Reduced cavity module with interchangeable seat

A nozzle assembly (11) of a fluid dispensing apparatus (10) includes a dispensing valve (32) adjacent a discharge orifice (34). The dispensing valve (32) opens to permit the flow of adhesive therethrough and closes to terminate the flow of adhesive in response to respective first and second states of the valve operating module (14). The fluid dispensing apparatus (10) has a separable nozzle plate (102) that includes the dispensing valve seat (100) and the discharge orifice (34) and is coupled to a nozzle body (72) with a mounting cap (104). A secondary valve (146) is located upstream of the dispensing valve (32) and permits adhesive to flow therethrough in response to both of the first and second states of the valve operating module. However, as the mounting cap (104) and nozzle plate (102) are removed, the secondary valve (146) automatically engages its valve seat (94), thereby terminating the flow of adhesive while the nozzle plate (102) is removed from the valve body (16).