What is an Atomiser?
An atomiser is a device that turns liquid into a fine spray.
Sprays are used in many areas like deodorants, engines, steel making, gardening, and firefighting.
Sprays can differ in:
Drop size: Small or large droplets.
Spray pattern: How the spray spreads over a surface.
Spray angle: The direction and spread of the spray.
Scientists measure droplet size using light scattering or statistics like the Relative Span Factor (RSF) — a low RSF means evenly sized droplets.
RSF denotes the distribution of drop sizes as a ratio of the size difference between the largest and smallest drops to the median size
How Does an Atomiser Work?
The basic idea: break liquid into small drops using pressure or force.
Simple atomisers push liquid from a wide channel into a narrow one, causing it to burst into a spray.
A notched tip makes a fan-shaped spray.
A ramp tip creates thin coatings (e.g., for insecticides).
Pressure-swirl atomisers swirl the liquid, letting it exit in a cone shape.
Advanced designs create very fine aerosols (tiny drops that stay in the air for hours):
Ultrasonic atomisers use vibration.
Air-assisted atomisers use compressed air to tear liquid into droplets.
Where Are Atomisers Used?
Industry:
Coolants and lubricants in power plants and machines.
Spray drying for making milk powder.
Fuel injectors in cars and planes.
Foam sprays for fire control.
Agriculture:
Spraying pesticides, fertilizers, and water on crops.
Medicine:
Nasal sprays, pain-relief sprays, antiseptics, and disinfectants.
Science & Environment:
Studying viruses like COVID-19 in aerosols.
Understanding how aerosols affect Earth’s climate.
Everyday Life:
Deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays, cooking oils, and glass cleaners.
COMMENTS