 340 at an outlet end of the body 320. The nozzle portion 340 has a nozzle body 350 and a moveable stem or pintle 360. The stem 360 is moveable relative to the nozzle body 350 to control flow out of the nozzle 340.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a graph showing comparative costs of a previously-known spillback systems and exemplary embodiments of systems disclosed herein at system sizes of 220, 90, 27, and 13 gpm, wherein each system includes two pumps and controls. Costs 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D denote the costs for the spillback systems, and costs 200A, 200B, 200C, and 200D denote the costs for exemplary embodiments of systems disclosed herein. As FIG. 9 shows, the cost for the latter is significantly lower for all system sizes compared. FIG. 9 also shows that cost savings increase as system size increases.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a further graph showing comparative yearly costs of previously-known spillback systems versus exemplary embodiments of systems disclosed herein at system sizes of 220, 90, 27, and 13 gpm, wherein each system includes two pumps and controls. Costs 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D denote the operating costs of spillback systems, and costs 2000A, 2000B, 2000C, and 200D denote the operating costs of LATD systems, under the same pressure and full flow conditions. As FIG. 10 shows, under such conditions, there is no substantial difference in operating costs between the spillback and LATD systems. Costs 3000A, 3000 B, 3000C, and 3000D denote the operating costs of spillback, and costs 4000A, 4000B, 4000C, and 4000D denote the operating costs of LATD systems, under reduced flow (turndown) conditions. As FIG. 10 shows, the costs of operating spillback systems is drastically greater than the cost of operating LATD systems under turndown conditions of reduced flow, which costs increase in spillback systems as compared to full flow conditions, showing the increased efficiency capabilities of the LATD systems. Costs 5000A, 5000B, 5000C, and 5000D denote the operating costs of spillback, and costs 6000A, 6000B, 6000C, and 6000D denote the operating costs of LATD systems, under reduced flow (turndown) and pressure conditions. As FIG. 10 shows, the costs of operating spillback systems is much greater than the costs of operating LATD systems under such conditions of reduced pressure.

[0076] Another embodiment of a spray nozzle 410 is shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. The nozzle 410 is similar in certain respects to the nozzle 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3, 4A and 4B, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral 4 are used to indicate like elements. FIG. 11A shows a spray lance with an inlet 430, a nozzle body 450, and a stem 460. Fluid flows from the inlet 430 in the direction of line A-A, towards the nozzle body 450 and stem 460. FIG. 11B shows a close-up view of the nozzle body 450 and stem 460 in a first position, in which the stem 460 is nearly closed, providing minimal flow in the direction of line A-A. FIG. 11C shows a close-up view of the nozzle body 450 and stem 460 in a second position C, in which the stem 460 is more open for increased flow in the direction of line A-A.

[0077] FIG. 12A schematically shows a spray system 75 including a spray nozzle 10. A motor 3 drives a pump 2 that pumps fluid from a fluid source (not shown) through supply line 8 to the LATD spray nozzle 10. The spray nozzle 10 sprays fluid into a process vessel 11. The system 75 has a manual shutoff valve 6 and a bleed valve 7 between the pump 2 and the spray nozzle 10. The control system 5 controls the operation of the spray nozzle 10, e.g., as described herein.

[0078] FIG. 12B schematically shows a spray system 85 of a previously-known spillback system. The spillback system 85 has a motor 3A that drives a pump 2A which pumps fluid through supply line 8A to a spillback lance 12A. The spillback lance 12A sprays into a process vessel 11A. There is a manual shutoff valve 6A and a bleed valve 7A between the pump 2A and the spillback lance 12A. However, unlike the system of FIG. 12A, the spillback system 85 has a reservoir or storage tank 1A connected to the pump 2A. A spillback return line 9A is connected to the spillback lance 12A to return/recirculated spillback fluid to the tank 1A, e.g., the portion of the pumped fluid diverted away from lance 12A to provide the desired, i.e, reduced spray volume through the lance 12A. A manual shutoff valve 6A and bleed valve 7A are also located in the return line 9A. To control the amount of spillback to the tank 1A, a spillback valve 4A is controlled by a control system 5A, which in effect controls the operation of the spillback lance 12A. That is, the spillback valve 4A is opened or closed to increase or decrease spillback and thereby control the spray volume through the lance 12A. Thus, the higher the proportion of pumped fluid that spillbacks to the tank 1A relative to the spray volume, the greater the wasted energy expended pumping the fluid.

[0079] The nozzles described herein can be used to retrofit spillback systems. For example, by replacing a spillback lance 12A with a nozzle 10 (or other nozzles disclosed herein), a user can reduce the amount of pumping power required, e.g., only the amount of fluid needed for the spray volume need be pumped, and decrease space needed because return piping 9A and a reservoir tank 1A are no longer required, as should be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0080] FIG. 13 shows drop size ranges 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, and 13F in relation to K factor and pressure for an embodiment of an LATD system. Drop size range 13A contains the largest drop sizes, which progressively decrease in size in drop size ranges 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, and 13F, with drop size range 13F containing the smallest drop sizes.

[0081] FIG. 14 is a graph showing K factors achieved in embodiments having certain inlet diameters. Inlet diameters of 0.5, 0.6875, and 0.875 were tested at flows ranging from 4-147 gpm. As shown in FIG. 14, the 0.5 diameter inlet produced comparatively small (S) K factors, the 0.6875 diamter inlet produced comparatively medium (M) K factors, and the 0.875 diameter inlet produced comparatively large (L) K factors. A 0.25 inlet diameter was also tested (not shown), which achieved a K factor range of 0.13 to 5.9.

[0082] As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the invention. Accordingly, this detailed description of embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative as opposed to a limiting sense.