Operators will generally be offered a choice by the sprayer manufacturer regarding the number of nozzle outlets they require per nozzle body. Nozzle bodies are commonly available with one, two, three, four or five outlets.

There are strengths and limitations to using multiple-outlet nozzle bodies. One of the greatest benefits of having multiple nozzles fitted on the one nozzle body is the ability to easily change the nozzle type or orifice size to match the product or tank mix, the conditions, and the operating parameters.

One of the possible limitations to using multiple-outlet nozzle bodies is that they can become contaminated, dirty or blocked if the ‘turn-over’ or ‘rotation’ ability is not used regularly, or the outlets are not covered by a nozzle and cap or a blanking cap during spraying operations.

When rotating nozzle bodies become hard to turn, they need to be pulled apart, washed in hot soapy water and re-installed using an appropriate lubricant.

Tip

Nozzle manufacturers make manual shut-off check valve assemblies, which may be useful for turning a selection of nozzles on and off. For example, manually shutting off half the nozzles when alternating between narrow nozzle spacings and wide nozzle spacings (e.g. going from 0.25m spacing for fungicide applications to 0.5m for fallow spraying).