Choice Of Nozzles Research Articles

Development of Inhalable Spray Dried Nitrofurantoin Formulations for the Treatment of Emphysema

A central characteristic of emphysematous progression is the continuous destruction of the lung extracellular matrix (ECM). Current treatments for emphysema have only addressed symptoms rather than preventing or reversing the loss of lung ECM. Nitrofurantoin (NF) is an antibiotic that has the potential to induce lung fibrosis as a side effect upon oral administration. Our study aims to repurpose NF as an inhalable therapeutic strategy to upregulate ECM expression, thereby reversing the disease progression within the emphysematous lung. Spray-dried (SD) formulations of NF were prepared in conjunction with a two-fluid nozzle (2FN) and three-fluid nozzle (3FN) using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and NF at 1:1 w/w. The formulations were characterized for their physicochemical properties (particle size, morphology, solid-state characteristics, aerodynamic behaviour, and dissolution properties) and characterized in vitro with efficacy studies on human lung fibroblasts. The 2FN formulation displayed a mass mean aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 1.8 ± 0.05 µm and fine particle fraction (FPF) of 87.4 ± 2.8% with significantly greater deposition predicted in the lower lung region compared to the 3FN formulation (MMAD: 4.4 ± 0.4 µm; FPF: 40 ± 5.8%). Furthermore, drug dissolution studies showed that NF released from the 2FN formulation after 3 h was significantly higher (55.7%) as compared to the 3FN formulation (42.4%). Importantly, efficacy studies in human lung fibroblasts showed that the 2FN formulation induced significantly enhanced ECM protein expression levels of periostin and Type IV Collagen (203.2% and 84.2% increase, respectively) compared to untreated cells, while 3FN formulations induced only a 172.5% increase in periostin and a 38.1% increase in type IV collagen. In conclusion, our study highlights the influence of nozzle choice in inhalable spray-dried formulations and supports the feasibility of using SD NF prepared using 2FN as a potential inhalable therapeutic agent to upregulate ECM protein production.

Construction and calibration of a portable rain simulator designed for the in situ research of soil resistance to erosion

Land degradation caused by erosion processes is a widespread global problem. Rain simulators are one of the tools often used to determine the resistance of soils to erosion processes. The aim of this publication is to present the process of the construction and calibration of a small, portable field simulator which would be implemented in research studies designed to determine the changes in the soils’ shear strength parameters in forested areas (in situ) caused by a change in soil moisture content achieved by the rain simulation. The constructed simulator consists of a metal frame, sprayers (with specific nozzles), a sediment funnel/tray made of metal, water and a sediment collector unit, a water tank and pump, and a set of rubber hoses, manometer, valves, reducers, adapters and other supplementary equipment. The calibration was carried out by using the pluviometric method. The choice of nozzles was based on the criteria of low water consumption (losses), the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU) and the possibility of achieving specific downpour intensities for the investigated area. The further calibration of the device consisted of determining the raindrop diameter and the distribution of the rainfall when the simulator is positioned on the slopes (7° and 15°). The achieved rain intensity was 1.7–1.9 mm/min, with a CU of 92.23–93.70% for the raindrop diameters (D<sub>50</sub>) equal to 1.2 mm. The kinetic energy of the simulated rain (Ke) was 2.82∙10<sup>–6</sup> J. The constructed simulator proved itself to be in accordance with all of the given criteria, and it can successfully be implemented in research studies aimed at determining the resistance of forest soils to erosion processes, infiltration, and sediment yield.

Effect of working pressure and spacing of nozzles on the quality of spraying distribution

The correct placement of the crop protection product on the target depends on the adequate distribution provided by the spray nozzles. In this research, the objective was to verify the influence of the working pressure and spacing between nozzles on the quality of the spray distribution. It was analyzed the nozzles jets concerning symmetry, opening angle and flow rate. Two methodologies for determining the volumetric distribution were used, considering (1) the simultaneous collection of a set of nozzles arranged in a spray boom and (2) the volumetric distribution of each discrete sample of nozzle. Overlapping between spray jets was used to calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) due the nozzles spacing. Nine models of flat fan nozzles were used, at two nominal flow rates and four working pressures. The working pressure achieved a big effect on the quality of volumetric distribution. The pressure of 100 kPa produced the worse results of volumetric distribution, with CVs higher than 10% along the boom for all nozzle models, in both flow rates. Continuous improvements in the quality of distribution were observed with the increase in pressure until reaching 300 kPa, followed by a slight decrease in quality when reaching 400 kPa pressure. The spray nozzle model has also a big effect on the quality of distribution and there are no implied design characteristics that can turn easier a better choice of nozzles. Both methodologies for the determination of spray distribution achieved similar results and can be used for the nozzles spray distribution quality determination.

Research basic parameters and justification of choice of gas injectors for alternative biogas fuel

In connection with the trend of shortage of commercial fuels for engines in Ukraine and the world, the production of alternative fuels is developing, including biogas. The use of biogas fuel on a modern internal combustion engine equipped with gas equipment of 4-5 generations can create a number of difficulties. This is due to the low heat of combustion of untreated biogas, the presence of moisture and the specifics of the operation of the nozzles. And, therefore, for the correct choice of nozzles, it is necessary to conduct a study and analysis of a number of basic indicators of their operation and, based on the data obtained, recommend their optimal parameters. In gas nozzles, as in gasoline ones, there are a number of important parameters on which stability and uniformity of engine operation, fuel consumption, reliability, etc. depend. These include: linear operation; nozzle reaction time; coil resistance; response time; ability to maintain factory performance; resource of work. For research, we selected nozzles of 4 generations of common manufacturers, namely: Matrix; Barracuda; Valtek; Hana; Keihin. In terms of linea-rity, Valtek nozzles have low performance, and therefore use on engines can lead to increased biogas consumption, reduced engine performance and valve burnout. Keihin nozzles have high rates in this aspect of research, and therefore they will provide maximum efficiency of biogas combustion on the engine. High reaction time in Keihin nozzles. Barracuda nozzles are very close to working with Keihin, which means that their use will not impair engine performance. The factory characteristics of the nozzles, namely the coil resistance is the optimal Keihin nozzle, and the lowest values ​​in Valtek nozzles, the response (response) time of the Matrix, Hana and Keihin nozzles is quite close to 2 ms, which will provide quick response and wear, and the Barracuda and Valtek nozzles Keihin, Matrix and Barracuda nozzles provide the ability to maintain factory characteristics in the range from 2 to 5%, and the worst performance in Valtek is up to 20%, the service life of the nozzles, subject to timely servicing, is the largest Keihin nozzle, Matrix and Hana, which is from 200 to 250 thousand km, and the lowest indicator in Valtek and Matrix injectors is a resource from 70 to 100 thousand km. So, according to the results of the research, Keihin nozzles are recommended for use on engines in the process of their conversion to gas fuel. Their application will provide maximum efficiency and economy of the engine.

Reduction of deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination by improved fungicide use in wheat. Part 2. Farm scale tests with different nozzle types and updating the integrated approach

Fungicidal control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat with fungicides generally has poor efficacy (0–40%). However, small plot trials prove that a 70–90% reduction in toxin contamination is possible. We compared two variants of side-spraying nozzles with the Turbo FloodJet. The new nozzle combination (QJ 90, TT F, XR B) reduced visual FHB scores by 50% as compared to the standard TeeJet XR nozzles. The fungicide choice is decisive, the best product reduced DON by 81%, the least effective only by 31%. Greater genetic resistance is also decisive, the most resistant cultivar showed a 73% reduction in DON across all treatments. The combined effect of the fungicide + cultivar was 98.5% between the UTC and best fungicide/variety combination (GK Feny/PT) across three years. The new combined nozzle was more effective at the better fungicides containing prothioconazole, metconazole and tebuconazole, at the less effective fungicides its effect was only average. Correlations between small plot (Part 1) and farm tests were r = 0.96 (P = 0.001) for FHB, r = 0.91 (P = 0–001) for FDK, and r = 0.75 (P = 0.02) for DON indicating that small plot results forecast field usefulness and reduction in field control was close to the small plot results for all traits. The heart of integrated plant management (IPM) is the combination of variety resistance, the effective fungicide and the side-spraying technology with appropriate nozzle choice. Resistance governs fungicide reduction, nozzle influence, effect of previous crop and tillage. Susceptible cultivars should be withdrawn from production, but cultivars such as GK Feny treated with preventive fungicides at the flowering phase can be grown without any serious food safety risk. With a careful field-specific IPM combination, the reduction can be doubled without significant additional costs.

Throttle characteristics of multi-stage circumfluence nozzle during the separate-layer injection of CO2

Abstract Separate-layer injection of CO 2 is an important method to improve oil and gas production and recovery. Conventional single-stage nozzle is usually blocked by impurities, and the ice-barrier phenomenon is very common. To solve this problem, large-diameter multi-stage circumfluence nozzle was designed to release pressure stage by stage. In order to illuminate the throttle characteristics of the CO 2 multi-stage circumfluence nozzles, numerical simulation was performed to test several nozzles with different diameters and stage numbers. Furthermore, we tested the throttle characteristics through laboratory experiments and obtained the effects of several critical parameters such as nozzle diameter, number of stage and pressure drop on the throttle characteristics. The results show that the flow rate decreases as the nozzle stage increases on the condition of constant pressure and nozzle diameter. And pressure difference increases as nozzle stage number increases under the constant flow rate. The throttle capability of multi-stage circumfluence nozzles was much better than the concentric nozzles. Large-diameter multi-stage nozzle is recommended rather than small-diameter single-stage nozzle during the process of separate-layer injection, which can efficiently prevent impurities and ice blocking. The results are expected to provide a theoretical support for the nozzle choice of separate-layer injection of CO 2 .

Practical Comparison of Cylindrical Nozzle and De Laval Nozzle for Wire Arc Spraying

In this article, two different nozzle designs (cylindrical nozzle and de Laval nozzle) are compared for use in wire arc spraying. The choice of nozzle is of particular importance because its geometry has a significant influence on the spraying result. The materials used for spraying are steel and copper. By using the de Laval atomizing gas nozzle, the aim is to improve adhesion on the one hand while reducing cost on the other. These objectives have been achieved for the most part, indicating that continued research and development in this area would be useful. Significant potential exists to optimize the efficiency of both the free gas jet and nozzle which have considerable impact on the gas velocity and thus, ultimately, on the spraying result. The measurements carried out have shown that there is a close correlation between the velocity of the gas flow and atomization of the droplets. An explanatory model for varying spraying results with different wire materials using open nozzle systems with de Laval orifice is given and confirmed. For new burner head constructions, an interaction of the atomizing gas nozzle, the contact tips, and wire materials must be considered to achieve all benefits of a de Laval nozzle.

Improving foliar applications of entomopathogenic nematodes by selecting adjuvants and spray nozzles

This study explores the influence of a selection of adjuvants and of three different nozzle sizes on the foliar application of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Two EPN species were studied: Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae. A viability test of EPNs suspended in different solutions of adjuvants showed that all selected alcohol ethoxylates and an alkyl polysaccharide have an immobilising effect on the selected nematode species. In a sedimentation test, xanthan gum proved to be the only adjuvant in a broad selection, capable of delaying sedimentation of EPNs in suspension. Without xanthan gum, sedimentation of S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae was noticeable after 20 and 10 minutes, respectively. When xanthan gum (0.3 g/L) was added to the suspension, no signs of sedimentation were noticed after 20 minutes with both EPN species. An ISO 02 flat fan nozzle can clog when spraying S. carpocapsae. A deposition test determined that an ISO 04 standard flat fan nozzle provides a higher relative deposition on cauliflower leaves and is therefore a better nozzle choice than the bigger ISO 08 standard flat fan nozzle for spraying S. carpocapsae. The addition of a spreading agent improved the deposition of S. carpocapsae. Adding xanthan gum to the EPN-spreading agent mixtures did not further improve deposition.

Droplets deposition provided by hydraulic nozzles in function of wind seed during pesticides application

The aim of this study was to estimate the distance of droplets deposition as a function of wind seed using a computational program. It was used a representative sample of 10 spray nozzles ULD015F120, LD02F110 and VP11002 in the procedure of characterization of droplets spectrum in the working pressure of 3 bar being performed 3 replications. The values of D0.9, D0.1 and D0.5 of each nozzle were inserted into software to simulate the effect of wind speed of 2, 4 and 6 m s-1 in the drift distance on the droplet spectrum generated by nozzles. As result it was observed that the wind speed is an important factor to be considered in the spray nozzle choice. The nozzles ULD02F120 are capable to be used as a drift reducer. During the use of the nozzle VP11002 greater care must be taken due to the higher percentage of droplets with diameter inferior to 100 μm for the simulated conditions.

Spray deposition and distribution in a bay laurel crop as affected by nozzle type, air assistance and spray direction when using vertical spray booms

In Flanders, greenhouse growers predominantly use handheld sprayers instead of spray boom equipment. Nevertheless, handheld sprayers have several drawbacks. Growers increasingly recognize the advantages of spray boom equipment, which has resulted in increasing adoption of spray boom systems. Some growers still doubt the efficacy of spray boom systems, however, while others have questions about their use. In this study, we aimed to address both doubts and questions by optimizing a vertical spray boom application for a bay laurel crop using air support and spray angling. Spray deposition on the stem and the upper and lower side of the leaves was measured using mineral chelates as tracers at twenty collector positions in the top and bottom as well as in the front, back, left and right zone of the plant. Four plant repetitions were used for every spray event. Nine different application techniques were tested in three repetitions in laboratory conditions using a fully automated spray system. The effect of nozzle type, angled nozzles, air support and spraying in two passes with an opposite direction was evaluated. The experiments showed that collector position and application technique had a significant effect on deposition. However, angling the spray, using air support or spraying in two consecutive passes with an opposite direction did not result in a higher deposition or penetration capacity compared with the standard vertical spray boom. Nevertheless, some techniques might still result in a higher bio-efficacy due to a more homogenous liquid distribution. The use of a vertical spray boom is a promising technique for safe and efficient application of plant protection products in a vertical crop. Nozzle choice, spray boom setting, spray distance and the air speed of air assisted sprayers require careful consideration, however. Of the tested techniques, the applications made with an extended range standard flat fan nozzle without air support, directed straight toward the crop and used with a fixed spray distance of 30 cm to the stem generally produced the best spray results in the considered, conically pruned bay laurel crop.

Effects of nozzle type and spray angle on spray deposition in ivy pot plants

Fewer plant protection products are now authorised for use in ornamental growings. Frequent spraying with the same product or a suboptimal technique can lead to resistance in pests and diseases. Better application techniques could improve the sustainable use of the plant protection products still available. Spray boom systems--instead of the still predominantly used spray guns--might improve crop protection management in greenhouses considerably. The effect of nozzle type, spray pressure and spray angle on spray deposition and coverage in ivy pot plants was studied, with a focus on crop penetration and spraying the bottom side of the leaves in this dense crop. The experiments showed a significant and important effect of collector position on deposition and coverage in the plant. Although spray deposition and coverage on the bottom side of the leaves are generally low, they could be improved 3.0-4.9-fold using the appropriate application technique. When using a spray boom in a dense crop, the nozzle choice, spray pressure and spray angle should be well considered. The hollow-cone, the air-inclusion flat-fan and the standard flat-fan nozzle with an inclined spray angle performed best because of the effect of swirling droplets, droplets with a high momentum and droplet direction respectively.

Effect of spray application technique on spray deposition in greenhouse strawberries and tomatoes

Increasingly, Flemish greenhouse growers are using spray booms instead of spray guns to apply plant protection products. Although the advantages of spray booms are well known, growers still have many questions concerning nozzle choice and settings. Spray deposition using a vertical spray boom in tomatoes and strawberries was compared with reference spray equipment. Five different settings of nozzle type, size and pressure were tested with the spray boom. In general, the standard vertical spray boom performed better than the reference spray equipment in strawberries (spray gun) and in tomatoes (air-assisted sprayer). Nozzle type and settings significantly affected spray deposition and crop penetration. Highest overall deposits in strawberries were achieved using air-inclusion or extended-range nozzles. In tomatoes, the extended-range nozzles and the twin air-inclusion nozzles performed best. Using smaller-size extended-range nozzles above the recommended pressure range resulted in lower deposits, especially inside the crop canopy. The use of a vertical spray boom is a promising technique for applying plant protection products in a safe and efficient way in tomatoes and strawberries, and nozzle choice and setting should be carefully considered.

Assessment of Two-Phase Flow in a Venture Convergent- Divergent Nozzle

The present study emphasized on the information of cavitations during the dual phase flow i.e. (water and vapor) in venture converge-diverge nozzle. The choice of nozzle with a transparent material (PMMA), was found suitable for the observation and measurements. The model of this problem of defining dual compressible viscous flow, and k-epsilon model. The comparisons of numerical calculation and experimental observation were found to be comparatively coincidable in cavitational zone and throat pressure, and fractional phase flow.

A mathematical model for evaluating the effect of wind on downward-spraying rainfall simulators

Rainfall simulators are used to study a variety of different processes (e.g., water erosion, infiltration, overland flow, irrigation, movement of agrochemicals, etc.). Wind affects field experiments that make use of rainfall simulators. Water-drop trajectories and velocities are altered, affecting water application and kinetic energy distributions. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed from the movement of individual drops after their release from the nozzle of a downward-spraying rainfall simulator. Drag forces, wind and gravity affect the original momentum of a single drop. Water application and kinetic energy were estimated from the coupling of a hydrodynamic model for drop movement, a drop generator representing a single full-cone spray nozzle, and an appropriate interception algorithm at the soil surface. The mathematical model should facilitate the selection of single full-cone spray nozzles and the size and configuration of the spray area for rainfall simulation in order to achieve high application uniformity values on the plot area. It can contribute to the adequate choice of nozzles as well as operating conditions necessary for laboratory and field purposes. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the adequacy of the proposed methodology.

Simulation of coupled turbulent flow and heat transfer in the wedge-shaped pool of a twin-roll strip casting process

The proper choice of nozzle in a twin-roll strip casting process is important to obtain the stabilization of the molten steel and free surface and a stable temperature distribution in a wedge-shaped pool. In this study, a numerical investigation of the coupled turbulent flow and heat transfer in a twin-roll strip casting process was performed for two patterns of melt-feed through a nozzle. In addition, the patterns for the removal of superheat for different gap thicknesses were analyzed using a local Nusselt number along the roll surface. The flow turbulence was examined using the low-Reynolds-number k– ε turbulence model of Launder and Sharma. The results show that the use of a submerged nozzle may have a beneficial impact on the stabilization of the free-surface zone. The increased gap thickness yields an increased local Nusselt number in the downstream section of the wedge-shaped pool where the cross-sectional flow area is reduced.

Analysis of the Coupled Turbulent Flow and Heat Transfer in a Wedge-Shaped Pool According to Feed Type of Molten Steel

The proper choice of nozzle in a twin-roll strip casting process is important to achieve the stabilization of the molten steel and free surface, and the uniform temperature distribution, in a wedge -shaped pool, which depend on the transport phenomena of the pool. In this study, the numerical investigation of turbulent flow and heat transfer was performed for two patterns of the feed of molten steel through the nozzle. In addition, the patterns of the removal of superheat for different gap thicknesses were analyzed using local Nusselt number along the roll surface. The turbulent characteristics of the flow were considered using a low-Reynolds-number κ-e turbulence model of Launder and Sharma. The results show that the use of submerged nozzle may be beneficial to the stabilization of the free surface zone. The increased gap thickness yielded the increased local Nusselt number in the downstream section of the wedge-shaped pool where the cross-sectional area of flow is reduced.

Fungicide deposition studies in the control of black pod disease of cocoa in Papua New Guinea

Current control methods for Phytophthora palmivora in cocoa in Papua New Guinea are based on high-volume applications of either cuprous oxide or cuprous oxide:metalaxyl formulations using lever-operated knapsack pressure sprayers. In laboratory tests low-volume applications with a range of nozzles resulted in improved copper deposit levels when compared with standard nozzles applying equivalent rates of chemical per unit area. Different nozzles applying similar chemical concentrations and hence widely different amounts of chemical per unit area gave similar deposit levels. Run-off from pods was highest from the nozzles with a high flow rate; the proportion of droplets of diameter < 100 μm was lowest for these nozzles. Similar results were obtained for both cuprous oxide and cuprous oxide: metalaxyl formulations, suggesting that the choice of nozzle for knapsack pressure-sprayer applications is critical in determining cost effectiveness.

Spray Nozzle Performance in Cleaning Food Equipment

ABSTRACT THE lack of applied and fundamental information on spray cleaning has retarded improvements in performance. The performance of five nozzles with differing characteristics was examined in detail, using cold water as the sprayed liquid. The spatial distributions of spray volume and cleaning efficiency were determined. The effects on cleaning efficiency of the temperature, time, angle and distance of spraying, and also intermittent spraying were examined. The data were used to select nozzles for cleaning dairy equipment. Substantially more effective nozzles than those currently used were identified; these were flat-fan type nozzles of medium to high flow rates. Recommendtions are made concerning choice of nozzles and improvement of design for spray cleaning systems.