Electrically controlled generator of micron and submicron water aerosol

Abstract

A generator of micron and submicron water aerosol of combination (condensation and electrogasdynamic) type is described. In this generator, a steam-gas jet flowing via horizontal capillary from a container with supersaturated steam is subjected to the effect of corona discharge. Attention is called to the importance of taking into account the orientation of the capillary and position of the corona electrode relative to the steam-gas jet. It is found that the parameters of aerosol particles during the condensation of steam-gas jet significantly depend on the intensity of corona discharge. An explanation of observed phenomena is given within the assumption of competition between the forms of condensation in the steam-gas jet, namely, homogeneous condensation, heterogeneous condensation on ions of corona discharge, and heterogeneous condensation on water film fragments formed at the capillary exit section under the effect of electric field. The prevailing forms of condensation are determined in various modes of generator operation depending on the ambient temperature and the intensity of corona discharge.