What could be a consequence of an incorrectly sized nozzle in an oil burner?

An incorrectly sized nozzle in an oil burner can lead to flame instability and poor combustion. When the nozzle is either too large or too small for the burner’s design specifications, the oil spray pattern and droplet size can be affected. This results in incomplete combustion or a combustion process that is not optimal for the system, which can manifest as a flickering flame, excessive smoke, or soot production.

Flame instability occurs because an improper nozzle size does not atomize the fuel correctly, leading to uneven fuel-air mixing. Poor combustion not only reduces the system's overall efficiency but can also contribute to increased emissions and potential damage to the burner over time. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the correct nozzle size to ensure effective operation, maintain efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.