What pattern is produced by a flat-fan nozzle?

• A. A fan-shaped spray
• B. A circular pattern
• C. A full-surface spray
• D. A narrow line spray

Answer: (A)

Understanding how nozzle shape affects spray distribution helps explain this. A flat-fan nozzle creates a fan-shaped spray because the liquid is split into a thin sheet by the nozzle’s internal geometry and deflector, then exits as a broad, flat sheet that spreads out into a wedge-like pattern. This produces even coverage over a surface, which is exactly what a flat-fan design is meant to deliver.

In contrast, a circular pattern comes from full-cone nozzles, which emit a round plume rather than a sheet. A full-surface spray would imply coating an entire broad area rather than a defined, directional spray shape. A narrow line spray is a slender pattern used for edges or borders and isn’t the characteristic shape of a flat-fan nozzle.