High-Performance Acousto-Hydraulic method for generating fine aerosols for air and surface disinfection

Abstract

Liquid atomization is utilized across various industrial applications, including nanopowder production, spray drying, fuel combustion, coating applications, emulsion preparation, and in medical devices. The use of ultrasonic energy for atomization offers advantages in terms of environmental sustainability compared to other methods. Notably, ultrasonic atomization can achieve finer dispersion with a narrow droplet size distribution at relatively low energy consumption, which is crucial for certain technological applications. One significant application of fine liquid atomization technology is in the disinfection of air and surfaces. The development of efficient and eco-friendly methods for air and surface disinfection has become particularly relevant in light of the spread of dangerous infections, such as the coronavirus. However, ultrasonic liquid atomization is characterized by low flow rate, limiting its applicability. The creation of a combined method that integrates the benefits of both ultrasonic and hydraulic atomization could enhance process efficiency while maintaining high droplet fineness. This study investigates the physical processes involved in cavitation-based aerosol formation and describes the design of an acousto-hydraulic atomizer for implementing the proposed combined atomization method. Theoretical and experimental analyses identified the critical conditions for the transition to the optimal spray mode and key characteristics of atomization. It was found that the simultaneous application of ultrasound and hydraulic pressure enables the production of fine sprays (with a minimum droplet diameters up to 45 µm) at high flow rates (10 ml/s or more). The study demonstrates that the new acousto-hydraulic atomization method can generate a disinfectant aerosol cloud at high speeds. This work highlights the method’s significant potential for sanitary measures, conducted with safety requirements in mind, thereby contributing to the preservation and improvement of public health globally.