sprühkammer

A Sprühkammer, often translated as a spray chamber or nebulizer chamber, is a device used to convert a liquid into a fine mist or aerosol. This process is fundamental in various scientific and medical applications where controlled delivery or dispersion of a liquid is required. In laboratory settings, spray chambers are commonly employed in analytical instruments like inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometers. Here, they ensure that liquid samples are efficiently aerosolized before being introduced into the plasma, allowing for accurate elemental analysis.

In medicine, particularly in respiratory therapy, a specific type of spray chamber known as a spacer is used in conjunction with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). The spacer holds the medication aerosol after it is released from the MDI, allowing it to slow down and form larger droplets. This significantly improves the delivery of medication to the lungs, reducing the amount that impacts the back of the throat. Without a spacer, patients, especially children or those with poor inhaler technique, may not receive the full dose of their medication.

The design of a spray chamber can vary depending on its intended use. Some are simple open chambers, while others incorporate baffles or impact surfaces to optimize droplet size and efficiency. The principle of operation generally involves passing a gas stream through or over the liquid, causing atomization. The resulting aerosol can then be collected, directed for analysis, or inhaled by a patient. The effectiveness of a spray chamber is often measured by the size distribution of the generated droplets and the overall efficiency of liquid conversion.