Development of a nozzleless electrostatic atomization equipment for the mass production of encapsulated oil powders in the liquid phase

Abstract

As a simplistic concept, needle electrodes to generate atomization in the liquid phase were increased for forming multiple Taylor cones. Numerical simulations using a Poisson equation were performed to optimize the distance between the needle electrodes. The simulation results revealed that the distance between the needle electrodes affected the formation of the Taylor cone, and that the stabilization of the Taylor cone required a distance of over 30 mm between electrodes. The experimental results similarly showed the stabilization of Taylor cones by a distance of 30 mm between electrodes. Multiple Taylor cones stabilized via electrostatic atomization were applied to produce encapsulated oil powders. The increase in the number of electrodes enabled the mass production of encapsulated oil powders via nozzleless electrostatic atomization. This technology may allow the formation of oil powders with functional particles. Practical Applications Electrostatic atomization in the liquid phase is an attractive process for obtaining spherical particles; however, this technique affords a low level of production of the generated particles. The present study aimed to develop a device for the mass production of encapsulated oil powders using nozzleless electrostatic atomization. Numerical simulations were used to design the device for electrostatic atomization for mass production. Multiple Taylor cones may allow the mass production of encapsulated oil powders.