Main Types of Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Cooling towers use several specialized nozzle types, each designed for different spray patterns, pressures, and tower designs (crossflow vs counterflow). Here is a clear and complete breakdown.

Main Types of Cooling Tower Nozzles

1. Target-Types Of Cooling Tower Nozzles (Crossflow)

Most common in crossflow cooling towers.

Features:

* Low pressure (1–2 psi)

* Water hits a “target” plate → umbrella spray

* Wide coverage area

* Large orifice → less clogging

Materials: ABS, PP, PVC

Examples: Marley Spiral Target Nozzle, BAC XF Nozzle

2. Full-Cone Types of Spray Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Used in both crossflow and counterflow towers.

Features:

* Creates uniform full-cone pattern

* Works at moderate pressure (2–5 psi)

* Good for high-density fill

Types:

* Fixed orifice

* Variable-flow (self-adjusting)

Examples: EVAPCO Full-Cone Nozzle, Chinese ABS Full-Cone Nozzles

3. Hollow-Cone Types of Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Less common but used in some high-efficiency counterflow towers.

Features:

* Produces ring-shaped spray

* Fine atomization

* Higher pressure needed (3–6 psi)

4. Variable-Flow Types of Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Designed for systems with VFD pumps or fluctuating flow.

Features:

* Maintains spray quality across wide flow ranges

* Prevents dry zones during low-load operation

* Often include multiple inserts or diaphragm

Used in:

* Modern counterflow towers

* Towers paired with chiller VFD systems

Examples: Marley NS Nozzle, BAC VF Insert Nozzle

5. Orifice Non-Clog Types of Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Simple, rugged nozzles often used for dirty water systems.

Features:

* Large orifice opening (biggest of any type)

* Minimal internal parts

* Resistant to scaling and solids

Used in:

* Power plants

* Industrial cooling towers

* Wastewater cooling towers

6. Spiral Types of Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Used where medium atomization and full-cone coverage are required.

Features:

* Spiral-shaped water path

* Good distribution uniformity

* Works at low–medium pressure (2–4 psi)

Example: Marley Spiral Nozzle

7. Long-Tail / Slotted-Type Types of Nozzles in Cooling Tower

Common in older crossflow towers.

Features:

* Long slotted “tail” creates even distribution

* Gravity-fed, low pressure

* Very simple design

8. Pipe-Header Types of Spray Nozzles in Cooling Tower (Counterflow)

Found in pressurized distribution systems.

Features:

* Threaded or snap-in to branches

* High coverage density

* Optimized to wet vertical counterflow fill

Examples: EVAPCO Counterflow Spray Header Nozzles

  Summary Table

Nozzle Type	Used In	Pressure	Spray Pattern	Notes
Target-Type	Crossflow	Very low (1–2 psi)	Umbrella	Most common for crossflow
Full-Cone	Both	Low–med (2–5 psi)	Full cone	Good uniform wetting
Hollow-Cone	Counterflow	Med (3–6 psi)	Hollow cone	Finer atomization
Variable-Flow	Both	Variable	Stable across range	Best for VFD systems
Non-Clog Orifice	Industrial	Low	Jet / cone	Handles solids
Spiral	Both	Low–med	Full cone	Self-cleaning
Long-Tail	Old crossflow	Very low	Sheet/umbrella	Simple, durable
Pipe-Header Nozzle	Counterflow	Med	Full cone	Snap-in threaded