Axial vs. Deflector: Which BETE Fan Nozzle Really Makes the Cut?

Since BETE became part of the EXAIR family back in 2024, we’ve been able to offer a much deeper bench of spray technology to solve the more complex fluid delivery problems our customers face. When you need precision in a spray process, choosing the right pattern is just as critical as the fluid you’re pumping. Fan nozzles are the go-to when you need a flat sheet of liquid with a specific impact. Whether you’re washing down a conveyor or applying a thin coating to a part, the goal is uniform distribution and, often, high force.

There are two primary ways these fan patterns are created: axial and deflector. With an axial fan nozzle, the liquid exits through an orifice and naturally widens into a flat spray. These are great for general cleaning and washing because they provide a tapered edge. This is perfect for overlapping multiple nozzles on a header to get seamless, uniform coverage across a wide area without any “light” spots between nozzles.

Then you have deflector-style nozzles. In this design, the fluid hits an external surface after exiting the orifice, which “peels” the liquid into an extra-wide fan. Because the fluid is deflected, these nozzles can achieve a much higher impact at lower flow rates, making them ideal for heavy-duty scrubbing, rinsing, or suppressing dust.

We see these used across a ton of different industries because of that versatility. In food and beverage, they’re a staple for bottle and container washing. In the steel industry, you’ll find them cooling down rolls or applying lubricants. They even play a huge role in fire protection, specifically in deluge systems where you need to move a lot of water quickly and accurately.

The main takeaway is that fan nozzles are the best choice whenever you have relative motion between the nozzle and the target. If you have a product moving down a line that needs to be wetted, coated, or cleaned, a fan pattern is likely the most efficient way to get it done.

Between EXAIR’s compressed air expertise and BETE’s industrial spray nozzle catalog, we can help you spec out the right nozzle for the job. Give us a call and we’ll walk through the flow rates and spray angles your application requires.

Tyler Daniel

Application Engineer

E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com

HollowStream Spray Nozzles

At EXAIR we are known for our intelligent compressed air products. We’ve written many blogs on the benefits of our quiet and efficient compressed air products. We also have a handful of products that don’t use compressed air. Our  HollowStream™ Cone Liquid Nozzles are one such product.

As the name would suggest, the HollowStream™ Cone Liquid Nozzles produce a hollow cone of liquid, creating a ring around the target. This will reduce the liquid usage as compared to the OmniStream™ Cone Liquid Nozzles.  They are available in NPT female threads in 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ sizes with a variety of liquid flow rates.

When fluid is supplied into the body, a swirling action is created within the vortex chamber. This vortex is what creates the cone pattern. Then the precision orifice of the nozzle breaks this surface tension of the liquid, exiting the nozzle with the hollow ring pattern. Compared to our Air Atomizing Spray Nozzles, these nozzles generate more liquid volume and produce a coarser spray pattern. They can achieve flow rates ranging from 0.06 GPM and up to 14.00 GPM.

Diagram illustrating airflow in a vortex tube, showing a spiral airflow pattern directed toward the exit.

They are all made of 303 stainless steel with a vaneless design to help resist clogging, making them a great option for slurries, or liquids containing particulate. They can handle 250 PSIG of liquid pressure and operate at temperatures up to 800°F. And due to the fact that they only require pressurized liquid, and not an additional source of compressed air, they are easy to plumb, and are suited for applications where there may be space constraints.

Some common applications include cooling, cleaning, washing, rinsing and dust suppression. As long as you know the spray pattern you are looking to achieve, or the flow rate you want to maintain, our performance tables in our catalog and website make it easy to make your selection.

A table detailing FullStream Cone Nozzles, including columns for inlet connection, model, capacity, max free passage, flow rate in GPM and LPM at various psi levels, and spray angle measurements.

If you would like to discuss your spray application, and how EXAIR’s products can save you money, then give us a call!

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

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Precision and Control with EXAIR Internal Mix Atomizing Nozzles

When it comes to applying coatings, cooling, humidifying, or lubricating, precision atomization makes all the difference. EXAIR’s Internal Mix Atomizing Nozzles are engineered to provide fine, uniform spray patterns with exceptional control—helping manufacturers achieve consistent results while conserving compressed air and liquid.

Internal Mix Atomizing Spray Nozzles

How EXAIR Internal Mix Atomizing Nozzles Work

EXAIR’s Internal Mix Atomizing Nozzles mix compressed air and liquid inside the nozzle body. This design produces the finest atomization and is ideal when both air and liquid flow rates can be precisely controlled.

The result? A highly consistent spray pattern with optimized droplet size and coverage—perfect for applications requiring accuracy and repeatability.

Key Benefits

  • Fine atomization: Internal mixing produces a mist with smaller droplets for superior coverage and surface finish.
  • Flexible spray patterns: Available in round, narrow-angle, and flat fan patterns to suit a wide range of needs.
  • Precise flow control: Independent adjustment of air and liquid allows you to fine-tune performance for your exact process.
  • Durable construction: Built in stainless steel for long life and corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments.
  • Reduced waste: Delivers the right amount of liquid—exactly where it’s needed—minimizing overspray and product loss.

Applications Across Industries

EXAIR Internal Mix Atomizing Nozzles are used in a wide variety of industries and processes, including:

  • Coating and painting of parts or products
  • Cooling of molds, tooling, and components
  • Moistening of materials in paper, textile, or food processing
  • Lubrication in metalworking or cutting operations
  • Dust suppression in handling and processing operations
142 distinct models. 8 different patterns. Liquid flow rates from 0.1 to 303 gallons per hour. If you’ve got a spraying application, EXAIR has an Atomizing Nozzle for you!

Why Choose EXAIR?

With EXAIR, you’re getting more than just a nozzle—you’re getting a complete engineered solution backed by decades of experience in compressed air efficiency. Every nozzle is designed for reliability, ease of maintenance, and precise performance, ensuring a consistent spray every time.

Looking to improve your spray application efficiency?
Explore EXAIR’s Internal Mix Atomizing Nozzles and discover how precision atomization can enhance quality, reduce waste, and improve process control in your operation.

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer

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The Power of the BETE HydroClaw®

Cleaning tanks that contain solids-heavy materials isn’t a simple rinse-and-go task. Whether it’s sediment-laden wastewater, mineral slurries, biomass, grain residues, or thick process byproducts, tanks with large particles demand a cleaning solution that won’t clog, wear out, or lose performance over time.

For these environments, traditional tank cleaning nozzles often struggle. Abrasive solids eat away spray orifices, large particles cause blockages, and performance drops quickly—leading to longer cleaning cycles and more downtime.

This is exactly where the BETE HydroClaw® stands out.

BETE HydroClaw Cleaning the inside of a Tank. Top Right Square is a zoom-in of an active spray pattern. Right Corner is an image of the HydroClaw Nozzle on a yellow background. The bottom of the image is an application photo in an industrial environment.

A Tough Nozzle for Tough Tank Cleaning Jobs

While originally designed for abrasive slurry applications, the BETE HydroClaw’s internal geometry makes it a natural fit for large-particle and solids-heavy tank cleaning.

Instead of forcing material through a tight orifice, the HydroClaw uses an open, deflected-flow pathway that:

  • Reduces particle impact on critical surfaces.
  • Allows larger solids to pass without clogging.
  • Maintains a consistent spray pattern even in dirty fluids.

For tanks with heavy buildup, sediment, or abrasive residue, this makes a massive difference.

Why Choose BETE?

With decades of engineering expertise and a focus on solving complex spraying challenges, BETE continues to be a leader in industrial nozzle technology. The HydroClaw is a perfect example of that innovation—purpose-built for the harshest environments.

If your current nozzles can’t keep up, or if your maintenance team is constantly pulling and replacing failed components, it may be time to upgrade to a solution designed for the real world.

The BETE HydroClaw® isn’t a standard nozzle—it’s a strategic investment in efficiency, uptime, and long-term system reliability. For operations dealing with abrasive, particulate-heavy fluids, it delivers performance where it counts most.

If you’d like to explore whether the BETE HydroClaw® is the right fit for your tank cleaning application, reach out to an EXAIR Application Engineer at techelp@exair.com. They can help review your system, recommend the best approach, and ensure you’re choosing the most efficient and durable solution for your process.

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer

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