Spray valves are precision dispensing valves designed to provide precise fluid dispensation depending on applications. The dispensed output can flat or round. Dispensed product is sprayed onto target area, rather than placed directly on it.

Spray valves are used to dispense a wide variety of products through an extensive range of viscosities. Viscosity is the resistance of a fluid to flow. This resistance acts against the motion of any solid object through the fluid, and also against motion of the fluid itself past stationary obstacles. Viscosity also acts internally on the fluid between slower- and faster-moving adjacent layers. All fluids exhibit viscosity to some degree.   

Most spray valves are rated low, medium, or high depending upon the level of viscosity they are able to dispense. Low viscosity spray valves are rated for use with fluids in the range of 0-25000 cps.  Products that fall within this range include water, milk, and honey. Medium viscosity spray valves can handle fluids rated between 25000 to 100000 cps. Mustard, ketchup and sour cream are examples of medium viscosity fluids. High viscosity spray valves are needed for all products with a viscosity of over 100000 cps. Products such as peanut butter and shortening fall into this category.

Specifications to consider when selecting spray valves include spray width / diameter, dispense rate, shot size, shot size, operating frequency, media viscosity, and material temperature range. Other considerations involved material feed. There are four main options: continuous feed, material inlet pressure range, batch (syringe), and syringe volume. Continuous feed spray valves are supplied from a large, “permanent” source. Batch or syringe valves can be supplied from a local syringe or barrel placed onto the valve (batch). Once the syringe is empty, it can be refilled or discarded. Syringe volume spray valves require the volume to be refilled or discarded upon emptying.

Many applications use spray valve dispensing. Applications include adhesive and silicones, chemicals, cleaners and sanitizers, coatings or paints, colorants, clean rooms or laboratories, flux or solder, foaming or gasketing, food and beverage, fuel, high viscosity liquids, lubricants, and medical or pharmaceutical applications. Spray valves may also be used in other applications as well.