Experimental Study of a Hybrid Electrohydrodynamic, Air-Assisted Liquid Atomizer 2002-01-2754

Narrow size distributions, small droplets, the possibility of secondary atomization through electrostatic disruption, and enhanced dispersion from electrostatic forces are features of electrohydrodynamic atomization, which could increase atomization quality in spray combustion systems, thereby boosting their efficiency and performance. Unlike commercial atomizers currently used in combustion systems, electrospray devices carry the potential to produce these advantages with exceedingly low input energy. Studies have shown, however, that the droplet sizes produced by electrosprays increase with flowrate. In order to maintain high electrospray performance at high flow rates, a hybrid electrospray, air-assist nozzle has been developed, which combines the two atomization techniques and demonstrates high energy efficiency and good spray control. The results show that, for increasing liquid throughput, droplet sizes can be reduced with additional airflow, where the electrical input reduces the amount of required air.