The Three Functions of the Fuel Nozzle in an Oil Furnace

An oil furnace contains a number of distinct components, each with its own sophisticated role to play. Yet none of these components are required to do quite as much as the fuel nozzle. If you would like to learn more about the way your oil furnace works, read on. This article will discuss the three main functions of the fuel nozzle.

Atomization 

If fuel were to simply enter the combustion chamber drop by drop, your furnace would not be able to generate much heat at all. In order for efficient combustion to take place, the oil must be atomized into a fine, air-born mist. This hastens the rate of vaporization that is necessary for combustion to take place. Atomization is accomplished by the fuel nozzle, which breaks the fuel up into microscopic droplets.

Metering

The fuel nozzle is responsible for ensuring more than just the size of the oil particles entering the furnace; it is also used to control the amount of fuel entering at any given time. A particular fuel nozzle must be designed to meet the specific needs of a given furnace. Thus it is important to know the optimum flow rate of your furnace before replacing an old or worn-out fuel nozzle.

Patterning 

Finally, a fuel nozzle is designed so as to introduce oil to the combustion chamber at a specific angle, and in a specific spray pattern. These qualities vary from burner to burner. The spray angle may vary anywhere from 30 degrees to 90 degrees, depending on both the size of the combustion chamber and the air pattern of the burner.

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