Project

• Advanced energy-efficient modifications of twin-fluid atomizer

Description

Twin-fluid atomizers with internal mixing are favored for their high spray quality, energy efficiency, and ability to atomize high-viscosity liquids. Inside the atomizer, the liquid is mixed with an atomizing gas, which forms bubbles within the liquid. As this mixture exits the atomizer, the gas expands, breaking-up the liquid and creating a very fine spray. Most research teams focus on applications of these atomizers for combusting liquid fuels, including highly viscous waste oils, where small droplets and the polydisperse nature of the spray are typically advantageous. However, for certain applications, such as CO₂ capture in spray columns, this type of spray is unsuitable due to the high amount of small droplets carried away by surrounding airflow.

Our research focuses on exploring new internal geometry modifications in the nozzle, such as the application of bubble breakers, collision and multi-hole exit configurations. Our experimental methods allow us to study the formation of internal two-phase flow and correlate them with the breakup structure of the liquid and spray parameters. Advanced optical and laser-based diagnostic tool are used, along with refractive index matching technique to minimize measurement errors The goal is to reduce the droplet size distribution and increase the nozzle’s energy efficiency. Based on the research findings, the spray formation process from the optimized atomizer will be studied in cross-flow and counter-flow setups in a wind tunnel to simulate real application conditions.

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Contakt

prof. Ing. Jan Jedelský, Ph.D.
Energy Institute, FME BUT
e-mail: jedelsky@fme.vutbr.cz
tel.: +420 541 143 266