The dynamics of a spray refers to the bulk qualities of the spray as well as the behavior of the individual droplets within the spray envelope. It includes such characteristics as:

• droplet size

• droplet velocity

• droplet direction of travel

• fluid flux density

• droplet impact

• spray stability

Quantitative evaluations of particle and spray droplet dynamics are performed primarily using the laser phase Doppler particle analyzer.

Simultaneous measurements of the particle diameter and velocity are based on the Doppler shift of the laser light reflected [and/or refracted] from the moving particle. The instrument can accommodate particle diameters from 0.5 µm to over 10,000 µm, particle velocities up to 500 m/sec and concentrations to 1x10⁶ particles/cm^3.

The liquid distribution within the spray envelope is measured with one of our several patternators. Gross spray impact is measured with a load cell-based impact instrument fitted with a variable-area impact target.

Each of the above instruments is mounted on a 4 m. x 3 m. [12' x 10'] computer-controlled X-Y traverser, which allows rapid high-resolution mappings of the spray dynamics along any desired path through the spray envelope. 

Time-resolved variations in the more general spray behavior can be documented with either of our two high speed video systems. These can provide up to 46 minutes of recording at 200 fps and up to 30 seconds at 6000 fps.

Our low-speed wind tunnel/process duct section and pressure spray chamber extend atomizer performance evaluations into regimes more closely approximating those encountered in actual industrial processes.