Optimizing the Ventura Nozzle for Abrasive Jet Plant

Pneumatic abrasive surface treatment is an integral part of many technological processes used for applying coatings, performing repair or doing a restoration work, etc. The operation efficiency of the pneumatic abrasive plant is characterized by several factors. The main factor is the time of surface treatment of the material. The faster the surface treatment, the higher the treatment efficiency since a large amount of compressed air and abrasive material is required for the operation of a pneumatic abrasive plant. The efficiency of the pneumatic abrasive plant is most affected by the operating nozzle, the design of which defines the characteristics of the air-abrasive mixture. The operating nozzle is designed to form a jet and increase the speed of the working flow consisting of continuous and dispersed phases. The effect on the geometric dimensions and design of the nozzle can be varied by its characteristics. The operating characteristics of the nozzle are its main parameters that define the processing time of the material surfaces, in particular the speed of the working mixture at the nozzle outlet, the mass flow rate of the dispersed and continuous phases, the reaction force of the jet, and the value of contact stresses on the processed surface caused by the jet impact. The purpose of this research is to optimize the geometry of the operating nozzle of the pneumatic abrasive plant. The implementation of the set goal is ensured by using the plan of the full factorial experiment, performing a series of numerical studies using the ANSYS software package. The obtained data are verified on a special experimental stand designed for studying the operating nozzles of the pneumatic abrasive plant. Based on the obtained research data we can give practical recommendations for the design of operating nozzles used for the abrasive jet processing of material surfaces.