(19)
(11) EP 3 081 310 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
19.10.2016 Bulletin 2016/42

(21) Application number: 16164893.6

(22) Date of filing: 12.04.2016
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B05B 7/00(2006.01)
 F25C 3/04(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
MA MD

(30) Priority: 13.04.2015 BE 201505234

(71) Applicant: Technisch Bureau VanBelle N.V.
8550 Zwevegem (BE)

(72) Inventor:
  • SAVIC, Mirko
    8930 Lauwe (BE)

(74) Representative: Vanhalst, Koen et al
De Clercq & Partners cvba E. Gevaertdreef 10a
9830 Sint-Martens-Latem
9830 Sint-Martens-Latem (BE)

   


(54) WATER ATOMIZER WITH CONCAVE-CONVEX NOZZLE


(57) This invention relates to water atomizers. More specifically, this invention relates to water atomizers which comprise a tubular nozzle with inlet and outlet. This invention further relates to a mobile unit which comprises a water atomizer, an energy source, a water pump, and a water tank. In addition, this invention relates to a method for the atomization of water.




Description

TECHNICAL FIELD



[0001] This invention relates to water atomizers. More specifically, this invention relates to water atomizers which comprise a tubular nozzle with inlet and outlet. This invention further relates to a mobile unit which comprises a water atomizer, an energy source, a water pump and a water tank. This invention further relates to a method for the atomization of water.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



[0002] In the prior art, water atomizers are used in different fields of application. Thus water atomizers are used, for example, for dust control, for odour control, for the mass cooling of crowds of people, for mist generation for aesthetic purposes, and for the making of snow.

[0003] However, water atomizers according to the prior art are currently relatively energy inefficient. In particular, water atomizers according to the prior art fail or struggle to accelerate an air stream comprising liquid droplets to high speed, this with very low energy consumption.

[0004] There is thus a need for energy-efficient water atomizers which are flexibly usable.

[0005] The present invention provides a solution for one or more of the abovementioned challenges.

SUMMARY



[0006] In most embodiments, the present invention comprises a water atomizer which comprises a tubular nozzle (100) having an inlet (110) and an outlet (120), wherein
  • a fan is positioned at the inlet (110);
  • one or more atomizing heads are positioned at the outlet (120);
  • the nozzle (100) comprises a convergent portion (200) at the inlet (110); and
  • the nozzle (100) comprises a divergent portion (300) at the outlet (120); characterized in that:
  • the diameter of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) reduces by 21 to 31%, preferably by 24 to 28%, more preferably by 25.5 to 26.5% with respect to the inlet;
  • the diameter of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) increases by 19 to 29%, preferably by 22 to 26%, more preferably by 23.5 to 24.5% with respect to the smallest diameter of the convergent portion.


[0007] In some embodiments, the nozzle (100) is characterized in that:
  • the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is made up of three sections (210, 220, 230);
  • the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is made up of three sections (310, 320, 330);
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the first section (210) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by 5.0-20%, preferably by 7.5 to 15%, more preferably by approximately 10% with respect to the inlet:
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the second section (220) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.50%, more preferably less than 0.25% with respect to the first convergent section;
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the third section (230) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by 10 to 30%, preferably by 15 to 25%, more preferably by approximately 20% with respect to the second convergent section;
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the first section (310) of the divergent portion (300) increases by 6 to 24%, preferably by 9 to 18%, more preferably by approximately 12% with respect to the smallest diameter of the convergent portion;
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the second section (320) of the divergent portion (300) increases by less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.50%, more preferably less than 0.25% with respect to the first divergent section; and
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the third section (330) of the divergent portion increases by 11 to 33%, preferably by 16 to 28%, more preferably by approximately 22% with respect to the second divergent section.


[0008] In some embodiments, the nozzle (100) is characterized in that
  • the length of the first section (210) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 5.0-10% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100);
  • the length of the second section (220) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 20.0-40.0% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100); and
  • the length of the third section (230) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 50%-75% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100).


[0009] In some embodiments, the nozzle (100) is characterized in that
  • the length of the first section (310) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 80-90% of the total length of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100);
  • the length of the second section (320) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 5-10% of the total length of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100); and
  • the length of the third section (330) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 1 % to 5% of the total length of the nozzle (100).


[0010] In some embodiments, the inlet (110) has a diameter of 6.0·102 to 8.0·102 mm, preferably 7.0·102 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the nozzle (100) is characterized in that the nozzle (100) comprises a seamless sleeve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the seamless sleeve is produced from a polymer such as, for example, polyester.

[0013] In some embodiments, the water atomizer is rotatably fastened on a stand.

[0014] In some embodiments, the one or more atomizing heads at the outlet (120) of the water atomizer comprise 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 40, and ideally 20 to 30 atomizing heads.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fan is an axial fan.

[0016] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a mobile unit (500) which comprises a water atomizer according to the present invention, and wherein the mobile unit further comprises an energy source, a water pump, and a water tank; wherein
  • the energy source is configured to drive the fan and the water pump;
  • the water tank is operationally connected to the one or more atomizing heads; and
  • the water pump is configured to pump water from the water tank to the one or more atomizing heads.


[0017] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a method for atomizing water with the aid of a water atomizer according to the present invention and/or with the aid of a mobile unit (500) according to the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following step: the aiming of the water atomizer towards a target.

[0018] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to the present invention, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to the present invention, for the containment of odour control.

[0019] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to the present invention, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to the present invention, for the wetting of bulk goods.

[0020] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a water atomizer according to the present invention, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to the present invention, for the mass cooling of a crowd of people.

[0021] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to the present invention, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to the present invention, for the production of snow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES



[0022] 

Figure 1 shows a nozzle (100) according to one of the embodiments described herein.

Figure 2 shows a mobile unit (200) according to one of the embodiments described herein.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION



[0023] As further used in this text, the singular forms "a", "the", embrace both the singular and the plural form unless the context is clearly otherwise.

[0024] The terms "comprise", "comprises" as further used are synonymous with "inclusive of", "include" or "contain", "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not preclude additional, unnamed members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprise", "comprises" are inclusive of the term "contain".

[0025] The listing of numerical values on the basis of ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions within these ranges, as well as the cited end points.

[0026] The term "approximately" or "about", as used when reference is made to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a time period, and so on, is intended to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and yet more preferably +/-0.1 % or less, from and starting from the specified value, insofar as the variations are applicable in order to function in the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se has also been disclosed.

[0027] All documents cited in the present specification are fully included herein by means of reference.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms disclosed in the invention, inclusive of technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as normally understood by a person skilled in the art. As a further guideline, definitions are included for further explanation of terms which are used in the description of the invention.

[0029] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a water atomizer which comprises a nozzle (100). Preferably, the nozzle (100) is tubular and the nozzle (100) comprises an inlet (110) and an outlet (120). A fan is preferably positioned at the inlet (110) of the nozzle (100), and preferably one or more atomizing heads are positioned at the outlet (120). The nozzle (100) preferably comprises a convergent portion (200) at the inlet (110) and a divergent portion (300) at the outlet (120). Preferably, the diameter of the nozzle (100) of the convergent portion reduces by 21 to 31 %, more preferably by 24 to 28%, and ideally by 25.5 to 26.5%. Furthermore, the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the divergent portion (300) preferably increases by 19 to 29%, more preferably by 22 to 26%, and ideally by 23.5 to 24.5%. A water atomizer of this type allows the very efficient atomization of water.

[0030] Aspect 1. In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a water atomizer which comprises a tubular nozzle (100) having an inlet (110) and an outlet (120), wherein
  • a fan is positioned at the inlet (110),
  • one or more atomizing heads are positioned at the outlet (120);
  • the nozzle (100) comprises a convergent portion (200) at the inlet (110); and
  • the nozzle (100) comprises a divergent portion (300) at the outlet (120);
characterized in that:
  • the diameter of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) reduces by 21 to 31%, preferably by 24 to 28%, more preferably by 25.5 to 26.5%;
  • the diameter of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) increases by 19 to 29%, preferably by 22 to 26%, more preferably by 23.5 to 24.5%.


[0031] As a result of this specific shape of the water atomizer, a mist can be dispersed over a large surface area with low energy consumption. Without the invention being in any way limited to theory, it is assumed that water atomizers having a nozzle (100) of this specific shape can accelerate an air stream to a higher outlet velocity than similar water atomizers having nozzles of differing shape. A nozzle of differing shape can be, for example, a cylindrical nozzle. Preferably, the water atomizer is configured such that an air stream flows firstly through the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100), and then through the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100).

[0032] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a water atomizer which comprises a tubular nozzle (100) having an inlet (110) and an outlet (120), wherein a fan is positioned at the inlet (110); one or more atomizing heads are positioned at the outlet (120); the nozzle (100) comprises a convergent portion (200) at the inlet (110); and the nozzle (100) comprises a divergent portion (300) at the outlet (120).

[0033] Preferably, the diameter of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) reduces by 21 to 31 %, preferably by 24 to 28%, more preferably by 25.5 to 26.5%.

[0034] Preferably, the diameter of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) increases by 19 to 29%, preferably by 22 to 26%, more preferably by 23.5 to 24.5%.

[0035] Preferably, the velocity of the air stream is subsonic through the nozzle (100). This can result in less sound nuisance in the operation of the water atomizer. Given subsonic air stream through the nozzle (100), the air accelerates in the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100). Subsequently, the velocity of the air falls in the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle. The pressure of the subsonic air stream falls in the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100), and subsequently rises in the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100).

[0036] The term "water atomizer" as used herein refers to a tool for generating a mist which comprises micro raindrops in air. Water atomizers according to the present invention can be used, for example, for the control of dust; the micro raindrops which can be generated by the water atomizer can improve the agglomeration of dust. Agglomerated dust particles fall under the influence of gravitational force, which leads to their removal from the air.

[0037] The term "micro raindrops" as used herein refers to water droplets having a diameter of 50 to 150 µm.

[0038] The term "air" such as used herein refers to a gas mixture which comprises 70-80% nitrogen, 20-25% oxygen, 0-5% water, and 0-5% other gases.

[0039] The term "atomization" as used herein refers to the suspension of micro raindrops in air.

[0040] The term "mist" as used herein refers to a suspension of micro raindrops in air.

[0041] The term "atomizing head" as used herein refers to a tool for the atomization of a water stream into micro raindrops.

[0042] The term "tubular" as used herein refers to an elongate, hollow structure.

[0043] The term "nozzle" (100) as used herein refers to a structure for the direction of a gas stream.

[0044] The term "inlet" (110) as used herein refers to that part of the nozzle (100) where an air stream flows into the nozzle (100).

[0045] The term "outlet" (120) as used herein refers to that part of the nozzle (100) where the air stream flows out of the nozzle (100).

[0046] The term "fan" as used herein refers to a tool for the acceleration of a gas or gas mixture such as air. Preferably, a fan comprises a plurality of rotating turbine blades or vanes. Preferably, the fan is contained in a housing which comprises, for example, gas thread. A housing which comprises gas thread can prevent objects from making their way between the rotating turbine blades or vanes, which can improve the safety of water atomizers.

[0047] The term "convergent" as used herein refers to a characteristic of a nozzle (100), or to a characteristic of a section of a nozzle (100); wherein the diameter of the nozzle (100), or of the section of the nozzle, in normal use reduces in the direction of the gas stream through the nozzle (100).

[0048] The term "divergent" as used herein refers to a characteristic of a nozzle (100), or to a characteristic of a section of a nozzle (100); wherein the diameter of the nozzle (100), or of the section of the nozzle (100), in normal use increases in the direction of the gas stream through the nozzle (100).

[0049] The term "diameter" as used herein refers to the radial dimension of a nozzle (100). In normal use, the diameter of the nozzle (100) of a water atomizer is the dimension of the nozzle (100) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a gas stream through the nozzle (100).

[0050] Aspect 2. In a second aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to aspect 1, characterized in that:
  • the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle is made up of three sections (210, 220, 230);
  • the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is made up of three sections (310, 320, 330);
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the first section (210) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by 5.0-20%, preferably by 7.5 to 15%, more preferably by approximately 10%:
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the second section (220) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.50%, more preferably less than 0.25%;
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the third section (230) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by 10 to 30%, preferably by 15 to 25%, more preferably by approximately 20%;
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the first section (310) of the divergent portion (300) increases by 6 to 24%, preferably by 9 to 18%, more preferably by approximately 12%;
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the second section (320) of the divergent portion (300) increases by less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.50%, more preferably less than 0.25%; and
  • the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the third section (330) of the divergent portion (300) increases by 11 to 33%, preferably by 16 to 28%, more preferably by approximately 22%.


[0051] Water atomizers having these dimensions can bring a mist very efficiently, from great distance, to a target.

[0052] The term "target" as used herein refers to an object or a place at which or in which a mist is applied with the aid of a water atomizer.

[0053] Aspect 3. In a third aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 or 2, characterized in that:
  • the length of the first section (210) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 5.0-10% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100);
  • the length of the second section (220) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 20.0-40.0% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100); and
  • the length of the third section (230) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 50%-75% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100).


[0054] Water atomizers having these dimensions can bring a mist very efficiently, and from great distance, to a target.

[0055] The term "length" as used herein refers to the dimension of a section of a nozzle in the direction according to the axis of the nozzle. In normal use, the length is the dimension in the direction of gas stream through the nozzle.

[0056] Aspect 4. In a fourth aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that:
  • the length of the first section (310) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle is 80-90% of the total length of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100);
  • the length of the second section (320) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle is 5-10% of the total length of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100); and
  • the length of the third section (330) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 1 % to 5% of the total length of the nozzle (100).


[0057] Water atomizers having these dimensions can bring a mist very efficiently, and from great distance, to a target.

[0058] Aspect 5. In a fifth aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that the inlet (110) has a diameter of 6.0·102 to 8.0·102 mm, preferably 7.0·102 mm.

[0059] Water atomizers having these dimensions can bring a mist very efficiently, and from great distance, to a target.

[0060] The diameter of the nozzle (100) at the inlet (110) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is, for example, 693.3 mm.

[0061] Aspect 6. In a sixth aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 5, characterized in that the nozzle (100) comprises a seamless sleeve.

[0062] Water atomizers comprising nozzles (100) having seamless sleeves can bring a mist very efficiently, and from great distance, to a target. Without the invention being in any way restricted to theory, it is assumed that this is related to the lower air resistance of water atomizers comprising nozzles having seamless sleeves in comparison with similar water atomizers whose sleeve does comprise a seam.

[0063] The term "sleeve" as used herein refers to the wall of a nozzle (100).

[0064] The term "seam" as used herein refers to a linear structure in the sleeve of a nozzle (100), which structure is the result of the bonding together of two ends of a laminar material to form the nozzle (100). The two ends of the laminar material are bonded together, for example, by means of welding.

[0065] The term "seamless" refers to a characteristic of a nozzle (100), wherein the nozzle (100) has no seam.

[0066] Aspect 7. In a seventh aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to aspect 6, characterized in that the seamless sleeve is produced from a polymer, such as, for example, polyester.

[0067] In some embodiments, the seamless sleeve is produced from a thermosetting polymer chosen from the list comprising epoxy resins, and polyesters, preferably polyesters.

[0068] In some embodiments, the seamless sleeve is produced from a thermoplastic plastic chosen from the list comprising: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC). Preferably, the sleeve is produced from polyester. Polyesters can have favourable mechanical properties, such as good stiffness and good strength. Furthermore, nozzles produced from polyesters can have a very smooth surface, which can minimize the air resistance of a nozzle.

[0069] Preferably, the sleeve is produced with the aid of a female die.

[0070] Aspect 8. In an eighth aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that the water atomizer is rotatably fastened on a stand.

[0071] In this way, the orientation of the water atomizer can be efficiently adapted.

[0072] The term "rotatably" as used herein refers to a degree of freedom of movement which allows movement around a rotational axis.

[0073] The term "stand" as used herein refers to a tool which is configured to be anchored, whether or not reversibly, to a water atomizer. A stand can be, for example, a rack for fitting on a wall structure. Alternatively, a stand can be, for example, a cart, which allows the efficient displacement of a water atomizer.

[0074] Aspect 9. In a ninth aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that the one or more atomizing heads at the outlet (110) of the water atomizer comprise 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 40, and ideally 20 to 30 atomizing heads.

[0075] In this way, water atomizers can bring a mist very efficiently, and from great distance, to a target.

[0076] Furthermore, the number of spray heads can be chosen on the basis of a balance between water consumption of the water atomizer and the need for dust control. Thus more spray heads, for example, can give an optimal balance between water consumption and dust control when there is a very large amount of dust. On the other hand, less spray heads, for example, can give an optimal balance between water consumption and dust control when there is little dust. 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 40, and ideally 20 to 30 atomizing heads can give a good balance between dust control and water consumption for current applications.

[0077] Aspect 10. In a tenth aspect, the present invention comprises the water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that the fan is an axial fan.

[0078] In this way, water atomizers can bring a mist very efficiently, and from great distance, to a target. Furthermore, axial fans can be compact, which can help in the provision of water atomizers which do not occupy much space.

[0079] The term "axial fan" as used herein refers to a compressor wherein the vanes or turbine blades of the fan, in normal use, rotate around a rotation axis, and wherein the vanes or turbine blades guide air in a direction which is parallel with the rotation axis around which the vanes or turbine blades of the fan rotate.

[0080] Aspect 11. In an eleventh aspect, the present invention comprises a mobile unit (500) which comprises a water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 10, and wherein the mobile unit (500) further comprises an energy source, a water pump, and a water tank; wherein
  • the energy source is configured to drive the fan and the water pump;
  • the water tank is operationally connected to the one or more atomizing heads; and
  • the water pump is configured to pump water from the water tank to the one or more atomizing heads.


[0081] In this way, water atomizers can be transported efficiently.

[0082] Aspect 12. In a twelfth aspect, the present invention comprises a method for atomizing water with the aid of a water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 10 and/or with the aid of a mobile unit (500) according to aspect 11, wherein the method comprises the following step: the aiming of the water atomizer towards a target.

[0083] This allows the efficient operation of water atomizers.

[0084] Aspect 13. In a thirteenth aspect, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 10 and/or a mobile unit (500) according to aspect 11, for the containment of odour control.

[0085] These water atomizers allow very efficient odour control.

[0086] The term "odour control" refers to the elimination or reduction of odour-related nuisance.

[0087] Aspect 14. In a fourteenth aspect, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 10, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to aspect 11, for the wetting of bulk goods.

[0088] These water atomizers allow very efficient wetting of bulk goods. Dust-like bulk goods can thus be prevented from being blown around in the wind.

[0089] Aspect 15. In a fifteenth aspect, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 10, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to aspect 11, for the mass cooling of a crowd of people.

[0090] These water atomizers allow the very efficient mass cooling of crowds of people.

[0091] Aspect 16. In a sixteenth aspect, the present invention comprises the use of a water atomizer according to one of aspects 1 to 10, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to aspect 11, for the production of snow.

[0092] These water atomizers allow the very efficient making of snow.

[0093] The term "snow" as used herein refers to water crystals, preferably aggregates of water crystals. In some embodiments, the water crystals or aggregates of water crystals can have a volume of 0.10 to 5.0 cm3, preferably 0.20 to 2.5 cm3, and ideally approximately 1.0 cm3. The term "aggregate of water crystals" as used herein refers to two or more water crystals which are anchored to one another.

[0094] Preferably, water atomizers and/or mobile units which are used for the production of snow comprise an air compressor, an air ring, and cooled water.

EXAMPLES



[0095] By way of example, we refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a nozzle (100). The nozzle (100) is approximately rotationally symmetrical around an axis of symmetry (130). The nozzle (100) comprises an inlet (110) and an outlet (120). Close to the inlet, the nozzle comprises a convergent portion (200). Close to the outlet, the nozzle comprises a divergent portion (300). The convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) comprises a first section of the convergent portion (210), a second section of the convergent portion (220), and a third section of the convergent portion (230). The divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) comprises a first section of the divergent portion (310), a second section of the divergent portion (320), and a third section of the divergent portion (330).

[0096] By way of further example, we refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a mobile unit (500). The mobile unit (500) comprises a nozzle (100) and a stand (400). The nozzle (100) comprises an inlet (110) and an outlet (120) and is rotatably fastened to the stand (400) with the aid of a rotatable fastening (410).


Claims

1. Water atomizer which comprises a tubular nozzle (100) having an inlet (110) and an outlet (120), wherein

- a fan is positioned at the inlet (110),

- one or more atomizing heads are positioned at the outlet (120);

- the nozzle (100) comprises a convergent portion (200) at the inlet (110); and

- the nozzle (100) comprises a divergent portion (300) at the outlet (120); characterized in that:

- the diameter of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) reduces by 21 to 31%, preferably by 24 to 28%, more preferably by 25.5 to 26.5%% with respect to the inlet;

- the diameter of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) increases by 19 to 29%, preferably by 22 to 26%, more preferably by 23.5 to 24.5% with respect to the smallest diameter of the convergent portion.


 
2. Water atomizer according to Claim 1,
characterized in that:

- the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is made up of three sections (210, 220, 230);

- the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is made up of three sections (130, 320, 330);

- the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the first section (210) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by 5.0-20%, preferably by 7.5 to 15%, more preferably by approximately 10% with respect to the inlet:

- the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the second section (220) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.50%, more preferably less than 0.25% with respect to the first convergent section;

- the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the third section (230) of the convergent portion (200) reduces by 10 to 30%, preferably by 15 to 25%, more preferably by approximately 20% with respect to the second convergent section;

- the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the first section (310) of the divergent portion (300) increases by 6 to 24%, preferably by 9 to 18%, more preferably by approximately 12% with respect to the smallest diameter of the convergent portion;

- the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the second section (320) of the divergent portion (300) increases by less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.50%, more preferably less than 0.25% with respect to the first divergent section; and

- the diameter of the nozzle (100) in the third section (330) of the divergent portion (300) increases by 11 to 33%, preferably by 16 to 28%, more preferably by approximately 22% with respect to the second divergent section.


 
3. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that

- the length of the first section (210) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 5.0-10% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100);

- the length of the second section (220) of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 20.0-40.0% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100); and

- the length of the third section of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100) is 50%-75% of the total length of the convergent portion (200) of the nozzle (100).


 
4. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

- the length of the first section (310) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 80-90% of the total length of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100);

- the length of the second section (320) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 5-10% of the total length of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100); and

- the length of the third section (330) of the divergent portion (300) of the nozzle (100) is 1 % to 5% of the total length of the nozzle (100).


 
5. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inlet (110) has a diameter of 6.0·102 to 8.0·102 mm, preferably 7.0·102 mm.
 
6. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the nozzle (100) comprises a seamless sleeve.
 
7. Water atomizer according to Claim 6, characterized in that the seamless sleeve is produced from a polymer such as, for example, polyester.
 
8. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the water atomizer is rotatably fastened on a stand (400).
 
9. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the one or more atomizing heads at the outlet (120) of the water atomizer comprise 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 40, and ideally 20 to 30 atomizing heads.
 
10. Water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fan is an axial fan.
 
11. Mobile unit (500) which comprises a water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 10, and wherein the mobile unit (500) further comprises an energy source, a water pump, and a water tank; wherein

- the energy source is configured to drive the fan and the water pump;

- the water tank is operationally connected to the one or more atomizing heads; and

- the water pump is configured to pump water from the water tank to the one or more atomizing heads.


 
12. Method for atomizing water with the aid of a water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 10 and/or with the aid of a mobile unit (500) according to Claim 11, wherein the method comprises the following step: the aiming of the water atomizer towards a target.
 
13. Use of a water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 10 and/or a mobile unit (500) according to Claim 11, for the containment of odour control.
 
14. Use of a water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 10, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to Claim 11, for the wetting of bulk goods.
 
15. Use of a water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 10, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to Claim 11, for the mass cooling of a crowd of people.
 
16. Use of a water atomizer according to one of Claims 1 to 10, and/or a mobile unit (500) according to Claim 11, for the production of snow.
 




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Search report