Expansion nozzle with continuous rotating stem

摘要

A self-cleaning nozzle assembly adapted for use in processing pressurized liquids, slurries, etc., which may carry with it particulate matter. A spacing between two nozzle members forms an orifice, and the size of the orifice is adjustable. The nozzle members are spring biased together to reduce the size of the nozzle orifice, but pressurized liquids processed by the nozzle counteract the spring bias force to increase the size of the nozzle orifice. When the force of the spring bias and the force of the pressurized liquid are at equilibrium, the size of the nozzle orifice is maintained. When adjusting the compression force of the spring on the nozzle members, the upstream pressure of the liquid can be adjusted accordingly. In flash evaporation systems, the nozzle can be employed to control the flash point of the liquid by controlling the pressure thereof.

主权项

1. A nozzle for processing a pressurized liquid, comprising:
a first and second nozzle member, said first nozzle member being movable with respect to said second nozzle member to provide an orifice having a variable size therebetween for spraying the pressurized liquid therefrom during dynamic operation of said nozzle; at least one spring that biases said first and second nozzle members toward a closed position, said spring having a force counteracted by a force of the pressurized liquid during the dynamic operation of the nozzle to move the movable nozzle member and change the orifice size; electrical drive apparatus for continuously rotating said movable nozzle member with respect to the second nozzle member during the dynamic operation of said nozzle; and said electrical drive apparatus constructed to rotate said movable nozzle member without axially moving said movable nozzle member with respect to said second nozzle member to allow the pressurized fluid to flow through the orifice, whereby the size of said orifice is not required to change during rotation of said movable nozzle member.