The Oil Nozzle

Many have simply looked at the nozzle as the fix to all service calls and the cheapest part in the oil burner. However, everyone should recognize that it is, in fact, the most important part of all heating units. Why? Well, before any heating unit gets an approval from its manufacture it must pass what is referred to as an application test. This is where the equipment manufacturer will contact a burner manufacturer and ask them to find the best burner/nozzle applications that will provide the best efficiency readings and still maintain a certain level of serviceability. It’s also good that there is more than one nozzle manufacturer available, such as Monarch, Delavan and Hago/Danfoss, as this gives the burner manufacturer some versatility in selecting the correct one that can do the job. Many have asked why we can’t have an adjustable nozzle like we do with so many other products, and the answer is ‘ it’s not that simple. There are just too many precise areas of measurement that the manufacturers are compelled to achieve. Example, tolerance of flow rates, pressures, angles and patterns. Today, there are probably as many different nozzles being produced as there are TV stations, but all with the interest of better performance and reliability in mind.

Many have asked how long should a nozzle last, and the real answer is IT DEPENDS on the fuel oil system condition, exposure to access heat and care. Many times if the improper nozzle is applied, it can cause noise, smell and sooting issues. All of which can result in that unwanted and costly service call, let alone an unhappy customer.

The best advice I can give regarding the proper nozzle application is to follow the OEM original equipment manufacturer’s guide book, as they have the data pertaining to the proper size, pressure and pattern required. These books can be obtained through any of the burner manufacturers or at the oil heat trade shows. Also keep in mind, when you hear it said, that all pump pressures are set for 140 PSI, this is not true. Again, refer to the OEM guides and you will see for yourself the spec differences.

We are now on the threshold of experiencing the next generation oil burner here in the U.S. and it is referred to as a high efficiency low NOx burner. This burner will require some very special training that will be offered by the manufacturer as the product is introduced. Some of the highlights are cleaner burning, higher pump pressures, a different nozzle and the need to purchase new electronic testing equipment that will measure NOx. One of the manufacturers now has a burner/ boiler low NOx unit that can only be purchased by a fully trained and certified contractor, so keep an eye out for these training opportunities as they become available.

Something that could be of somewhat of a surprise, when working on the NOx burner along with the higher pump pressure is the nozzle. You may see the name the name Fluidics; don’t panic, as this same nozzle can be converted to a U.S. product.

Another hint ‘ .30 and .40 GPH nozzles are coming.” Think better and duel filtration!