Ultrasonic sedimentation of superfine aerosol

Abstract

Relevance of the work is caused by the need of sedimentation of industrial and technogenic dusts and smokes. The main aim of research is theoretical and experimental study of sedimentation of superfine aerosols with a typical particle size, about micrometers, under the influence of acoustic field for particle sedimentation acceleration. The acoustic field imposing results in particle coagulation acceleration, besides, the sound radiation downward pressure accelerates aerosol gravitational sedimentation. Introduction of a superfine additional phase increases sedimentation speed because of growth of coagulation center number. The methods used in the study: physical and mathematical modeling. The mathematical model is based on Smolukhovsky equation, describing dynamics in changing distribution function of aerosol particles by size considering ultrasonic influence, evaporation (for liquidly-drop aerosols) and sedimentation. Sunflower oil was used as a substance of a model aerosol; dispersion and concentration of aerosol particles were measured by optical methods. The results: theoretical and experimental study of disperse parameters and speed of sedimentation showed the efficiency of application of acoustic field and additional disperse phase for aerosol sedimentation.

Keywords

• aerosol coagulation
• ultrasonic influence
• two-phase aerosol
• evaporation of droplets
• particle size distribution function