ID 35

Air-Assisted Electrohydrodynamic Atomization of Dielectric Liquids

 

Abstract:

Charge injection technology enables the electrohydrodynamic primary atomization of a suite of dielectric (electrical insulators) liquids, such as mineral oils and blends, biofuels, and organic oils. This technique has been proven for single and multi-orifice atomizers and also for pulsed sprays. Here the impact of using air as an additional atomization method is investigated and is compared to sprays generated directly using the charge injection method, and also sprays (without charge) generated directly using air-assist methods.

The results show that the impact of charge on the air-assist atomization is disproportionate because of the effect of the liquid jet being expanded very shortly after it emerges from the nozzle. Secondary drop stability is also a factor, together with the absence of coalescence.