Two Different Atomization Methods of Atomizing Nozzles

Two Different Atomization Methods of Atomizing Nozzles

Atomizing nozzles are highly regarded by many users due to their excellent spray performance. While widely used, few are aware that atomizing nozzles employ two distinct spray methods: medium-induced atomization and mechanical atomization. Below, we explore these two atomization techniques:

I. Medium-Induced Atomization

Medium-induced atomization can be further divided into bubble atomization and pneumatic atomization, depending on the atomizing medium used.

1. Bubble Atomization

Bubble atomization offers advantages such as low gas consumption, high atomization quality, and insensitivity to outlet diameter effects. Consequently, it is commonly used for atomizing high-viscosity liquid fuels like heavy fuel oil and residual oil.

Principle: Compressed gas is injected into the liquid, forming a stable two-phase bubble flow in the nozzle’s mixing chamber. Within a short distance after exiting the nozzle, this bubble flow undergoes rapid expansion and rupture, breaking the surrounding liquid film into extremely fine mist particles.

2. Pneumatic Atomization

Pneumatic atomization achieves efficient atomization even at low oil supply pressures, maintains high atomization quality with high-viscosity fuels, and allows flexible adjustment over a wide range.

Principle: This method relies on high-speed airflow generated by pressurized gas, creating a significant relative velocity between the gas and fuel to achieve atomization.

II. Mechanical Atomization

Mechanical atomization utilizes high-speed jets generated by fuel under pressure differentials to achieve atomization. It can be categorized into three types: direct-impact, centrifugal, and rotary atomization.

Atomizing nozzles transform liquid fuel into exceptionally fine, uniformly sized mist particles, increasing the contact area between the fuel and combustion-supporting gas. This enhances evaporation and promotes more efficient combustion. The fineness of atomized particles is directly proportional to the completeness of combustion. Selecting high-quality atomizing nozzles is a critical pathway to improving efficiency and conserving energy.