The type of flow produced by a tap outlet can influence splash control, user comfort and the way water is delivered. Depending on the outlet design, water may be mixed with air, delivered as a smooth non-aerated stream, or divided into multiple streams or droplets. Understanding these differences can help when selecting an outlet for a particular application.
 

Aerated Flow

Aerated flow mixes air with water to create a soft, fuller-looking stream. The introduction of air gives the water a lighter, more comfortable feel while maintaining a consistent flow from the outlet. It can also help minimise splashing around the basin and provide a pleasant handwashing experience. Water efficiency will depend on the outlet design and specified flow rate.

Best suited to: General-purpose handwashing in commercial, residential and public washrooms where user comfort and splash control are important.
 

Laminar Flow

Laminar flow delivers a smooth, clear, non-aerated stream of water with minimal turbulence. Rather than mixing air into the water, the outlet creates a more uniform and controlled stream, helping to reduce splashing around the basin. This makes laminar flow particularly suited to environments where hygiene and controlled water delivery are important.

Best suited to: Healthcare facilities, hospitals, aged care environments and other hygiene-sensitive applications where a controlled, low-splash stream is preferred.
 

Multi-Stream Flow

Multi-stream incorporates two different flow types into a single aerator, allowing the user to select the flow pattern that best suits the task. The integrated switching function makes it easy to move between the two options, providing greater flexibility and functionality without the need to change the outlet.

Best suited to: Applications where different water flow patterns may be required for different washing or rinsing tasks.
 

Spray Flow

Spray flow disperses water into multiple smaller streams, creating a wider and more evenly distributed flow pattern. This increases the area covered by the water compared with a single concentrated stream, making it suitable for applications where broader coverage is beneficial.

Best suited to: Applications where broader water coverage is required for washing or rinsing.
 

Choosing the Right Flow Type

The appropriate outlet will depend on the application and environment. When specifying tapware, consider factors such as splash control, hygiene requirements, user comfort, water efficiency and the required flow rate, alongside the individual product specifications.

Galvin Engineering offers tapware and outlets with different flow types for a range of commercial, healthcare, aged care and public applications. Always refer to the relevant product specifications to determine the most appropriate outlet and flow characteristics for the application.