ATOMIZER

A liquid may be broken up into small particles in a gas (an aerosol) by a variety of methods. One method used in medical nebulizers is to force the driving gas (propellant) through a small nozzle close to a supply of the liquid to be atomized. Droplets of the liquid are drawn into the stream of propellant by the Bernouilli effect where they may join a stream of low- pressure gas for delivery to the lungs or for humidification of the air in a room (fogging machine). The size of droplets may be reduced further if the stream of propellant and droplets impinges on an obstruction (anvil) or other spoiler.

The effect may be used for the humidification of anaesthetic gases, for environmental humidification or for atomizing local anaesthetic agents. The propellant may be provided from a high- pressure gas supply (e.g. aerosol can), or from a hand-squeezed bulb.

Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown.  See Title Page for more details