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

Take Advantage of the BETE Spray Laboratory

EXAIR is a leader in engineered compressed air solutions and static elimination, and BETE is renowned for engineered spray nozzle and spraying systems.  Ever since the merger, we have worked closely together to create a unique market appeal.  In this blog, I wish to cover an important department of BETE, the Spray Lab

The Spray Lab features a state-of-the-art research laboratory dedicated to focusing on complex challenges to support research and development efforts.  We test, so that you can get accurate values for your process.  BETE excels with high-quality nozzles for various spray applications, providing fit and function for our customers. Using advanced tools such as test stands, computer modeling, and in-house manufacturing capabilities, BETE’s Spray Lab improves confidence in the solutions it offers for your process.

Running the BETE’s Spray Lab, we have experts that can manage every aspect of a spraying system. Working closely with our clients to define their goals and limitations, they conduct physical tests to evaluate critical parameters such as droplet size, spray reach, and spray angle.  BETE also can use advanced computational fluid dynamics software to simulate the behavior of the droplets that would integrate into the process.  It can optimize the performance and find any shortfalls before manufacturing starts.  With the manufacturing facility located adjacent to the lab, the design team works together with the production team to create tailored solutions.  Overall, the Spray Lab offers a wide range of resources, allowing them to explore various types of applications and to evaluate the effectiveness of misting nozzles.

For more information about EXAIR and BETE, you can view our websites at www.EXAIR.com or www.BETE.com .  We would be happy to hear from you. 

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Video Blog: Designing and Fabricating Complete Systems for EXAIR Products

EXAIR has been manufacturing engineered, point-of-use compressed air products since 1983. Just last year, we entered into a new partnership with BETE – experts in Spray Nozzle Technology. BETE has been doing this since 1950, bringing with them a wealth of experience that complements our activities here at EXAIR.

With the expertise of BETE’s Systems & Fabrication department, we’re now able to provide a complete turnkey solution to customers looking for more than just their EXAIR Products. Check out the video below for an overview and recent example of a simple system developed for a customer utilizing one of our Stainless Steel Super Air Knives:

In the past, you were left to your own to design the complete system and process requirements. Now, with our partners at BETE, we can offer everything from A to Z. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to explore a potential solution!

Tyler Daniel, CCASS

Application Engineer/International Trade

E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com

X: @EXAIR_TD