Effect of different atomization methods of spray dryer on product particle size and distribution
The atomization method of spray dryer is one of the key factors affecting the particle size and distribution of the final product. Different atomization methods will produce droplets of different sizes and distributions, which in turn affect the characteristics of the powder particles after drying.
Common atomization methods and their effects
Pressure atomization:
Principle: The liquid is ejected through the nozzle by high pressure, and droplets are formed under the collision with the air.
Features: The droplet particle size distribution is narrow, but it is sensitive to the viscosity of the liquid. High-viscosity liquids are not easy to atomize.
Impact: Suitable for liquids with low viscosity. The obtained powder particle size is relatively uniform, but the material of the equipment and the design of the nozzle are required to be high.
Rotary atomization:
Principle: The liquid is thrown out through a high-speed rotating disc or cone to form a thin film, which is broken into droplets under the action of centrifugal force.
Features: Good atomization effect, strong adaptability to the viscosity of the liquid, and can handle high-viscosity liquids.
Impact: The droplet particle size distribution is wide, but it can be controlled by adjusting the rotation speed and feed amount.
Airflow atomization:
Principle: High-speed airflow collides with liquid jet to break the liquid into droplets.
Features: Good atomization effect, strong adaptability to liquid viscosity, and can handle high-viscosity liquids.
Impact: The droplet size distribution is wide, and larger droplets are easy to produce.
Ultrasonic atomization:
Principle: High-frequency vibration is used to generate cavitation bubbles, and the liquid is broken into droplets when the cavitation bubbles burst.
Features: The droplet size is extremely fine and evenly distributed.
Impact: Suitable for small-scale production, high cost, and high requirements for liquid purity.
Summary of the impact of atomization methods on product particle size and distribution
Atomization particle size: Different atomization methods produce different droplet sizes, which in turn affects the particle size of the final powder. Generally speaking, pressure atomization produces smaller droplet sizes, while airflow atomization produces larger droplet sizes.
Particle size distribution: The atomization method will also affect the particle size distribution of the powder. The powder particle size distribution produced by pressure atomization is narrower, while the powder particle size distribution produced by airflow atomization is wider.
Other influencing factors: In addition to the atomization method, factors such as liquid viscosity, surface tension, solid content, temperature and flow rate of the drying medium will also affect the particle size and distribution of the final product.
Choose the right atomization method
Choosing the right atomization method requires comprehensive consideration of the following factors:
Material properties: Liquid viscosity, surface tension, solid content, etc.
Product requirements: Required particle size, particle size distribution, fluidity, etc.
Production scale: Ultrasonic atomization can be selected for small-scale production, and pressure atomization or rotary atomization can be selected for large-scale production.
Equipment cost: The equipment cost of different atomization methods is different.