The breakup and spray formation of swirl liquid jets with respect to the instant emulsification of heavy fuel oil and water were experimentally investigated. The effects of the degree of emulsion and flashing on the macro- and microscopic spray parameters were measured optically in terms of the rotor speed, mixture ratio, and nozzle exit temperature. Enhanced emulsification and flashing improved the spray characteristics. The effect of flashing on the Sauter mean diameter of the spray decreased as the degree of emulsion increased. However, when flashing occurred, the effect of instant emulsification was small because of the blades in the emulsion chamber and filter prior to the nozzle inlet, which served as a static mixer.