Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Pollution-Free Aerosol Dispenser
EPA Contract Number: 68D99045Title: 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: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
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., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, particulate matter, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, VOCs, Technology for Sustainable Environment, indoor air, New/Innovative technologies, tropospheric ozone, Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, aerosol formation, ambient aerosol, air pollutants, hydrocarbon, indoor VOC compounds, stratospheric ozone, ozone depletion, ozone, air pollution, ozone depleting chemicals, hydrocarbons, aerosol dispenser, innovative technology, global warming, indoor air quality, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), innovative technologies, air emissions, pollution prevention, aerosol production, air qualityThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.