The generation of aerosols from various electrolyte solutions

Abstract

A series of electrolytes, CuSO 4, MnSO 4, ZnSO 4, CuCl 2, NaCl, and Th(NO 3) 4, were dispersed from 0.1 to 10.0 weight per cent solutions with a modified Dautrebande type aerosol generator. Log normal particle size distributions were obtained and varied with each electrolyte, as well as with solvents and solution concentrations up to 5.0–10.0 weight per cent. Relationships between particle sizes and number concentrations of aerosols nebulized from different solvents are influenced by the surface tensions of the solvents. Results of 1% solutions of CuCl 2 in water and methanol were in fair agreement with theoretical calculations. For a given dispersant concentration in aqueous solution, the concentration of electrolyte in the aerosol output and the mean volume diameters obtained from log normal particle size distributions increased approximately in the same order: Th(NO 3) 4, NaCl, CuCl 2, ZnSO 4, MnSO 4, CuSO 4. This is attributed to a variation of resistance to particle agglomeration by surface charges on the droplets of mist. Electrical field intensities at the external drop surface estimated from the method of Dukhin and Derjaguin are in qualitative agreement with this order of particle sizes. For a given electrolyte, the mean volume diameter increased with dispersant concentration in the following ranges: ▪