|
4. LIQUID
SUPPLY
4.1.
Input Pressure:-The
Atomiser should be supplied with liquid without significant
pressure head. A reservoir just above the Atomiser is often
suitable, simply allowing gravity to input the liquid.
Although the Atomiser is not damaged by high pressure itself, it can be damaged
by excessive flow. As the Atomiser does not regulate its own
flow rate, and as maximum flow may be obtained (with water)
from a head of only about ½metre (0.05 barg), close flow control will usually be necessary to restrict
flow rate where the input is at significant pressure (eg. the
mains water supply).
Do not connect the Atomiser directly to the mains water supplywithout
close flow control, or a pressure reducing valve. The Metering
Valve and Dosing Valve available from Newland
Design, give close flow control and accept
input pressures up to 100 psi (6 barg).
With liquids more viscous than water, some moderate input pressure may be
required, to achieve flow rates above say, 5 litres/hour. In
this case, a peristaltic or metering pump is usually satisfactory.
Also, with more viscous liquids it is usually advisable to remove
the Spray Tip (if fitted) from the end of the Feed Tube (remember
- it is a left-hand thread - clockwise to remove).
4.2.
Input Flow Rate:- The
Atomiser is designed for flow rates up to about 20 litres/hour.
The Atomiser will not fail above this figure, but the power
of the motor becomes inadequate to handle higher flow rates.
Then liquid may flood back up the shaft, and out of the vent
holes.
Liquid flow through
the Atomiser should never exceed 25 litres/hour or damage to
the Atomiser's seals or bearings could occur through flooding.
Note, flow rate increases slightly with the speed of the Atomiser, due to suction
generated by the unit.
4.3.
Connection:-Liquid enters the Atomiser through the ¼" O/D stainless-steel
hose-tail connector at the top of the Feed Tube. Flexible tubing
(5 mm bore) should be used to connect the liquid; it is not
recommended to connect metal or other rigid tubing directly
to the unit as this would conduct the vibration of the Atomiser.
Also, the liquid supply should be easy to disconnect, to allow
removal of the Feed Tube for inspection. Suitabletubing is available
from Newland Design.
4.4.
Particulates:-The Atomiser
is not especially sensitive to particulates
in its input. The unit handles normal tap water (including hard
water) without needing special treatment. Only if there are
significant amounts of undissolved solids in
the liquid is there a need for filtration. If blockage does
occur, both Feed Tube and Spray Head are easily replaceable
- see 6.2. & 6.3. Spares are available from Newland
Design.
4.5.
Viscosity:-The inside
diameter of the Feed Tube (~3 mm) effectively sets the maximum
viscosity of the input liquid to the Atomiser - if the liquid
runs down the Feed Tube in a reasonable time, then the Atomiser
can probably handle it. Some viscous liquids (including most
oils) can be handled very effectively by the Atomiser.
4.6.
General:-If liquid
is input to the Atomiser while it is switched off, then the
liquid will slowly drip out. Solenoid Valves are available from
Newland Design
for connection into the liquid input line, to switch on and
off the liquid automatically, simultaneously with the Atomiser.
When liquid enters
the Atomiser it slows down slightly and the noise level changes,
as the motor feels the extra load. The Atomiser's speed is not
regulated, so it is normal for changes in input flow rate to
cause changes in speed.
|