Vannsprut

Vannsprut is a spray or pattern of fine droplets of water suspended in air, produced by atomization, impact, or rapid expansion of water. In Norwegian, the term covers both natural phenomena such as sea spray generated by breaking waves and geyser plumes, and engineered sprays produced by equipment such as nozzles, pumps, and sprinklers. The etymology is straightforward: vann means water and sprut means spray or splash.

Engineered vannsprut is generated by forcing water through openings that create fragmentation into droplets, typically via nozzle design and pressure. Common forms include mist or fog with very small droplets, spray jets with larger droplets, and decorative or aerated fountain sprays. The resulting spray characteristics—droplet size, reach, and distribution—depend on nozzle type, pressure, and ambient conditions such as wind and humidity.

Natural vannsprut occurs when water is ejected into air by wind on breaking waves, by thermal vents, geysers, or volcanic activity. Sea spray can contribute to coastal weather and transport salts over considerable distances, while geyser sprays can form ephemeral plumes visible from some distance.

Applications and implications: In firefighting, water sprays are used for cooling and smoke suppression. In agriculture and horticulture, misting and sprinkler systems regulate humidity and temperature. In industry, spray cooling, cleaning, and coating processes rely on controlled vannsprut. Environmental considerations include evaporation losses, drift, and potential erosion or mineral deposition from salts.

See also: mist, sea spray, fountain, spray nozzle, irrigation.