Modelling and Analysis of the Effect of Process and Geometry Parameters on Multiphase Flow Formation in ACLR Atomizers

The atomization of liquids into droplets is an essential process operation that is used in different industrial processes to promote heat and mass transfer. Usually for applications such as surface coating, combustion technology, or spray drying. The various models of atomizers differ mainly in: the atomization energy source, the form of energy transfer into the liquid, and the range of solid contents and viscosities in the liquid feed that can be handled.
The Air-Core-Liquid-Ring (ACLR) atomization is an innovative internal-mixing pneumatic atomization technique, suitable for energy-efficient spray drying because of its ability to handle highly viscous liquid feeds with high solid contents. The ACLR nozzle forms an annular flow with a pressurized gas core surrounded by a thin liquid falling film, which forms a cone and breaks up into droplets, when the flow leaves the nozzle and the gas expands.