Abstract

Sprays are widely used in many industrial processes. In more recent years, the subject of liquid atomization has developed from a position of minor importance into a broad and significant technology. This article summarizes information and covers such topics as liquid atomizers, physics of atomization, spray characterization, instrumentation, and industrial applications. Atomizers have been summarized according to their sources of energy, distinct design features, and applications. Discussion of the physics of atomization is divided into three different regimes: internal flow, liquid breakup, and droplet dispersion. Spray characterization focuses on the explanation of common spray parameters, typical spray dynamic structures, effect of variables, and correlation techniques. Because of its important role, spray instrumentation is also discussed, along with an overview of representative optical and nonoptical techniques. Specific examples of industrial spray applications are cited and general comments are made regarding the methods selection of liquid atomizers and concerns related to their operation.