Effect of a high-intensity ultrasonic field on fog droplets coagulation efficiency

Relevance. The urgent need to deal with fog for preventing limited visibility and creating improved meteorological conditions. Exposure to gas dispersed systems by mechanical vibrations of the ultrasonic frequency can be considered as the most effective way to deal with fog formation. However, the acoustic method has not found an industrial application for fog destruction mainly due to the lack of effective sources of acoustic exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to create emitters of higher power that provide a significantly greater range of radiation with a sound pressure level of at least 140 dB and study of their functionality. Aim. To determine the effectiveness of fog destruction through the use of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the developed ultrasonic emitters; identify the most promising design of ultrasonic equipment that ensures effective destruction of fogs in open areas. Objects. Combining fog droplets under high-intensity ultrasonic exposure using specially designed ultrasonic emitters for gas media of four types. Methods. Experimental method for studying fog droplets combination under the influence of ultrasonic vibrations and their gravitational deposition. To determine the aerosol (water content and disperse composition) characteristics, during experimental studies, the authors have used the TIPAS-1 meter based on the method of small-angle scattering and the method of spectral transparency. Results. The authors established and shown the effectiveness of ultrasonic effect on fogs, as well as the possibility of its use for fog destruction in an open area. All developed disc ultrasonic emitters are capable of forming a sound pressure level within 140... 145 dB at 22 +/- 2.0 kHz. The time of fog natural destruction in the aerosol chamber is reduced by up to 11.5 times. The results obtained demonstrate that it is necessary to use more powerful disc emitters, since they can significantly reduce the time of fog destruction and increase the volumes voiced at the same time. The minimum time for establishing the required metrological range of visibility is provided by means of a directional emitter with a stepped-variable surface, forming a flat wave.