ID 131

On the effects of atomization gas density with dual-fluid nozzles

 

Abstract:

Dual-fluid nozzles, which use a gas to assist in the atomization of a fluid, are a primary nozzle type used in many applications to achieve improved atomization. Air is the most widely used gas n a dual-fluid nozzle due to its abundance and being freely available. However, the use of alternative gases to promote liquid break is advantageous in processes that may fail with the addition of air, or where other gases are freely available and may be preheated or less susceptible to process fouling. In this study, air as well as other gases (Nitrogen, Helium, and Steam) are used with standard air-assisted spray nozzles, and the resulting spray characteristics are investigated through detailed Phase Doppler Interferometry measurements. Measurements with air provide a useful baseline, while nitrogen and helium provide lower-density candidates. Furthermore, experiments with steam, a high-energy ‘gas’ which is freely available in many gas conditioning applications, are investigated. The results of this work demonstrate how varying the gas density effects the drop size distributions as well as other spray characteristics of interest, and facilitates the efficient and effective use of alternate atomization gases with dual-fluid nozzles.