For an interesting project I decided to try and create a nozzle that could have 3 outlets, all falling onto same location without the need for aligning the individual nozzles. I recently tested the completed nozzle and proved very easy to create a collion of 3 drops onto a S.F.B. jet.
This is the completed nozzle . The basic concept of the nozzle is that there are 3 tubes, 6/9/12mm diameter, each with their own dedicated fluid channel. This allows the independent timing for each channel without the added compexity of trying to align the 3 nozzzles with the SFB.
After ensuring the SFB jet was perpendicular and reaching a suitable height I turned off the SFB and concentrated on making sure that the “Triple Nozzle” was aligned with the SFB. After I had done this I did numerous practice water drop collisions. Basically every capture was a collision and so then I just needed to fine tune the alignment between upper and SFB.
I used my dropController and its loop and delta function to automatically vary the timings of the solenoids and the flash delay to get different collisions. I was able to get 2 seperate drops on each channel but probably could have created a 3rd drop by synchronising all 3 solenoids at same time. It would just be a larger drop with a blend of colours.
The 2 outer ports are for filling the overhead reservoirs. They are modified 3 way valves used with I.V. giving lines and they remain in place and are just closed off whilst using the nozzle. There is also a screw cap that seals the two outer nozzles while filling reservoir. The centre cap also has a tube for direct filling of centre reservoir. After that is completed the cap is removed until the reservoirs need to be refilled.
I always fill this way because it eliminates any air in the liquid channels and solenoids otherwise the air really makes creating the drops very difficult because trapped air bubbles can disrupt the liquid flow.
Printing and assembly was all completed well within one day. I printed the main fountain in 2 parts and glued them together, which just made it easier to print without supports.
The back of the nozzle has abrass nut insert (1/4″ UNC) so I was able to attach a tripod ball mount to allow for easy alignment. I then mounted the nozzle to the XY adjustable frame to align the drops with the SFB jet. I had planned to smear some detergent around the nozzle outlets to aid with the drop release but it worked well enough that I forgot to try it.
I didn’t get very imaginative with the fountain I used in the following photos because I was just testing if the concept of a triple nozzle worked. I found that I had to increase the drop size and interval between drops for the 2 outer outlets to compensate for the fact that the drops were “holding on” longer than with a single brass outlet. This was because of the extra surface tension from having an inner and outer tube surrounding the 2 “outer” nozzles. It was an interesting project and proved to work very well. I can see how it would be beneficial to some people who want multi drops without the complexity of aligning different nozzles.
