A pressure swirl atomizer includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and a plurality of tangential swirl channels and a pintle that is movable within a pintle bearing between a closed position that closes the exit orifice and an open position that opens the exit orifice. The atomizer also has a pole piece having a channel, and the pole piece and the pintle are separated by an air gap when the pintle is in the closed position. A space between the pintle and the pintle bearing, and the air gap form at least a part of a return path. Fluid from the tangential swirl channels drains through the return path when the pintle is in the closed position. To open the atomizer, a solenoid generates a magnetic force, attracting the pintle toward the pole piece into the open position. A check valve is disposed in the return path.