Steinen Oil nozzle 0.55GPH / 60ST

This is a Steinen oil nozzle with a rated flow rate of 0.55 GPH, a 60 ° spray angle, and an ST spray pattern. It is used in oil-fired burners and boilers to atomise fuel oil into a spray for combustion. The 0.55 GPH figure defines the nominal flow through the nozzle at the reference pressure. The 60 ° angle sets the width of the spray cone, and the ST pattern defines the shape of the spray as it leaves the orifice.

Nozzles of this type are selected by matching the flow rate, spray angle, and spray pattern to the burner manufacturer's specification, and by matching the thread and body form to the nozzle holder. Mounting forms differ by thread size and by the length and shape of the body, so the old nozzle should be compared against the replacement before ordering. The nozzle seat and the holder must be clean and undamaged, and the nozzle must be tightened to the torque stated for the burner, without using a sealant on the seating face.

Nozzles of this kind commonly fail by orifice wear, which raises the flow rate, or by clogging and coking, which reduces it or distorts the spray. On the equipment this shows as a smoky flame, unstable combustion, delayed ignition, or a rise in fuel consumption. The spray pattern and angle should be checked against the specification, and the nozzle strainer and the oil filter should be inspected at the same time.