Micronozzle Atomizer for Fluid Deposition

A micronozzle air-blast atomizer that is constructed in a laminate microchannel architecture for a variety of coating applications

Background
Numerous industries utilize spray nozzles to disperse atomized fluids for paint finishes, performance coatings, adhesives, chemical reactors, and fuel-air injected engines. Conventional spray nozzles are expensive to manufacture, and limited by size, nozzle density, and droplet control. Innovations in microfluidic devices are improving fluid flow, performance, operation efficiency, and manufacturing costs. Engineered micronozzles provide precise droplet control required for efficient surface coating and high performance mixing in reactors such as fuel-air injected engines. Efficient reactor mixing reduces reagent waste, sample size, and improves reaction kinetics. High density micronozzle arrays operate at low pressure differentials, eliminate the use of bulky pumps, and can be incorporated into drones, robots, and small portable devices.

Technology Description
Researchers at Oregon State University developed micronozzle airblast atomizers constructed in a laminate microchannel architecture. The micronozzle uses air curtains to precisely confine and deliver an array of droplets to a deposition surface or fluid. Microfluidic control valves provide discrete droplet flow to increase the precision of coating area and thickness. Micromixers provide immediate mixing prior to dispersion and enables the use of new rapid reacting reagents. Micronozzle laminates are scalable and can be custom manufactured into large annular or parallel arrangements to treat considerable surface areas with a single pass. The design of laminate arrays enables easy assembly, inspection, cleaning, replacement, and low manufacturing costs.