Parameterization of an Electro-Hydrodynamic Atomization Based Aerosol Generator

Electro-hydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique has promising applications in various technologies such as generation of thin films, synthesis of nanomaterials, medical inhalation therapy etc. Although fundamental principle of working is same, various governing parameters need to be adjusted for specific applications. This requires a detail understanding of the interdependency of the EHDA governing parameters for better use of this technology. In view of this, a detail study has been carried out on parametric characterization of an EHDA system, which uses blunt end capillary and ethylene glycol solution for aerosol generation. Experiments have been carried out for the instrument response with respect to current-voltage, current-flow rate and droplet size-voltage characteristics. Current-voltage characteristics show a step ladder pattern with a plateau for dripping, cone jet and multi-jet modes. Current-flow rate characteristics have shown a good agreement with the reported scaling law. It has also been observed that the droplet size is independent of the applied voltage whereas it increases with the flow rate in the stable cone jet mode. Size distribution studies have shown a good stability and reproducibility for longer duration of operation of EHDA.