Luftassistert

Luftassistert is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to describe processes or devices in which air is used to assist the handling, atomization, or deposition of a liquid. In spray technology, luftassistert refers to systems where compressed air is used in conjunction with the liquid stream to aid atomization, influence droplet size, and shape the spray pattern. The air stream can improve control over the spray and can reduce liquid consumption for the same coverage compared with non-air-assisted methods.

Applications of luftassistert techniques include agriculture and coatings. In agriculture, luftassistert spraying uses an air stream to carry droplets toward the target, reducing drift and improving deposition on leaf surfaces, especially in tall crops or dense canopies. In industrial coatings and painting, air-assisted atomization blends a liquid jet with an air jet to produce finer droplets, enhancing transfer efficiency and finish quality. The approach is used in automotive refinishing, wood coatings, and some printing processes.

Equipment and operation commonly involve a spray nozzle paired with an air supply. Operators adjust air pressure, nozzle settings, and liquid flow to tailor droplet size and spray pattern for the specific application. Advantages of luftassistert systems can include better coverage, greater deposition efficiency, and reduced off-target drift, while drawbacks may include higher equipment costs, increased energy use, and the need for regular maintenance and calibration.

See also: air-assisted spray, air-atomization, spray nozzle.