Fan Blast Nozzle and Air Consumption
Fan Blast Nozzle and Air Consumption
When it comes to abrasive blasting, selecting the right nozzle not only affects cleaning performance but also impacts compressed air usage—a critical factor in overall operating efficiency. A common question that arises is: how does the air consumption of a fan blast nozzle compare to that of a standard venturi nozzle?
The fan blast nozzle is designed with a rectangular orifice, making it ideal for broad, close-range blasting on surfaces such as steel beams, aluminum window frames, and large concrete or wooden areas. But what about its air demand?
How Air Consumption is Determined
The air consumption of a fan blast nozzle depends mainly on the size of its opening and the operating pressure. nozzle sizes such as 2.0*22, 2.5*22, and 3.0*22 indicate:
▶The first number (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mm) refers to the height of the nozzle opening—the key dimension controlling airflow.
▶The second number (22 mm) refers to the width of the fan pattern, which influences the spread but not directly the air consumption.
The actual airflow primarily depends on the narrowest cross-sectional area of the nozzle, which for fan nozzles is approximated by the height measurement.
Estimated Air Consumption at 90 PSI (6.2 Bar)
Based on typical opening dimensions:
▶2.0*22 nozzle: ~25–35 CFM (7–10 m³/min)
▶2.5*22 nozzle: ~30–45 CFM (8.5–13 m³/min)
▶3.0*22 nozzle: ~35–55 CFM (10–15.5 m³/min)
Comparison with Standard Venturi Nozzles
Although fan and venturi nozzles serve different purposes, a rough equivalence in air usage can be drawn:
▶A 2.0*22 fan nozzle uses air similar to a 5/16" (7.9mm) venturi nozzle.
▶A 2.5*22 fan nozzle is comparable to a 3/8" (9.5mm) venturi nozzle.
▶A 3.0*22 fan nozzle matches a 7/16" (11mm) venturi nozzle in air consumption.
Summary Table
Model | Fan Width | Fan Height | Nozzle Length | Est. CFM @ 90 PSI | Rough Venturi Equiv. (Based on Air Use) |
UFC-2022 | 22 mm | 2 mm | 93.5mm | 25 - 35 CFM | # 5 (7.9mm) |
UFC-2522 | 22 mm | 2.5 mm | 93.5mm | 30 - 45 CFM | # 6 (9.5mm) |
UFC-3022 | 22 mm | 3 mm | 93.5mm | 35 - 55 CFM | # 7 (11mm) |
* Actual number will vary depending on your equipment’s condition and configuration as well as the specific type of abrasive you use.
Key Differences in Performance
▶Pattern Shape: Fan nozzles produce a wide rectangular pattern; venturi nozzles produce a focused circular stream.
▶Cleaning Style: Venturi nozzles offer more aggressive, concentrated impact suitable for hard materials and small areas. Fan nozzles provide even, wide coverage ideal for large flat surfaces with less aggressive material removal.
▶Efficiency: While venturi nozzles clean faster per unit area, fan nozzles are more efficient in terms of surface coverage per unit of time on large structures.
Conclusion
Choosing between a fan blast nozzle and a standard venturi nozzle depends largely on the application. If you need to clean large flat areas quickly, the fan nozzle offers excellent coverage with moderate air consumption. For focused, aggressive cleaning on smaller areas, a venturi nozzle may be more effective. Always match the nozzle to your specific surface preparation requirement to optimize both performance and air efficiency.
