Premium
Drop‐size distributions from pneumatic atomizers
Author(s) -
Kim K. Y.,
Marshall W. R.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690170318
Subject(s) - nozzle , drop (telecommunication) , mechanics , wax , pressure drop , chemistry , volumetric flow rate , spray characteristics , materials science , thermodynamics , spray nozzle , composite material , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics
A study was made of the atomizing characteristics of convergent‐type pneumatic nozzles. Drop‐size correlations were obtained for the following ranges: drop size, 6 to 350 μ, mass median diameter; mass flow ratio, 0.06 to 40; relative velocity, 250 ft./sec. to sonic velocity; and viscosity. 1 to 50 cp. The technique employed was to spray cool a molten wax, and melts of wax‐polyethylene mixtures. The most important operating variables in pneumatic atomization are the dynamic force of the atomizing gas, and the mass flow ratio of air to liquid. The cumulative volume drop‐size distribution of spray from a pneumatic nozzle was fitted by a modified logistic equation. Empirical correlations developed in the study can be used to design nozzles or to predict drop size for sprays produced by the types of nozzles studied. In particular, this study provides new experimental data on the performance of pneumatic atomizers in producing relatively large drops.