What Is an Atomizer?
An atomizer is a device that releases atomized water.
Ultrasonic waves and heating are used to transform water into atomized water, which is then released into the space. Applications include space humidification, sterilization, deodorization, and stage effects. The ultrasonic type is often used for sterilization and deodorization.
In the past, they were often used for humidification and sterilization, but recently they have also been used for stage productions. The illumination of the fog increases its luminosity, making it effective for stage effects. There are various types of atomizers, from floor-mounted types to desk-mounted types.
Uses of Atomizers
Atomizers are often used to humidify, sanitize, and deodorize spaces. They are also used in stage productions, etc., but the most common uses are as follows:
1. Space Humidification
In winter, the air becomes dry because of the drop in humidity. Dry air causes rough skin, and an increased susceptibility to colds. Humidification is used to prevent dryness and maintain a comfortable space.
2. Sterilization and Deodorization
Bacteria and viruses exist in the air. Bacterial growth leads to the generation of odors, and viral growth leads to the deterioration of health. Spraying a liquid solution corresponding to disinfection and deodorization is effective in spreading throughout the space.
Atomizers are also used in all industrial fields. From cooling heating elements, to preventing static electricity from humidification, to preventing drying at sites where water-based substances are used, atomizers are used for a variety of purposes.
Principle of Atomizers
Atomizers function by atomizing a liquid and then will release it from the device. Atomization can be done by ultrasonic waves or heating, and the atomization mechanism differs depending on the method, but there are two main methods.
1. Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the liquid to produce an atomized object. The surface tension of the liquid is involved in the generation. The frequency of the transducer generally used is 2.4 MHz. By changing this frequency, the particle size of the generated mist can be varied.
2. Heating Type
This method uses the fact that when the temperature of a substance is not high, the molecules remain motionless and fixed, but as the temperature rises, molecular motion becomes more intense. Above the boiling point, molecules move apart and become gas. The vaporized molecules are released into space in atomized form due to the effect of surface tension, which reduces their surface area.
Structure of Atomizers
An atomizer using the ultrasonic method consists of a transducer that vibrates the liquid and an oscillation base that makes the transducer vibrate. Some atomizers have a horn attached to the end of the transducer for efficient atomization.
To maintain the proper relationship between the liquid level and the height of the horn, a set of floats to adjust the liquid level is generally used. A fan to release the mist into the space and a tank to supply the liquid are also often integrated.
Types of Atomizers
The tank is often integrated with the atomizer. Since the size of the atomizer depends on the size of the tank, it tends to be inevitably large enough to atomize a large amount of liquid.
Various types can be selected according to the purpose, such as those that can be pumped from outside the liquid to be atomized and those that can be thrown directly into the liquid tank.
How to Choose an Atomizer
When using an atomizer, check its atomizing capacity depending on your purpose. Larger atomizing capacity is necessary for larger spaces, while larger capacity is not necessary for smaller spaces.
If you will be using the device continuously for a short period, it is not necessary, but if you will be using it for a long period, it is safer to use a device with an intermittent function. For example, an aroma diffuser for home use would be used in a small private room such as a bedroom or study, while a larger atomizing capacity and liquid tank would be needed for aroma atomization in a large store.
Other Information About Atomizers
About Surface Tension
Surface tension is the force at the boundary (interface) between a liquid and a gas that forces the liquid molecules to reduce their surface area as much as possible. In a liquid, intermolecular forces act between molecules to keep the distance between them constant. When molecules move to the gas side, the intermolecular force does not work and they are unstable. In order to resolve the unstable state, the force acts to reduce the surface area as much as possible, and the molecules change into particle form.