Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Pollution-Free Aerosol Dispenser

EPA Contract Number: 68D99045
Title: Pollution-Free Aerosol Dispenser
Investigators:
Small Business: EnUrga Inc.
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through March 1, 2000
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1999) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Description:

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project involved a feasibility study for a new type of consumer aerosol dispenser that seeks to eliminate the volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents and hydrocarbon (HC) propellants used in many commercial sprays. The two distinguishing features of the dispenser are: (1) application of ligament controlled effervescent atomization for producing very small droplets independent of the fluid viscosity, and (2) a micro-laminated nozzle to control both the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) and the distribution of drop sizes. These two features allows for the elimination (reduction in certain applications) of VOC carrier liquids and HC propellants in conventional aerosol dispensers.

The technical objective of the Phase I work was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining a narrow drop size distribution under transient conditions using effervescent atomization in conjunction with a micro-machined nozzle. The two Phase I tasks were to fabricate the effervescent atomizer with a micro-machined nozzle insert and to evaluate its performance under transient conditions.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

An effervescent atomizer with four different micro-machined nozzles was fabricated and evaluated during the Phase I work. A spray evaluation rig capable of transient performance was also designed and fabricated at the same time. An Optical Patternator and a Particle Size Analyzer were used to evaluate the performance of the atomizer with the four nozzles.

Two of the four nozzles provided excellent performance characteristics that are ideal for consumer sprays. The micro-machined nozzles provided a significantly narrow distribution than conventional nozzles for effervescent atomization. This narrow distribution is a direct result of effective ligament size control. The quality of the spray was maintained during transient operation of the nozzles. Effervescent atomization is insensitive to the viscosity of the fluid. Therefore, the technique can be directly incorporated for a wide range of consumer products.

Conclusions:

The three key results of the Phase I project are: (1) utilization of a micro-machined nozzle in an effervescent atomizer provides an excellent drop size distribution; (2) the transient performance of the atomizer is identical to its steady state performance; and (3) the drop sizes obtained are ideally suited for consumer applications. These three results have fully confirmed the feasibility of developing a pollution free aerosol dispenser.

Supplemental Keywords:

Pollution Free Aerosol Dispenser, Paint Spray Dispenser, VOC Free Dispenser, Air Propelled Dispenser., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, particulate matter, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, tropospheric ozone, indoor air, VOCs, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, New/Innovative technologies, aerosols, air quality, hydrocarbons, indoor air quality, ambient aerosol, pollution prevention, stratospheric ozone, hydrocarbon, aerosol production, global warming, innovative technologies, air emissions, aerosol formation, indoor VOC compounds, aerosol dispenser, air pollutants, ozone, ozone depleting chemicals, air pollution, innovative technology, ozone depletion