Zerstäubungsverfahren

Zerstäubungsverfahren, also known as atomization processes, refers to a group of techniques used to break down a bulk liquid into a fine spray of droplets. This is achieved by imparting sufficient energy to the liquid to overcome its surface tension and cohesive forces. The resulting small droplets have a significantly increased surface area compared to the original liquid volume, which can be advantageous for various applications.

These processes are broadly categorized based on the energy source used for atomization. Mechanical atomization, for instance, utilizes pressure differences or centrifugal force to create the spray. Pressure nozzles, a common example, force liquid through a small orifice at high velocity, causing shear forces that break it apart. Rotary atomizers, on the other hand, spin a disc or cup at high speed, flinging the liquid outwards and disintegrating it into droplets.

Other methods include pneumatic atomization, where a high-velocity gas stream (like air) is used to shear and disperse the liquid. Thermal atomization employs heat to vaporize the liquid, followed by rapid condensation or mixing with a cooler medium, leading to droplet formation. Ultrasonic atomization uses high-frequency vibrations to create capillary waves on the liquid surface, which then break off as droplets.

The droplet size, distribution, and spray pattern generated by these methods are crucial parameters that depend on the specific process design, liquid properties (viscosity, surface tension), and operating conditions (pressure, flow rate, velocity). Zerstäubungsverfahren finds widespread use in industries such as combustion, agriculture (spraying pesticides and fertilizers), pharmaceutical manufacturing (inhalers), printing, and coating applications.