OPTIMIZATION OF A PLAIN-JET AIRBLAST ATOMIZER

The relationship between the geometric proportions of a simple externa l-mixing plain-jet airblast atomizer and the characteristics of the ge nerated spray pattern has been investigated. The experimental conditio ns varied in the range of Re = 1236 to 3540, We = 65 to 595, and air/l iquid velocity ratio 15 to 110. The minimum Sauter mean diameter was o btained when the axial location of the liquid orifice is such that the air jet impinges the liquid jet at 45 degrees and the exposure length is maximal. The Sauter mean diameter is found to be proportional to ( V-f/V-a(3))(0.5) over the entire range of operational conditions (with in an error of +/-7.5%). The most uniform droplet distribution was obt ained when the axial location of the liquid orifice is such that the a ir jet impinges on the liquid jet at the orifice mouth with an impinge ment angle of 30 degrees.