Why and when would you use a spray bar?

A spray bar will typically be used on a conveyor system that needs fluid to be applied to it in some way. This could be for cleaning the conveyor, moistening product on the convey or applying coating to something on the conveyor.

It is entirely possible to cover many conveyors with a single wide-angle nozzle. So, if this is the case, why go to the expense of doing the same job with multiple nozzles in a spray bar?

There are three main reasons why:

Consistency of spray
One of the main reasons to use a spray bar is to ensure consistent fluid coverage. Individual nozzles often do not produce entirely even spray patterns; the fluid is usually concentrated in the centre, with the edges receiving less. This uneven distribution can lead to inconsistent results, especially in processes that require uniform application, such as coating or moistening.

By employing a multi-nozzle spray bar, you can achieve a more even spray across the entire target area, ensuring that the fluid is applied consistently across the conveyor or product lines.

Improved impact
When it comes to cleaning conveyors, impact from the fluid is crucial. A single wide-angle nozzle, positioned far from the conveyor to cover a large area, would reduce the impact of the fluid. Less impact translates to less effective cleaning.

A spray bar solves this issue by allowing the use of narrow-angle, high-impact nozzles placed close to the target. This results in improved cleaning as the fluid can be directed with more force, making it far more effective at dislodging debris or residue from the conveyor system.

Accurate targeting
In some conveyor systems, there may be multiple product lines moving simultaneously. Applying fluid indiscriminately across the entire conveyor, including the spaces between the product lines, would be wasteful.

A spray bar allows for precise positioning of nozzles, enabling you to target specific areas—such as directly over the product lines—while avoiding areas where fluid application is unnecessary. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces waste.

Nozzles positioned over each line of product

Conclusion

While a single wide-angle nozzle can sometimes get the job done, using a spray bar offers clear benefits in terms of consistency, cleaning efficiency and targeted application. For processes where these factors are important, a spray bar is a far more effective solution for fluid application in conveyor systems.