The Experts below are selected from a list of 678 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Jan Jedelsky - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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internal flow dynamics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2021Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Vladimir Ondracek, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract The sprays produced by spill-return pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly dependent on the nature of the internal fluid dynamics. Several spill-return atomizers were compared in terms of the spatial and temporal behaviour of the internal air-core, liquid sheet thickness and its perturbations. The only difference amongst the test configurations was the geometrical arrangement of the spill-line (SL) orifice through which the liquid was spilled away. The flow field inside the swirl chamber was examined using high-speed imaging with image post processing using an in-house Matlab code and three orthogonal velocity components acquired using Laser Doppler Anemometry. The dimensions of the production atomizers did not allow direct visualization of their internal flow, so a scaled, modular, transparent plexiglass model was used. Its flow characteristics were equivalent to the original atomizer. The refractive index of the atomizer body was matched to the test liquid using a solution of 1-Bromonaphthalene and kerosene fuel type JET A-1. The test conditions were derived from the original atomizer and were limited to inlet port Reynolds numbers, from 700 to 2000 and spill-to-feed ratios, SFR, from 0 to 0.75. An inviscid analysis, originally derived for Simplex atomizers, was modified and applied to the spill-return version. This approach allows a theoretical prediction of the discharge coefficient and air-core diameter dependent solely on SFR. An axially located SL orifice inhibits any internal air-core forming in the swirl chamber. Off-axial SL orifices generate and stabilize the air-core, which leads to the regular formation of a liquid sheet and a high-quality spray. Nevertheless, some configurations changed the breakup nature of the liquid sheet and consequently the spray quality. Moreover, the turn-down ratio of the liquid supply rate and spray stability depend on the distance of the SL orifices from the swirl chamber centreline. The flow energy losses increase with SFR. The outcomes from this analysis allow the optimization of the SL configuration for specific application and extend the classical inviscid analysis.
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effect of spill orifice geometry on spray and control characteristics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2019Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Jaroslav Katolicky, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract Many spray process technologies require variable liquid flow rates or droplet sizes. Frequently used Simplex atomizers, favoured for their simple construction, reliability and fine spray, have a limited regulation range due to their flow rate dependency on the square root of the inlet overpressure, pl. To overcome this drawback, spill-return versions of the atomizer were developed in the past but so far rarely investigated in depth. In this paper, small spill-return atomizers (SRAs) were designed and investigated experimentally using Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) and high-speed imaging with the aim to determine the effect of the spill orifice design, e.g. the positioning of the axial and off-axis spill orifices, their number and inclination on the control characteristics, nozzle efficiency and spray characteristics. Such detailed data were not to be found in the open literature. The off-axial spill orifice version produced a stable spray under all flow regimes investigated while the axially positioned spill orifice provided an unstable spray for low spill-to-feed ratios (SFR). However, the axially placed spill orifice was found to be more energy efficient as it required a lower spill flow rate to achieve the same injection flow rate. The radial position of the spill orifices affected the turndown ratio and liquid breakup nature. The atomizers with spill orifices placed close to the swirl chamber centreline generated a liquid sheet which disintegrated in short-wave breakup mode while the other atomizers demonstrated a long-wave breakup mode. This mode produced longer liquid breakup length and formed droplets with smaller Sauter mean diameters. Atomization efficiency was found to decrease linearly with SFR and almost inversely proportional to pl. These findings have produced practical guidelines and recommendations for atomizer designs to suit specific goals and are addressed to both atomizer designers and application engineers. The experimental data form a significant base to validate advanced numerical simulations of the SRA sprays.
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internal flow and air core dynamics in simplex and spill return pressure swirl atomizers
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2017Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Jan Jedelsky, Jaroslav Slama, Lada Janackova, Marcel Sapik, Graham WigleyAbstract:Abstract Spill-return (SR) atomizers enhance the construction of Simplex atomizers by addition of a passage in the rear wall of the swirl chamber through which the liquid can be spilled away. It allows to discharge the liquid always at a high pressure and to spray well over a wide flow rate range. The spray characteristics of pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly linked to the internal flow, and the air-core dynamics affect the spray stability. The SR atomizers are rarely investigated and their internal flow is not studied at all. Therefore, in this paper, the Simplex and SR atomizers with a central SR orifice were examined comparatively. Transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) models of both atomizers scaled 10:1 were manufactured for the visualization and velocity measurements of the flow inside the swirl chamber. The atomizers were examined by means of high-speed imaging, laser-Doppler anemometry and computational fluid dynamics tools. The experimental and numerical results were analysed and compared in terms of the spray cone angle (SCA), discharge coefficient (CD), and the morphology and temporal stability of the air core. The internal flow characteristics between the original and the model atomizer were matched using the Reynolds, Swirl and Froude numbers. The test conditions were limited to inlet Reynolds numbers from 750 to 1750. The results show that the addition of the spill passage strongly affects the internal flow even when the spill-line is closed. The air core in the Simplex atomizer is fully developed and stable for all flow regimes. The SR atomizer behaves differently; with the closed spill-line (spill-to-feed ratio, SFR = 0), the air core does not form at all; therefore, the spray is unstable. The reason is that the liquid, contained in the spill-line, is drained back into the swirl chamber due to a recirculation zone found inside the spill-line. Increasing the SFR stabilizes the internal flow, and the spray becomes stable if SFR > 0.15. The air core begins to form for SFR > 0.4. The results suggest that the axially positioned spill orifice is inappropriate and its placing off-axis would improve the spray stability. The results of the 2D numerical simulation matched closely with the experiments in terms of SCA, CD, velocity profiles, and air core morphology which proved its prediction capabilities.
Milan Malý - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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internal flow dynamics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2021Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Vladimir Ondracek, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract The sprays produced by spill-return pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly dependent on the nature of the internal fluid dynamics. Several spill-return atomizers were compared in terms of the spatial and temporal behaviour of the internal air-core, liquid sheet thickness and its perturbations. The only difference amongst the test configurations was the geometrical arrangement of the spill-line (SL) orifice through which the liquid was spilled away. The flow field inside the swirl chamber was examined using high-speed imaging with image post processing using an in-house Matlab code and three orthogonal velocity components acquired using Laser Doppler Anemometry. The dimensions of the production atomizers did not allow direct visualization of their internal flow, so a scaled, modular, transparent plexiglass model was used. Its flow characteristics were equivalent to the original atomizer. The refractive index of the atomizer body was matched to the test liquid using a solution of 1-Bromonaphthalene and kerosene fuel type JET A-1. The test conditions were derived from the original atomizer and were limited to inlet port Reynolds numbers, from 700 to 2000 and spill-to-feed ratios, SFR, from 0 to 0.75. An inviscid analysis, originally derived for Simplex atomizers, was modified and applied to the spill-return version. This approach allows a theoretical prediction of the discharge coefficient and air-core diameter dependent solely on SFR. An axially located SL orifice inhibits any internal air-core forming in the swirl chamber. Off-axial SL orifices generate and stabilize the air-core, which leads to the regular formation of a liquid sheet and a high-quality spray. Nevertheless, some configurations changed the breakup nature of the liquid sheet and consequently the spray quality. Moreover, the turn-down ratio of the liquid supply rate and spray stability depend on the distance of the SL orifices from the swirl chamber centreline. The flow energy losses increase with SFR. The outcomes from this analysis allow the optimization of the SL configuration for specific application and extend the classical inviscid analysis.
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effect of spill orifice geometry on spray and control characteristics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2019Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Jaroslav Katolicky, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract Many spray process technologies require variable liquid flow rates or droplet sizes. Frequently used Simplex atomizers, favoured for their simple construction, reliability and fine spray, have a limited regulation range due to their flow rate dependency on the square root of the inlet overpressure, pl. To overcome this drawback, spill-return versions of the atomizer were developed in the past but so far rarely investigated in depth. In this paper, small spill-return atomizers (SRAs) were designed and investigated experimentally using Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) and high-speed imaging with the aim to determine the effect of the spill orifice design, e.g. the positioning of the axial and off-axis spill orifices, their number and inclination on the control characteristics, nozzle efficiency and spray characteristics. Such detailed data were not to be found in the open literature. The off-axial spill orifice version produced a stable spray under all flow regimes investigated while the axially positioned spill orifice provided an unstable spray for low spill-to-feed ratios (SFR). However, the axially placed spill orifice was found to be more energy efficient as it required a lower spill flow rate to achieve the same injection flow rate. The radial position of the spill orifices affected the turndown ratio and liquid breakup nature. The atomizers with spill orifices placed close to the swirl chamber centreline generated a liquid sheet which disintegrated in short-wave breakup mode while the other atomizers demonstrated a long-wave breakup mode. This mode produced longer liquid breakup length and formed droplets with smaller Sauter mean diameters. Atomization efficiency was found to decrease linearly with SFR and almost inversely proportional to pl. These findings have produced practical guidelines and recommendations for atomizer designs to suit specific goals and are addressed to both atomizer designers and application engineers. The experimental data form a significant base to validate advanced numerical simulations of the SRA sprays.
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internal flow and air core dynamics in simplex and spill return pressure swirl atomizers
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2017Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Jan Jedelsky, Jaroslav Slama, Lada Janackova, Marcel Sapik, Graham WigleyAbstract:Abstract Spill-return (SR) atomizers enhance the construction of Simplex atomizers by addition of a passage in the rear wall of the swirl chamber through which the liquid can be spilled away. It allows to discharge the liquid always at a high pressure and to spray well over a wide flow rate range. The spray characteristics of pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly linked to the internal flow, and the air-core dynamics affect the spray stability. The SR atomizers are rarely investigated and their internal flow is not studied at all. Therefore, in this paper, the Simplex and SR atomizers with a central SR orifice were examined comparatively. Transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) models of both atomizers scaled 10:1 were manufactured for the visualization and velocity measurements of the flow inside the swirl chamber. The atomizers were examined by means of high-speed imaging, laser-Doppler anemometry and computational fluid dynamics tools. The experimental and numerical results were analysed and compared in terms of the spray cone angle (SCA), discharge coefficient (CD), and the morphology and temporal stability of the air core. The internal flow characteristics between the original and the model atomizer were matched using the Reynolds, Swirl and Froude numbers. The test conditions were limited to inlet Reynolds numbers from 750 to 1750. The results show that the addition of the spill passage strongly affects the internal flow even when the spill-line is closed. The air core in the Simplex atomizer is fully developed and stable for all flow regimes. The SR atomizer behaves differently; with the closed spill-line (spill-to-feed ratio, SFR = 0), the air core does not form at all; therefore, the spray is unstable. The reason is that the liquid, contained in the spill-line, is drained back into the swirl chamber due to a recirculation zone found inside the spill-line. Increasing the SFR stabilizes the internal flow, and the spray becomes stable if SFR > 0.15. The air core begins to form for SFR > 0.4. The results suggest that the axially positioned spill orifice is inappropriate and its placing off-axis would improve the spray stability. The results of the 2D numerical simulation matched closely with the experiments in terms of SCA, CD, velocity profiles, and air core morphology which proved its prediction capabilities.
Graham Wigley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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internal flow dynamics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2021Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Vladimir Ondracek, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract The sprays produced by spill-return pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly dependent on the nature of the internal fluid dynamics. Several spill-return atomizers were compared in terms of the spatial and temporal behaviour of the internal air-core, liquid sheet thickness and its perturbations. The only difference amongst the test configurations was the geometrical arrangement of the spill-line (SL) orifice through which the liquid was spilled away. The flow field inside the swirl chamber was examined using high-speed imaging with image post processing using an in-house Matlab code and three orthogonal velocity components acquired using Laser Doppler Anemometry. The dimensions of the production atomizers did not allow direct visualization of their internal flow, so a scaled, modular, transparent plexiglass model was used. Its flow characteristics were equivalent to the original atomizer. The refractive index of the atomizer body was matched to the test liquid using a solution of 1-Bromonaphthalene and kerosene fuel type JET A-1. The test conditions were derived from the original atomizer and were limited to inlet port Reynolds numbers, from 700 to 2000 and spill-to-feed ratios, SFR, from 0 to 0.75. An inviscid analysis, originally derived for Simplex atomizers, was modified and applied to the spill-return version. This approach allows a theoretical prediction of the discharge coefficient and air-core diameter dependent solely on SFR. An axially located SL orifice inhibits any internal air-core forming in the swirl chamber. Off-axial SL orifices generate and stabilize the air-core, which leads to the regular formation of a liquid sheet and a high-quality spray. Nevertheless, some configurations changed the breakup nature of the liquid sheet and consequently the spray quality. Moreover, the turn-down ratio of the liquid supply rate and spray stability depend on the distance of the SL orifices from the swirl chamber centreline. The flow energy losses increase with SFR. The outcomes from this analysis allow the optimization of the SL configuration for specific application and extend the classical inviscid analysis.
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effect of spill orifice geometry on spray and control characteristics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2019Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Jaroslav Katolicky, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract Many spray process technologies require variable liquid flow rates or droplet sizes. Frequently used Simplex atomizers, favoured for their simple construction, reliability and fine spray, have a limited regulation range due to their flow rate dependency on the square root of the inlet overpressure, pl. To overcome this drawback, spill-return versions of the atomizer were developed in the past but so far rarely investigated in depth. In this paper, small spill-return atomizers (SRAs) were designed and investigated experimentally using Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) and high-speed imaging with the aim to determine the effect of the spill orifice design, e.g. the positioning of the axial and off-axis spill orifices, their number and inclination on the control characteristics, nozzle efficiency and spray characteristics. Such detailed data were not to be found in the open literature. The off-axial spill orifice version produced a stable spray under all flow regimes investigated while the axially positioned spill orifice provided an unstable spray for low spill-to-feed ratios (SFR). However, the axially placed spill orifice was found to be more energy efficient as it required a lower spill flow rate to achieve the same injection flow rate. The radial position of the spill orifices affected the turndown ratio and liquid breakup nature. The atomizers with spill orifices placed close to the swirl chamber centreline generated a liquid sheet which disintegrated in short-wave breakup mode while the other atomizers demonstrated a long-wave breakup mode. This mode produced longer liquid breakup length and formed droplets with smaller Sauter mean diameters. Atomization efficiency was found to decrease linearly with SFR and almost inversely proportional to pl. These findings have produced practical guidelines and recommendations for atomizer designs to suit specific goals and are addressed to both atomizer designers and application engineers. The experimental data form a significant base to validate advanced numerical simulations of the SRA sprays.
-
internal flow and air core dynamics in simplex and spill return pressure swirl atomizers
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2017Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Jan Jedelsky, Jaroslav Slama, Lada Janackova, Marcel Sapik, Graham WigleyAbstract:Abstract Spill-return (SR) atomizers enhance the construction of Simplex atomizers by addition of a passage in the rear wall of the swirl chamber through which the liquid can be spilled away. It allows to discharge the liquid always at a high pressure and to spray well over a wide flow rate range. The spray characteristics of pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly linked to the internal flow, and the air-core dynamics affect the spray stability. The SR atomizers are rarely investigated and their internal flow is not studied at all. Therefore, in this paper, the Simplex and SR atomizers with a central SR orifice were examined comparatively. Transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) models of both atomizers scaled 10:1 were manufactured for the visualization and velocity measurements of the flow inside the swirl chamber. The atomizers were examined by means of high-speed imaging, laser-Doppler anemometry and computational fluid dynamics tools. The experimental and numerical results were analysed and compared in terms of the spray cone angle (SCA), discharge coefficient (CD), and the morphology and temporal stability of the air core. The internal flow characteristics between the original and the model atomizer were matched using the Reynolds, Swirl and Froude numbers. The test conditions were limited to inlet Reynolds numbers from 750 to 1750. The results show that the addition of the spill passage strongly affects the internal flow even when the spill-line is closed. The air core in the Simplex atomizer is fully developed and stable for all flow regimes. The SR atomizer behaves differently; with the closed spill-line (spill-to-feed ratio, SFR = 0), the air core does not form at all; therefore, the spray is unstable. The reason is that the liquid, contained in the spill-line, is drained back into the swirl chamber due to a recirculation zone found inside the spill-line. Increasing the SFR stabilizes the internal flow, and the spray becomes stable if SFR > 0.15. The air core begins to form for SFR > 0.4. The results suggest that the axially positioned spill orifice is inappropriate and its placing off-axis would improve the spray stability. The results of the 2D numerical simulation matched closely with the experiments in terms of SCA, CD, velocity profiles, and air core morphology which proved its prediction capabilities.
Marcel Sapik - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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internal flow dynamics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2021Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Vladimir Ondracek, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract The sprays produced by spill-return pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly dependent on the nature of the internal fluid dynamics. Several spill-return atomizers were compared in terms of the spatial and temporal behaviour of the internal air-core, liquid sheet thickness and its perturbations. The only difference amongst the test configurations was the geometrical arrangement of the spill-line (SL) orifice through which the liquid was spilled away. The flow field inside the swirl chamber was examined using high-speed imaging with image post processing using an in-house Matlab code and three orthogonal velocity components acquired using Laser Doppler Anemometry. The dimensions of the production atomizers did not allow direct visualization of their internal flow, so a scaled, modular, transparent plexiglass model was used. Its flow characteristics were equivalent to the original atomizer. The refractive index of the atomizer body was matched to the test liquid using a solution of 1-Bromonaphthalene and kerosene fuel type JET A-1. The test conditions were derived from the original atomizer and were limited to inlet port Reynolds numbers, from 700 to 2000 and spill-to-feed ratios, SFR, from 0 to 0.75. An inviscid analysis, originally derived for Simplex atomizers, was modified and applied to the spill-return version. This approach allows a theoretical prediction of the discharge coefficient and air-core diameter dependent solely on SFR. An axially located SL orifice inhibits any internal air-core forming in the swirl chamber. Off-axial SL orifices generate and stabilize the air-core, which leads to the regular formation of a liquid sheet and a high-quality spray. Nevertheless, some configurations changed the breakup nature of the liquid sheet and consequently the spray quality. Moreover, the turn-down ratio of the liquid supply rate and spray stability depend on the distance of the SL orifices from the swirl chamber centreline. The flow energy losses increase with SFR. The outcomes from this analysis allow the optimization of the SL configuration for specific application and extend the classical inviscid analysis.
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effect of spill orifice geometry on spray and control characteristics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2019Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Jaroslav Katolicky, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract Many spray process technologies require variable liquid flow rates or droplet sizes. Frequently used Simplex atomizers, favoured for their simple construction, reliability and fine spray, have a limited regulation range due to their flow rate dependency on the square root of the inlet overpressure, pl. To overcome this drawback, spill-return versions of the atomizer were developed in the past but so far rarely investigated in depth. In this paper, small spill-return atomizers (SRAs) were designed and investigated experimentally using Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) and high-speed imaging with the aim to determine the effect of the spill orifice design, e.g. the positioning of the axial and off-axis spill orifices, their number and inclination on the control characteristics, nozzle efficiency and spray characteristics. Such detailed data were not to be found in the open literature. The off-axial spill orifice version produced a stable spray under all flow regimes investigated while the axially positioned spill orifice provided an unstable spray for low spill-to-feed ratios (SFR). However, the axially placed spill orifice was found to be more energy efficient as it required a lower spill flow rate to achieve the same injection flow rate. The radial position of the spill orifices affected the turndown ratio and liquid breakup nature. The atomizers with spill orifices placed close to the swirl chamber centreline generated a liquid sheet which disintegrated in short-wave breakup mode while the other atomizers demonstrated a long-wave breakup mode. This mode produced longer liquid breakup length and formed droplets with smaller Sauter mean diameters. Atomization efficiency was found to decrease linearly with SFR and almost inversely proportional to pl. These findings have produced practical guidelines and recommendations for atomizer designs to suit specific goals and are addressed to both atomizer designers and application engineers. The experimental data form a significant base to validate advanced numerical simulations of the SRA sprays.
-
internal flow and air core dynamics in simplex and spill return pressure swirl atomizers
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2017Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Jan Jedelsky, Jaroslav Slama, Lada Janackova, Marcel Sapik, Graham WigleyAbstract:Abstract Spill-return (SR) atomizers enhance the construction of Simplex atomizers by addition of a passage in the rear wall of the swirl chamber through which the liquid can be spilled away. It allows to discharge the liquid always at a high pressure and to spray well over a wide flow rate range. The spray characteristics of pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly linked to the internal flow, and the air-core dynamics affect the spray stability. The SR atomizers are rarely investigated and their internal flow is not studied at all. Therefore, in this paper, the Simplex and SR atomizers with a central SR orifice were examined comparatively. Transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) models of both atomizers scaled 10:1 were manufactured for the visualization and velocity measurements of the flow inside the swirl chamber. The atomizers were examined by means of high-speed imaging, laser-Doppler anemometry and computational fluid dynamics tools. The experimental and numerical results were analysed and compared in terms of the spray cone angle (SCA), discharge coefficient (CD), and the morphology and temporal stability of the air core. The internal flow characteristics between the original and the model atomizer were matched using the Reynolds, Swirl and Froude numbers. The test conditions were limited to inlet Reynolds numbers from 750 to 1750. The results show that the addition of the spill passage strongly affects the internal flow even when the spill-line is closed. The air core in the Simplex atomizer is fully developed and stable for all flow regimes. The SR atomizer behaves differently; with the closed spill-line (spill-to-feed ratio, SFR = 0), the air core does not form at all; therefore, the spray is unstable. The reason is that the liquid, contained in the spill-line, is drained back into the swirl chamber due to a recirculation zone found inside the spill-line. Increasing the SFR stabilizes the internal flow, and the spray becomes stable if SFR > 0.15. The air core begins to form for SFR > 0.4. The results suggest that the axially positioned spill orifice is inappropriate and its placing off-axis would improve the spray stability. The results of the 2D numerical simulation matched closely with the experiments in terms of SCA, CD, velocity profiles, and air core morphology which proved its prediction capabilities.
Ondřej Cejpek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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internal flow dynamics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2021Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Vladimir Ondracek, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract The sprays produced by spill-return pressure-swirl atomizers are strongly dependent on the nature of the internal fluid dynamics. Several spill-return atomizers were compared in terms of the spatial and temporal behaviour of the internal air-core, liquid sheet thickness and its perturbations. The only difference amongst the test configurations was the geometrical arrangement of the spill-line (SL) orifice through which the liquid was spilled away. The flow field inside the swirl chamber was examined using high-speed imaging with image post processing using an in-house Matlab code and three orthogonal velocity components acquired using Laser Doppler Anemometry. The dimensions of the production atomizers did not allow direct visualization of their internal flow, so a scaled, modular, transparent plexiglass model was used. Its flow characteristics were equivalent to the original atomizer. The refractive index of the atomizer body was matched to the test liquid using a solution of 1-Bromonaphthalene and kerosene fuel type JET A-1. The test conditions were derived from the original atomizer and were limited to inlet port Reynolds numbers, from 700 to 2000 and spill-to-feed ratios, SFR, from 0 to 0.75. An inviscid analysis, originally derived for Simplex atomizers, was modified and applied to the spill-return version. This approach allows a theoretical prediction of the discharge coefficient and air-core diameter dependent solely on SFR. An axially located SL orifice inhibits any internal air-core forming in the swirl chamber. Off-axial SL orifices generate and stabilize the air-core, which leads to the regular formation of a liquid sheet and a high-quality spray. Nevertheless, some configurations changed the breakup nature of the liquid sheet and consequently the spray quality. Moreover, the turn-down ratio of the liquid supply rate and spray stability depend on the distance of the SL orifices from the swirl chamber centreline. The flow energy losses increase with SFR. The outcomes from this analysis allow the optimization of the SL configuration for specific application and extend the classical inviscid analysis.
-
effect of spill orifice geometry on spray and control characteristics of spill return pressure swirl atomizers
Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2019Co-Authors: Milan Malý, Ondřej Cejpek, Marcel Sapik, Graham Wigley, Jaroslav Katolicky, Jan JedelskyAbstract:Abstract Many spray process technologies require variable liquid flow rates or droplet sizes. Frequently used Simplex atomizers, favoured for their simple construction, reliability and fine spray, have a limited regulation range due to their flow rate dependency on the square root of the inlet overpressure, pl. To overcome this drawback, spill-return versions of the atomizer were developed in the past but so far rarely investigated in depth. In this paper, small spill-return atomizers (SRAs) were designed and investigated experimentally using Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) and high-speed imaging with the aim to determine the effect of the spill orifice design, e.g. the positioning of the axial and off-axis spill orifices, their number and inclination on the control characteristics, nozzle efficiency and spray characteristics. Such detailed data were not to be found in the open literature. The off-axial spill orifice version produced a stable spray under all flow regimes investigated while the axially positioned spill orifice provided an unstable spray for low spill-to-feed ratios (SFR). However, the axially placed spill orifice was found to be more energy efficient as it required a lower spill flow rate to achieve the same injection flow rate. The radial position of the spill orifices affected the turndown ratio and liquid breakup nature. The atomizers with spill orifices placed close to the swirl chamber centreline generated a liquid sheet which disintegrated in short-wave breakup mode while the other atomizers demonstrated a long-wave breakup mode. This mode produced longer liquid breakup length and formed droplets with smaller Sauter mean diameters. Atomization efficiency was found to decrease linearly with SFR and almost inversely proportional to pl. These findings have produced practical guidelines and recommendations for atomizer designs to suit specific goals and are addressed to both atomizer designers and application engineers. The experimental data form a significant base to validate advanced numerical simulations of the SRA sprays.
