Electrospray characteristics of aqueous KCl solutions with various electrical conductivities

Abstract

In the present experimental study, the effects of electrical conductivity on electrospraying procedure are investigated. A metallic nozzle with 600 m ID as high voltage electrode and a stainless steel ring as a ground electrode were employed. Experiments were carried out in still room temperature. Four different aqueous KCl solutions were sprayed in various high voltages and flow rates. Results confirm that spraying modes changes with conductivity variation. For forming a cone shape, emerging from the nozzle, required applied electric field decreases with conductivity increasing. Results also revealed that conductivity of dispersed solution acts a main role on forming and elongation of the cones in electrospraying procedure. The size and velocity of emanated droplets are also investigated in order to gaining some insight to the electrospraying phenomenon.