Electrification of aerosol particles in supersonic atomizers

Factors limiting charge-to-mass ratio achievable for induction-charged aerosol produced in supersonic atomizers are discussed. Experimental investigations performed using supersonic atomizers fitted with de Laval nozzle and concentric induction electrode have demonstrated moderately low electrification levels obtained in case of elevated flow rate of liquid being atomized. It was shown that low charging degree is associated with occurrence of shielding effect. A simplified model of conducting liquid charging process was worked out for the case of atomized liquid cone shielded by an "umbrella" of droplets. Manifestation of the shielding phenomenon and regularities arising from the assumed model has been confirmed experimentally.