Injectors

Injectors are devices designed to introduce a substance into another medium or system. They are used in many contexts to meter, atomize, or deliver a controlled flow, often under pressure. Common domains include automotive engineering, medicine, and industrial processes, where timing, dosage, and spray characteristics affect performance and safety.

In automotive engineering, fuel injectors atomize liquid fuel and deliver it into the intake port or directly into the combustion chamber. They are controlled by the engine control unit and can be port-fuel or direct-injection types. Modern systems use high pressure, electronically actuated (solenoid or piezoelectric) injectors and multi-hole nozzles. The objective is precise metering, proper spray pattern, and reduced emissions. Maintenance concerns include clogging, leaks, and wear on seals.

Medical injectors include syringes and needles used for manual injections, auto-injectors that deliver a pre-set dose without drawing up medication, and insulin pens. Some devices deliver drugs via high-velocity jets (jet injectors) or other needle-free methods. Key considerations include sterility, dose accuracy, patient safety, and ease of use.

Other examples include steam injectors used in boiler feedwater systems, which entrain water with a jet of steam to raise pressure, as well as agricultural or culinary injectors for introducing marinades, brines, or flavors. Across sectors, injectors are designed to deliver substances in a controlled, repeatable fashion.