Each nozzle is stamped with its flow rate in gallons per hour at 100 psi, spray angle such as 60 or 80 degrees, and pattern: hollow, solid or semi-solid. Raising pump pressure raises flow, so a 1.00 GPH nozzle fires more oil at 140 psi. Nozzles are replaced at every annual service because worn or partly plugged ones give poor spray, smoke and soot.
Burner calls for a 0.85 80 degree hollow nozzle, somebody put in a 1.25 solid and wondered why it soots up.
Also heard as
- oil nozzle
- atomizing nozzle
- tip
Related terms
Burner
The assembly that mixes fuel with air and holds a stable flame to heat the boiler.
Smoke spot
An oil burner test that pulls flue gas through filter paper and grades the dark spot from 0 to 9.
Sooted up
Coated with soot on the fire side, from rich or poor combustion, so heat transfer and draft suffer.
Puffback
A small explosion of oil vapor in the combustion chamber that blows soot and smoke out of the burner and into the room.