Bocais

Bocais is the plural of bocal, a term used in Portuguese to refer to openings, mouths or nozzles on equipment, containers, and systems. The meaning varies with context: it can denote the opening of a container such as a bottle or jar, or it can refer to a discharge outlet on piping or machinery through which fluids, gases or vapors are released or directed.

In technical and industrial usage, bocais are designed to control flow characteristics such as rate, direction, and spray pattern. Common types include bocal de injeção (fuel-injection nozzle) used in engines, bocal de pulverização (spray nozzle) for coatings, cleaning, or agricultural sprayers, and bocal de queimador (burner nozzle) for gas or oil burners. Atomizing bocais are designed to produce fine droplets and improve mixing or combustion efficiency.

Outside machinery, bocais can simply mean the mouth or opening of containers, tanks, or vessels in manufacturing and food processing. The precise specification of an orifice, including its diameter and shape, influences flow rate, pressure drop, and downstream performance.

Maintenance and selection considerations include material compatibility with the transported substance, resistance to corrosion and wear, and protection against clogging. Over time, deposits or wear can alter spray quality or discharge characteristics, necessitating cleaning or replacement according to manufacturer guidelines.

See also: nozzle, orifice, spray nozzle.