Choose a full cone nozzle when liquid is needed throughout a filled circular area. Choose a hollow cone nozzle when the process needs an annular, ring-shaped distribution. Neither pattern is universally better; the decision depends on target geometry, liquid-to-surface or liquid-to-gas contact, flow, pressure, droplet behaviour and maintenance conditions.
Full Cone vs Hollow Cone at a Glance
| Selection factor | Full cone | Hollow cone |
|---|---|---|
| Impact area | Filled circular or shaped area | Ring-shaped circular area |
| Centre coverage | Liquid is distributed through the centre | Comparatively less liquid reaches the centre |
| Common starting use | Washing, cooling, quenching and broad wetting | Annular coverage and processes requiring liquid-to-gas contact |
| Primary layout check | Distribution across the full target | Ring position, diameter and interaction with the process |
| Clogging check | Depends on model passage and internal geometry | Depends on orifice, whirl chamber and liquid condition |
Choose Full Cone When the Centre Must Be Wetted
A full cone is the usual starting point when a stationary target needs liquid across the complete footprint. Applications may include washing, cooling, quenching and process-liquid distribution. Select the model from the required flow, pressure at the nozzle, spray angle, target distance and liquid condition.
Review the Jeltecn full cone nozzle range and the full cone engineering selection guide.
Choose Hollow Cone When an Annular Pattern Fits the Process
A hollow cone concentrates the spray around the perimeter of a circular footprint. It can be considered when the centre does not require the same liquid loading or when an annular spray better supports gas-contact, humidification or similar process requirements. Actual droplet size and distribution still depend on the selected model and operating conditions.
Review the Jeltecn hollow cone nozzle range before final selection.
Does Hollow Cone Always Produce Finer Droplets?
No general rule should be applied to every model. Droplet behaviour depends on nozzle geometry, orifice, flow, pressure, liquid viscosity, surface tension and other conditions. Compare technical data for the actual models rather than choosing from the pattern name alone.
Seven Questions Before Choosing
- Does the target need a filled area or a ring?
- What flow is required at the pressure available at the nozzle?
- What spray distance and footprint must be achieved?
- Is surface coverage or liquid-to-gas contact the main objective?
- Does the liquid contain solids or form deposits?
- Which material and connection are required?
- How will the installed pattern be verified and maintained?
Selection Examples
| Process question | Starting pattern | Reason to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Wet a stationary circular target across its centre | Full cone | Confirm edge coverage and distribution |
| Place liquid mainly around a circular perimeter | Hollow cone | Confirm ring diameter and centre loading |
| Cool a broad target with several nozzles | Full cone | Check overlap and header pressure balance |
| Contact liquid with a gas stream | Model-dependent | Droplet, residence time and process geometry must be reviewed |
Information to Send for Selection
Provide the application, target or duct dimensions, required flow, available pressure, nozzle distance, liquid composition and temperature, solids, connection, material, quantity and destination. Jeltecn is a registered brand of Melinco Precision Technology Co., Ltd.