Spray bars can be an effective method of applying an antimicrobial in your process, but only if you achieve adequate coverage.

Additionally, they are an important preventative control in your FSMA Food Safety Plan. If not working correctly, they can result in costly corrective actions or even a recall. When evaluating your spray bar nozzles for coverage its important to determine what spray pattern you are trying to achieve. Ideally you want the spray pattern to overlap to ensure no product is being missed. While there are many spray pattern options, both Figure 1 and Figure 2 represent options that will ensure full coverage.

If your spray pattern looks different than the figures listed above, there are multiple variables to evaluate. It is common for scale or hard water deposits to clog pipes or the openings on spray nozzles that may result in poor coverage. Additionally, when plastic nozzles are used, wear can occur more frequently and cause drastic changes in spray pattern and coverage. While this issue can still occur in stainless steel or brass nozzles it is more frequent when plastic nozzles are used. Spray nozzles should be removed at a minimum annually and can be soaked in Take Off at 10-20% for a minimum of 8 hours then rinsed, if the problem persists, the pipe should be removed, fully submerged and soaked in Take Off following the same process. Pressure, spray nozzle size and other variables can also affect your spray pattern. If you are experiencing any difficulties or have any questions, Contact us.