Fan nozzle

Abstract

A fan nozzle for cleaning a surface with an abrasive blast media is constructed of a longitudinal body having an axial pathway through which the media is passed under pressure for release from a substantially rectangular cross-sectional outlet to release the media in a substantially flat, wide path. A first transition zone provides a conversion in the axial pathway from the inlet cross-section to the substantially rectangular cross-section of the outlet opening. A second transition or convergence zone first reduces and then expands the cross-section of the axial pathway for providing a Venturii acceleration of the media as it passes through the nozzle. The transition zone and the convergence zone may be coexistent along a portion of the axial pathway.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The subject invention relates generally to nozzles for releasing abrasive media under pressure and is specifically directed to a fan nozzle for releasing the abrasive media in a wide, flat path.[0003]2. Discussion of the Prior Art[0004]Fan nozzles are relatively well known in the industry and are used to release an abrasive media under pressure in a substantially wide, flat path instead of in a circular pattern as with nozzles with round openings. Such nozzles are particularly convenient when the abrasive media is being used to clean a large surface and it is desirable to pass the nozzle over the surface in sweeping motions.[0005]Typically, such nozzles are adapted to be connected to a common source of pressurized abrasive media, which normally is a coupler on the end of a hose of circular cross-section. The circular cross-section of the inlet end of the nozzle is then in communication with a convergence zone wherein th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]By providing the transition zone in accordance with the subject invention the media flow is converted from a flow of circular cross-section to a flow of rectangular cross-section over a longitudinal path. This provides a smooth transition and minimizes both turbulence and wear. In addition, by providing a smooth transition, the abrasive particles are more evenly distributed throughout the flow area cross-section whereby

Problems solved by technology

While such nozzles may be useful for the intended purpose of providing a pressurized blast media in a flat path for cleaning surfaces, they all have a common drawback.

This creates wear points at the transition, as well as turbulence.

In addition, such a configuration creates hotspots in the media flow as the media is relea

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