Comparison of Spray Characteristics between Conventional and Electrostatic Pressure-Swirl Nozzles

Spray characteristics produced by conventional and electrostatic pressure-swirl nozzles for an oil burner have been studied, using kerosine as a test liquid. The charge injection mechanism is used to design the electrostatic nozzle, where specific charge density, breakup length, spray angle and mean diameter are measured and analyzed. Three nozzles with orifice diameters of 0.256, 0.308 and 0.333mm at injection pressures of 0.7, 0.9, 1.1 and 1.3 MPa are used in the study. In case of the electrostatic nozzle, voltages ranging from -5 to -12kV are applied. Comparison of the spray characteristics is made between the conventional and electrostatic nozzles. The results showed that, the electrostatic nozzle is superior to the conventional nozzle. This is due the effect of voltage on the liquid surface tension.