CA3182636A1 - Semi concentric enhanced parallel path pneumatic nebulizer - Google Patents
Semi concentric enhanced parallel path pneumatic nebulizer Download PDFInfo
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- CA3182636A1 CA3182636A1 CA3182636A CA3182636A CA3182636A1 CA 3182636 A1 CA3182636 A1 CA 3182636A1 CA 3182636 A CA3182636 A CA 3182636A CA 3182636 A CA3182636 A CA 3182636A CA 3182636 A1 CA3182636 A1 CA 3182636A1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
- B05B7/08—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point
- B05B7/0869—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point the liquid or other fluent material being sucked or aspirated from an outlet orifice by another fluid, e.g. a gas, coming from another outlet orifice
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Abstract
A semi-concentric, enhanced parallel path pneumatic nebulizer is described which has a nebulizer body with an inner passage and outer passage, with liquid flow in one passage and gas flow in the other. The outer passage extends around the inner passage and contacts the inner passage's outer walls at the tip of the nebulizer body. The inner passage extends through the nebulizer body to the outer passage's exit area, seals the outer passages exit area, and has a hole or holes in the passage wall extending from the tip to the inside of the nebulizer body such that there is contact between the larger passage and the hole, and the gas or liquid exits through those hole(s). The gas-liquid interaction depends on the hole size, location and number, which allows for different interaction methods to be applied.
Description
SEMI CONCENTRIC ENHANCED PARALLEL PATH
PNEUMATIC NEBULIZER
BACKGROUND:
Various embodiments relate generally to nebulizer systems, methods, and devices and, more specifically, relate to parallel path pneumatic nebulizers.
This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that may be pursued, but have not necessarily been previously conceived or pursued. Unless indicated otherwise, what is described in this section is not deemed prior art to the description and claims and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Pneumatic nebulizers are devices designed to use a gas flow to interact with a liquid and break the liquid into a mist or aerosol, typically referred to as atomizing. Many designs of pneumatic nebulizers exist, with paint spray, medical inhalers, and analytical nebulizers being the most common. The vast majority of nebulizers are based on the gas flow inducing the liquid into the gas flow and breaking the liquid into small particles in the process, forming an aerosol.
For analytical usages, nebulizers are used to make the aerosol of small particles as repeatedly and consistently as possible. Other applications are preferentially consistent but not as critically as with analytical nebulizers. A nebulizer design that meets the criteria of analytical nebulizers, will also work well for other applications.
Many analytical nebulizers use concentric designs, with two passages, one passing through the other, ideally centered and slightly smaller in outer diameter than the other's internal dimension at the exit point in the nebulizer. The resultant mist produced is improved if the inner capillary is precisely concentric. Gas is applied to one passage and the gas passing out of the passage creates a lower pressure drawing a liquid out of the other passage. While most are designed to have the inner passage carry the liquid and the outer passage carry the gas, they can be made with the gas flow in the center and the liquid in the outer passage.
One of the oldest patents of concentric nebulizers is Canadian Patent No. 2405 (Robinson) entitled "Petroleum Tar Burner", dated April 18, 1873, for oil burner concentric nebulizers. The components were made of cast iron and steel pipes, but the concept remains unchanged in modern analytical nebulizers, such as glass analytical nebulizers sold at present.
Typically, a concentric nebulizer will have the inner passage as a capillary tube that is attached at the back of the nebulizer where the gas and liquid enter the device and is centered in the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 larger outer passage's exit port. For most nebulizers, this uses a center capillary of stiff material so that it can maintain its position relative to the outer passage. It is difficult to maintain a flexible inner capillary centered in the exit port of the outer passage.
Typically, concentric nebulizers have a central capillary with a very small outside diameter to allow the gas flow to pass closely to the liquid flow and create a good aerosol. For common analytical glass concentric nebulizers, the inner capillary may be only a few hundred microns in diameter.
Many pneumatic nebulizers provide suction on the liquid which causes the liquid to be drawn into the gas flow and form a mist. This is also true for most nonconcentric pneumatic nebulizers, but some use a pump, rather than suction, to deliver the liquid to the zone of interaction between the gas and liquid at the exit port of the nebulizer. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 6,634,572 (Burgener) and the corresponding Canadian Patent No. 2,384,201 (Burgener) both entitled "Enhanced Parallel Path Nebulizer with a Large Range of Flow Rates" describe enhanced parallel path nebulizers which use the liquid's surface tension to draw the liquid into the gas flow and allow the gas to impact the liquid and push it into the gas flow. This system does not use suction from the gas flow on the liquid.
Other nebulizers, such as, cross flow nebulizers, V-groove nebulizers, and concentrics operate with the liquid being sucked into the gas flow due to the lower pressure at the gas exit port or gas orifice.
Enhanced parallel path nebulizers are used extensively as analytical nebulizers for sample introduction for Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers (ICP). This nebulizing process and device independently brings the gas and liquid flow together with a gas orifice that is shaped to draw the liquid into the gas stream. A cross section of this nebulizer is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The enhanced parallel path system is of note in that the general method of manufacture has two passages beside each other throughout the nebulizer body, but the interaction zone is only at the exit point of the gas passage. The name 'Parallel Path' relates to the nebulizer typically having the gas and liquid passages run beside each other in the body of the nebulizer, rather than one encircling the other as in a concentric nebulizer, or one at right angles to the other as in a cross-flow nebulizer. The parallel arrangement can be difficult to produce and usually is done with extruded materials, with two or more passages in the material beside each other ¨ which is a multi-lumen tube.
PNEUMATIC NEBULIZER
BACKGROUND:
Various embodiments relate generally to nebulizer systems, methods, and devices and, more specifically, relate to parallel path pneumatic nebulizers.
This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that may be pursued, but have not necessarily been previously conceived or pursued. Unless indicated otherwise, what is described in this section is not deemed prior art to the description and claims and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Pneumatic nebulizers are devices designed to use a gas flow to interact with a liquid and break the liquid into a mist or aerosol, typically referred to as atomizing. Many designs of pneumatic nebulizers exist, with paint spray, medical inhalers, and analytical nebulizers being the most common. The vast majority of nebulizers are based on the gas flow inducing the liquid into the gas flow and breaking the liquid into small particles in the process, forming an aerosol.
For analytical usages, nebulizers are used to make the aerosol of small particles as repeatedly and consistently as possible. Other applications are preferentially consistent but not as critically as with analytical nebulizers. A nebulizer design that meets the criteria of analytical nebulizers, will also work well for other applications.
Many analytical nebulizers use concentric designs, with two passages, one passing through the other, ideally centered and slightly smaller in outer diameter than the other's internal dimension at the exit point in the nebulizer. The resultant mist produced is improved if the inner capillary is precisely concentric. Gas is applied to one passage and the gas passing out of the passage creates a lower pressure drawing a liquid out of the other passage. While most are designed to have the inner passage carry the liquid and the outer passage carry the gas, they can be made with the gas flow in the center and the liquid in the outer passage.
One of the oldest patents of concentric nebulizers is Canadian Patent No. 2405 (Robinson) entitled "Petroleum Tar Burner", dated April 18, 1873, for oil burner concentric nebulizers. The components were made of cast iron and steel pipes, but the concept remains unchanged in modern analytical nebulizers, such as glass analytical nebulizers sold at present.
Typically, a concentric nebulizer will have the inner passage as a capillary tube that is attached at the back of the nebulizer where the gas and liquid enter the device and is centered in the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 larger outer passage's exit port. For most nebulizers, this uses a center capillary of stiff material so that it can maintain its position relative to the outer passage. It is difficult to maintain a flexible inner capillary centered in the exit port of the outer passage.
Typically, concentric nebulizers have a central capillary with a very small outside diameter to allow the gas flow to pass closely to the liquid flow and create a good aerosol. For common analytical glass concentric nebulizers, the inner capillary may be only a few hundred microns in diameter.
Many pneumatic nebulizers provide suction on the liquid which causes the liquid to be drawn into the gas flow and form a mist. This is also true for most nonconcentric pneumatic nebulizers, but some use a pump, rather than suction, to deliver the liquid to the zone of interaction between the gas and liquid at the exit port of the nebulizer. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 6,634,572 (Burgener) and the corresponding Canadian Patent No. 2,384,201 (Burgener) both entitled "Enhanced Parallel Path Nebulizer with a Large Range of Flow Rates" describe enhanced parallel path nebulizers which use the liquid's surface tension to draw the liquid into the gas flow and allow the gas to impact the liquid and push it into the gas flow. This system does not use suction from the gas flow on the liquid.
Other nebulizers, such as, cross flow nebulizers, V-groove nebulizers, and concentrics operate with the liquid being sucked into the gas flow due to the lower pressure at the gas exit port or gas orifice.
Enhanced parallel path nebulizers are used extensively as analytical nebulizers for sample introduction for Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers (ICP). This nebulizing process and device independently brings the gas and liquid flow together with a gas orifice that is shaped to draw the liquid into the gas stream. A cross section of this nebulizer is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The enhanced parallel path system is of note in that the general method of manufacture has two passages beside each other throughout the nebulizer body, but the interaction zone is only at the exit point of the gas passage. The name 'Parallel Path' relates to the nebulizer typically having the gas and liquid passages run beside each other in the body of the nebulizer, rather than one encircling the other as in a concentric nebulizer, or one at right angles to the other as in a cross-flow nebulizer. The parallel arrangement can be difficult to produce and usually is done with extruded materials, with two or more passages in the material beside each other ¨ which is a multi-lumen tube.
-2-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 In the enhanced parallel path system, the liquid is not required to travel beside the gas, but needs to provide a smooth flow of liquid to the gas/liquid interface to provide a good interaction, forming a mist. The gas passage and liquid passage may not be parallel, and may not extend through the body of the nebulizer beside each other. To operate, the system ensures the gas is properly interacting with the liquid at the interface between the gas orifice and liquid exit point. The gas and liquid may travel on significantly different paths without an adverse effect.
This allows the configurations of the gas and liquid passages to be more convenient to manufacture with similarities to concentric nebulizers, but with the usage of very large inner capillaries that are much easier to make, and with a wider range of materials suitable for the inner capillaries.
SUMMARY
The below summary is merely representative and non-limiting.
In a first aspect, an embodiment provides a nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a nebulizer body. The nebulizer body defines a first input port for a first fluid and a second input port for a second fluid. The nebulizer body has a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage. The inner passage is configured to conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port. The exit port has an interior dimension that is smaller than an interior dimension of the inner passage. The nebulizer also includes an inner capillary having an outer surface and a capillary passage. The capillary passage is configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passes through the inner passage of the nebulizer body. The inner capillary is sealed toward the first input port preventing mixing with the second fluid before the exit port. The inner capillary having an outer surface which fits into the exit port of the nebulizer body. The exit port has a length less than ten times the outer diameter of the inner capillary. The inner capillary has at least one opening in a wall of the inner capillary extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening. The outer surface of the inner capillary seals the exit port of the inner passage preventing flow of the second fluid through the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary. An interaction between the
This allows the configurations of the gas and liquid passages to be more convenient to manufacture with similarities to concentric nebulizers, but with the usage of very large inner capillaries that are much easier to make, and with a wider range of materials suitable for the inner capillaries.
SUMMARY
The below summary is merely representative and non-limiting.
In a first aspect, an embodiment provides a nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a nebulizer body. The nebulizer body defines a first input port for a first fluid and a second input port for a second fluid. The nebulizer body has a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage. The inner passage is configured to conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port. The exit port has an interior dimension that is smaller than an interior dimension of the inner passage. The nebulizer also includes an inner capillary having an outer surface and a capillary passage. The capillary passage is configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passes through the inner passage of the nebulizer body. The inner capillary is sealed toward the first input port preventing mixing with the second fluid before the exit port. The inner capillary having an outer surface which fits into the exit port of the nebulizer body. The exit port has a length less than ten times the outer diameter of the inner capillary. The inner capillary has at least one opening in a wall of the inner capillary extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening. The outer surface of the inner capillary seals the exit port of the inner passage preventing flow of the second fluid through the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary. An interaction between the
-3-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 first fluid and the second fluid at the exit port of the inner capillary, with one of the first fluid and the second fluid being a liquid and the other being a gas, atomizes the liquid.
In another aspect, an embodiment provides a method of atomizing liquids, the method includes providing a nebulizer. The nebulizer has a nebulizer body, an inner capillary and a seal. The nebulizer body has a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage configured to conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner passage and the exit port has a length less than ten times the outside diameter of the inner capillary. The inner capillary has an outer surface and a capillary passage configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port and passing through the inner passage. The inner capillary having an outer surface fit into the exit port. The seal seals the inner capillary toward the first input port such that the capillary passage is in communication with the first input port and not in communication with the second input port or inner passage of the nebulizer body. The inner capillary also has at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary. The at least one opening extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening. The outer surface of the inner capillary seals the exit port preventing any flow of the second fluid out the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary. The method also includes passing a gas and a liquid separately along the inner passage and the capillary passage such that the gas atomizes the liquid as the gas and the liquid flow out of the nozzle end.
In a further aspect, an embodiment provides a method of manufacturing a nebulizer.
The method includes providing a nebulizer body with a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner cavity and the exit port has length less than ten times the outside diameter of an inner capillary. An inner capillary is inserted into the inner cavity through to the exit port and connected to the first fluid input port such that the inner surface of the nebulizer body and an outer surface of the capillary body defines a fluid passage. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid port. The inner capillary defines a capillary passage having a capillary inlet in fluid communication with the first fluid port and a capillary outlet
In another aspect, an embodiment provides a method of atomizing liquids, the method includes providing a nebulizer. The nebulizer has a nebulizer body, an inner capillary and a seal. The nebulizer body has a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage configured to conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner passage and the exit port has a length less than ten times the outside diameter of the inner capillary. The inner capillary has an outer surface and a capillary passage configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port and passing through the inner passage. The inner capillary having an outer surface fit into the exit port. The seal seals the inner capillary toward the first input port such that the capillary passage is in communication with the first input port and not in communication with the second input port or inner passage of the nebulizer body. The inner capillary also has at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary. The at least one opening extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening. The outer surface of the inner capillary seals the exit port preventing any flow of the second fluid out the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary. The method also includes passing a gas and a liquid separately along the inner passage and the capillary passage such that the gas atomizes the liquid as the gas and the liquid flow out of the nozzle end.
In a further aspect, an embodiment provides a method of manufacturing a nebulizer.
The method includes providing a nebulizer body with a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner cavity and the exit port has length less than ten times the outside diameter of an inner capillary. An inner capillary is inserted into the inner cavity through to the exit port and connected to the first fluid input port such that the inner surface of the nebulizer body and an outer surface of the capillary body defines a fluid passage. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid port. The inner capillary defines a capillary passage having a capillary inlet in fluid communication with the first fluid port and a capillary outlet
-4-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 adjacent to the exit port of the nebulizer body. The fluid passage is sealed with a first seal at the first fluid port and a second seal at the exit port of the nebulizer body.
The method also includes forming one or more openings in the inner capillary at the nozzle end of the nebulizer body and across the second seal such that the one or more openings are in fluid communication between the fluid passage and an outlet adjacent to an outlet of the inner capillary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Aspects of the described embodiments are more evident in the following description, when read in conjunction with the attached Figures.
FIG. 1 is a side view cross section of a conventional enhanced parallel path nebulizer;
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the side view of the conventional enhanced parallel path nebulizer;
FIG. 3 is a side view cross section of a prior art glass nebulizer using two parallel passages in the glass to convey the gas and liquid to the tip.
FIG. 4 is a side view cross section of a prior art concentric glass nebulizer for analytical usage;
FIG. 5 is a side view cross section of a prior art concentric glass nebulizer for analytical usage;
FIG. 6 is a side view cross section of a nebulizer in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the side view cross section of the nebulizer of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiments from a front view, viewed close to the tip;
FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiments from a front view, viewed close to the tip; and FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiments from a front view, viewed close to the tip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments provide an enhanced parallel path nebulizer with a liquid passage surrounded by the gas passage for the majority of the body, as is typical of a concentric nebulizer, with the exit port being different than typical in a concentric nebulizer. As such, it does not have the gas passage and liquid passage parallel to each other for the majority of the nebulizer configuration. Majority here can refer to at least 2/3 or 66.66% of the body, with the exit port being less than 1/3 of the body length.
The method also includes forming one or more openings in the inner capillary at the nozzle end of the nebulizer body and across the second seal such that the one or more openings are in fluid communication between the fluid passage and an outlet adjacent to an outlet of the inner capillary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Aspects of the described embodiments are more evident in the following description, when read in conjunction with the attached Figures.
FIG. 1 is a side view cross section of a conventional enhanced parallel path nebulizer;
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the side view of the conventional enhanced parallel path nebulizer;
FIG. 3 is a side view cross section of a prior art glass nebulizer using two parallel passages in the glass to convey the gas and liquid to the tip.
FIG. 4 is a side view cross section of a prior art concentric glass nebulizer for analytical usage;
FIG. 5 is a side view cross section of a prior art concentric glass nebulizer for analytical usage;
FIG. 6 is a side view cross section of a nebulizer in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the side view cross section of the nebulizer of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiments from a front view, viewed close to the tip;
FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiments from a front view, viewed close to the tip; and FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiments from a front view, viewed close to the tip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments provide an enhanced parallel path nebulizer with a liquid passage surrounded by the gas passage for the majority of the body, as is typical of a concentric nebulizer, with the exit port being different than typical in a concentric nebulizer. As such, it does not have the gas passage and liquid passage parallel to each other for the majority of the nebulizer configuration. Majority here can refer to at least 2/3 or 66.66% of the body, with the exit port being less than 1/3 of the body length.
-5-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 The gas and liquid interact at the gas passage's exit port including an area beyond the nebulizer body where the gas and liquid continue to interact after leaving the nebulizer body.
Various embodiments provide a simple to manufacture process that allows for a wide variation in gas/liquid interaction methods and for a wide range of materials to be used in the construction of the device.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the liquid passage is generally in a central capillary.
The gas generally flows in the outer passage of the body. Minor variations allow the gas to be in the center capillary and the liquid in the outer passage.
One embodiment provides a nebulizer body with a gas input and liquid input at one end and an exit port at the other end. The body has an inner surface defining an outer fluid passage that allows one fluid to travel from an input to the exit port through the body's outer fluid passage, and another fluid to travel from the second input to the exit port through a central capillary that passes through the outer fluid passage. The central capillary is attached to the body at the back, so that the fluid traveling through it does not interact or mix with the fluid traveling through the outer body until the exit port. Both of the inputs have convenient ways of attaching lines carrying gas or liquid to the nebulizer body.
The central capillary extends through the outer passage until near the tip of the nebulizer. The outer passage can be much narrower at the exit port of the nebulizer body than through the main body. Near the exit port of the nebulizer, the central capillary seals the outer passage's exit port preventing any flow out of the nebulizer body from the outer passage.
A hole or holes in the central capillary's wall allow the gas or liquid in the outer passage to exit in a specific, limited zone. The fluid in the outer passage is limited to exit thorough the hole(s) in the central capillary's wall. It does not extend around the central capillary as in concentric nebulizers. The size and shape of the holes determine the nature of interaction between the gas flow and the liquid. This may allow the same interaction as seen in an enhanced parallel path or parallel path nebulizer, or it may allow suction as in a concentric nebulizer.
Suction will occur if the gas flow is sufficiently high enough to cause a lower pressure near the liquid's exit port. In some cases, the suction on the liquid can be enhanced if the central capillary does not extend fully to the tip of the nebulizer, but stops recessed from the tip, so that the exit port continues after the gas and liquid exits. Such a recess may create turbulence and re-mixing of mists formed so that there are ideal distances depending on the desired gas flow and liquid flows.
Various embodiments provide a simple to manufacture process that allows for a wide variation in gas/liquid interaction methods and for a wide range of materials to be used in the construction of the device.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the liquid passage is generally in a central capillary.
The gas generally flows in the outer passage of the body. Minor variations allow the gas to be in the center capillary and the liquid in the outer passage.
One embodiment provides a nebulizer body with a gas input and liquid input at one end and an exit port at the other end. The body has an inner surface defining an outer fluid passage that allows one fluid to travel from an input to the exit port through the body's outer fluid passage, and another fluid to travel from the second input to the exit port through a central capillary that passes through the outer fluid passage. The central capillary is attached to the body at the back, so that the fluid traveling through it does not interact or mix with the fluid traveling through the outer body until the exit port. Both of the inputs have convenient ways of attaching lines carrying gas or liquid to the nebulizer body.
The central capillary extends through the outer passage until near the tip of the nebulizer. The outer passage can be much narrower at the exit port of the nebulizer body than through the main body. Near the exit port of the nebulizer, the central capillary seals the outer passage's exit port preventing any flow out of the nebulizer body from the outer passage.
A hole or holes in the central capillary's wall allow the gas or liquid in the outer passage to exit in a specific, limited zone. The fluid in the outer passage is limited to exit thorough the hole(s) in the central capillary's wall. It does not extend around the central capillary as in concentric nebulizers. The size and shape of the holes determine the nature of interaction between the gas flow and the liquid. This may allow the same interaction as seen in an enhanced parallel path or parallel path nebulizer, or it may allow suction as in a concentric nebulizer.
Suction will occur if the gas flow is sufficiently high enough to cause a lower pressure near the liquid's exit port. In some cases, the suction on the liquid can be enhanced if the central capillary does not extend fully to the tip of the nebulizer, but stops recessed from the tip, so that the exit port continues after the gas and liquid exits. Such a recess may create turbulence and re-mixing of mists formed so that there are ideal distances depending on the desired gas flow and liquid flows.
-6-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 FIG. 1 shows the cross-section of an enhanced parallel path nebulizer 100 that is presently commercially available for analytical usage. For the enhanced parallel path nebulizer 100, there is a liquid entry section 101; a gas entry section 110; a nebulizer body 104 with an inner passage that holds a central multi-lumen capillary 103 and an exit port 106. The two lumen 105, 111 within the central multi-lumen capillary 103 carry the liquid and gas to the gas orifice 115 at the nebulizer tip 106. The lumen used for the gas 111 has a plug in the back portion 108 to prevent liquid entering the capillary and a notch 109 on the side of the capillary 111 allowing the gas to enter the capillary 111. The lumen used for the liquid 105 is continuous from the liquid entry point 101 to the tip 160 of the nebulizer 100.
FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the tip of the nebulizer 100, and the liquid exit 114 and gas exit 115 are more clearly shown. The exit port 106 of the nebulizer's gas and liquid has the enhanced parallel path interface between the gas and liquid passages, and the liquid is atomized by interacting with the gas exiting through the gas exit point or orifice 115.
The nebulizer 100 has a press fit of a multi lumen tube 103 in the body of the nebulizer 100. This uses very exact inner dimensions of the nebulizer body 104 so that the multi lumen tube 103 is able to fit into the space and is able to seal along the length of the body of the nebulizer's central hole. Minor scratches on the inner wall of the body's central hole will allow gas or liquids to leak from the input areas 101, 110 into the exit 114, 115 or back to the other liquid or gas inputs 101, 110. Any gas leaking from the gas input 110 into the liquid input area 101 can cause bubbles in the liquid flow which creates short periods of no liquid flow, ruining the analytical results which depend on constant flow of the liquids.
The inner, multi-lumen tubing 103 is fitted into the body central hole, and uses the ability of the material to stretch a bit along its length, shrinking a bit in its outside diameter and then rebounding to its original size to seal the interior of the nebulizer body 104. It is very difficult to fit a non-stretchable material into a non-flexible body material.
At present, the commercially available enhanced parallel path nebulizers are made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) either as the central multi-lumen capillary tubing or as the body material or both. PTFE has the ability to stretch slightly and return to its original size if it is not over stretched. Softer materials such as polypropylene or PFA
(Perfluoroalkoxy) have been tried but found to stretch too much and do not seal inside the nebulizer body. Harder materials such as Copper, Stainless Steel and PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) have been tried also but require a softer flexible material such as PTFE for the nebulizer body to fit tightly and
FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the tip of the nebulizer 100, and the liquid exit 114 and gas exit 115 are more clearly shown. The exit port 106 of the nebulizer's gas and liquid has the enhanced parallel path interface between the gas and liquid passages, and the liquid is atomized by interacting with the gas exiting through the gas exit point or orifice 115.
The nebulizer 100 has a press fit of a multi lumen tube 103 in the body of the nebulizer 100. This uses very exact inner dimensions of the nebulizer body 104 so that the multi lumen tube 103 is able to fit into the space and is able to seal along the length of the body of the nebulizer's central hole. Minor scratches on the inner wall of the body's central hole will allow gas or liquids to leak from the input areas 101, 110 into the exit 114, 115 or back to the other liquid or gas inputs 101, 110. Any gas leaking from the gas input 110 into the liquid input area 101 can cause bubbles in the liquid flow which creates short periods of no liquid flow, ruining the analytical results which depend on constant flow of the liquids.
The inner, multi-lumen tubing 103 is fitted into the body central hole, and uses the ability of the material to stretch a bit along its length, shrinking a bit in its outside diameter and then rebounding to its original size to seal the interior of the nebulizer body 104. It is very difficult to fit a non-stretchable material into a non-flexible body material.
At present, the commercially available enhanced parallel path nebulizers are made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) either as the central multi-lumen capillary tubing or as the body material or both. PTFE has the ability to stretch slightly and return to its original size if it is not over stretched. Softer materials such as polypropylene or PFA
(Perfluoroalkoxy) have been tried but found to stretch too much and do not seal inside the nebulizer body. Harder materials such as Copper, Stainless Steel and PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) have been tried also but require a softer flexible material such as PTFE for the nebulizer body to fit tightly and
-7-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 seal in the body. The material choices for a conventional enhanced parallel path nebulizer are very limited.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a glass nebulizer 300 with two parallel passages 305, 311 in the glass to convey the liquid and gas to the tip. This is a good representation of several nebulizers in production at present such as described in US Patent No.
11,378,518 (Leikin et al.) July 2022. The various nebulizers differ mainly at the tip in how the gas and liquid interact to produce a mist. There is a liquid entry section 301; a gas entry section 310; a nebulizer body 304; a liquid passage in the body 305; gas passage in the body 311; a liquid exit point 314; and a gas exit point (or orifice) 315. This nebulizer 300 uses a rod of glass or quartz with two passages 305, 311 and the entrance 301, 310 and exit ports 314, 315 are modified to produce a working nebulizer.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show cross-sections of glass concentric nebulizers 400, 500 which are presently commercially available for analytical usage. For both, there is a liquid sample entry section 401, 501; a connecting point 402, 502 of the central capillary 403, 503 to the main body of the nebulizer 404, 504; an extension or nose portion of the main body 404, 504 that carries the gas flow, an inner, central lumen within the central capillary 405, 505 that carries the liquid to the liquid exit port 414, 514 at the nebulizer tip 406, 506; and a gas inlet 410, 510 which is typically designed as a barb fitting or as a threaded fitting for the gas input lines and which allows the gas to flow from the inlet 410, 510 through zone 411, 511 to the gas exit port 415, 515 at the tip 406, 506 of the nebulizer 400, 500.
FIG. 4 shows a glass blown nebulizer 400 in which the inner capillary 403 is thick at the junction point 402, and very narrow from there to the tip 406. The inner capillary 403 extends to the edge of the tip 406 of the outer body/capillary. The thin glass tube is very fragile and easy to break. It is also difficult for the central glass tube to remain positioned precisely in the center of the tip 406. It may instead lean to one side in the tip 406.
FIG. 5 shows a glass nebulizer 500 with the inner central capillary 503 ground to a conical shape. This provides a stronger support for the central capillary 505, so that the central capillary 505 is generally more centered than occurs in FIG. 4's nebulizer 400. This nebulizer 500 has the central capillary 505 recessed back from the tip 506 of the outer capillary 505, but still has the inner capillary extending into the outer capillary's exit port 515 and has the inner capillary's outer diameter smaller than the outer capillary's internal diameter and exit port 515.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a glass nebulizer 300 with two parallel passages 305, 311 in the glass to convey the liquid and gas to the tip. This is a good representation of several nebulizers in production at present such as described in US Patent No.
11,378,518 (Leikin et al.) July 2022. The various nebulizers differ mainly at the tip in how the gas and liquid interact to produce a mist. There is a liquid entry section 301; a gas entry section 310; a nebulizer body 304; a liquid passage in the body 305; gas passage in the body 311; a liquid exit point 314; and a gas exit point (or orifice) 315. This nebulizer 300 uses a rod of glass or quartz with two passages 305, 311 and the entrance 301, 310 and exit ports 314, 315 are modified to produce a working nebulizer.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show cross-sections of glass concentric nebulizers 400, 500 which are presently commercially available for analytical usage. For both, there is a liquid sample entry section 401, 501; a connecting point 402, 502 of the central capillary 403, 503 to the main body of the nebulizer 404, 504; an extension or nose portion of the main body 404, 504 that carries the gas flow, an inner, central lumen within the central capillary 405, 505 that carries the liquid to the liquid exit port 414, 514 at the nebulizer tip 406, 506; and a gas inlet 410, 510 which is typically designed as a barb fitting or as a threaded fitting for the gas input lines and which allows the gas to flow from the inlet 410, 510 through zone 411, 511 to the gas exit port 415, 515 at the tip 406, 506 of the nebulizer 400, 500.
FIG. 4 shows a glass blown nebulizer 400 in which the inner capillary 403 is thick at the junction point 402, and very narrow from there to the tip 406. The inner capillary 403 extends to the edge of the tip 406 of the outer body/capillary. The thin glass tube is very fragile and easy to break. It is also difficult for the central glass tube to remain positioned precisely in the center of the tip 406. It may instead lean to one side in the tip 406.
FIG. 5 shows a glass nebulizer 500 with the inner central capillary 503 ground to a conical shape. This provides a stronger support for the central capillary 505, so that the central capillary 505 is generally more centered than occurs in FIG. 4's nebulizer 400. This nebulizer 500 has the central capillary 505 recessed back from the tip 506 of the outer capillary 505, but still has the inner capillary extending into the outer capillary's exit port 515 and has the inner capillary's outer diameter smaller than the outer capillary's internal diameter and exit port 515.
-8-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 Concentric nebulizers 400, 500 are typically made of rigid materials such as glass, quartz or metals. This is necessary to enable the long, thin inner capillary 405, 505 to remain in the correct position in the exit port. Forming a glass capillary of the correct dimensions requires a highly skilled glass blower or in the case of FIG. 5, a diamond tool CNC lathe to grind the inner capillary into the correct shape.
As noted above, various embodiments in accordance with this invention provide an enhanced parallel path nebulizer. The liquid passage is surrounded by the gas passage for the majority of the body, as is typical of a concentric nebulizer, with a special style exit port. This allows the gas passage and liquid passage to not be parallel to each other for the majority of the nebulizer configuration. Accordingly, the manufacturing, assembly and use are facilitated.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a pneumatic nebulizer 600. Similar to a concentric nebulizer, there is a liquid entry section 601; a connecting point fitting 602 of the central capillary 603 to the main body 604 of the nebulizer 600. The connecting fitting 602 may be a compression fitting as shown, or other means of attachment, such as, being glued or welded.
The nebulizer 600 has a body 604 with a passage 611 extending from liquid capillary attachment 602 to the tip 606. The central capillary 603 has an inner central lumen 605 that carries the liquid to the nebulizer liquid exit 614 at the nebulizer exit port 606. The central capillary 603 has an outer diameter that equals the internal diameter of the exit port 606. This seals the outer passage 611 at the exit port 606.
A fluid traveling from input 610 through the nebulizer outer passage 611 to the exit port 606 is blocked from exiting the nebulizer body's outer passage 611. A hole, notch or small passage 612 is presented in the wall of the central capillary 603 extending from the outer passage 611 to the exit point 615, allowing passage of the fluid from the outer passage 611 to the exit point 615.
The nebulizer body 604 has a gas inlet 610 (which can be designed as a threaded fitting for the gas input lines); and passage 611 which conveys the gas from the gas inlet 610 to the gas exit 615 at the tip 606 of the nebulizer 600. The nebulizer 600 more closely resembles a concentric arrangement than a parallel path arrangement, however, the central capillary 603 is much larger than what is possible in a concentric nebulizer. For instance, instead of a few hundred microns in diameter typical for a glass concentric nebulizer's inner capillary at the exit port, nebulizer 600 allows for similar operating gas and liquid flows with an inner capillary outer diameter at 1600 microns. Thus, the device can use standard off-the-shelf tubing for the
As noted above, various embodiments in accordance with this invention provide an enhanced parallel path nebulizer. The liquid passage is surrounded by the gas passage for the majority of the body, as is typical of a concentric nebulizer, with a special style exit port. This allows the gas passage and liquid passage to not be parallel to each other for the majority of the nebulizer configuration. Accordingly, the manufacturing, assembly and use are facilitated.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a pneumatic nebulizer 600. Similar to a concentric nebulizer, there is a liquid entry section 601; a connecting point fitting 602 of the central capillary 603 to the main body 604 of the nebulizer 600. The connecting fitting 602 may be a compression fitting as shown, or other means of attachment, such as, being glued or welded.
The nebulizer 600 has a body 604 with a passage 611 extending from liquid capillary attachment 602 to the tip 606. The central capillary 603 has an inner central lumen 605 that carries the liquid to the nebulizer liquid exit 614 at the nebulizer exit port 606. The central capillary 603 has an outer diameter that equals the internal diameter of the exit port 606. This seals the outer passage 611 at the exit port 606.
A fluid traveling from input 610 through the nebulizer outer passage 611 to the exit port 606 is blocked from exiting the nebulizer body's outer passage 611. A hole, notch or small passage 612 is presented in the wall of the central capillary 603 extending from the outer passage 611 to the exit point 615, allowing passage of the fluid from the outer passage 611 to the exit point 615.
The nebulizer body 604 has a gas inlet 610 (which can be designed as a threaded fitting for the gas input lines); and passage 611 which conveys the gas from the gas inlet 610 to the gas exit 615 at the tip 606 of the nebulizer 600. The nebulizer 600 more closely resembles a concentric arrangement than a parallel path arrangement, however, the central capillary 603 is much larger than what is possible in a concentric nebulizer. For instance, instead of a few hundred microns in diameter typical for a glass concentric nebulizer's inner capillary at the exit port, nebulizer 600 allows for similar operating gas and liquid flows with an inner capillary outer diameter at 1600 microns. Thus, the device can use standard off-the-shelf tubing for the
-9-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 inner capillaries. This eliminates glassblowing, CNC machining, and/or custom ordered multi-lumen tubing.
Although the above description lists the central passage 605 carrying the liquid and the nebulizer body's inner passage 11 carrying the gas, the nebulizer 600 can operate with either gas or liquid in those passages. In some cases, the liquid may be carried in passage 611 and the gas in passage 605.
FIG. 7 shows a close-up, cross-sectional view of the tip of the nebulizer 600 shown in FIG. 6. The central capillary 603 has an inner lumen 605 that conveys the liquid to the exit port 614 in the nebulizer tip 606. The outer diameter of the inner capillary 603 is tightly fitted so that the inner capillary plugs and seals the tip 606. The length of the exit port 606 is a small portion of the length of the nebulizer body's inner passage ¨ typically in the range of 10% to 15% or limited to not more than 33.33%. As the exit becomes longer, it can be more difficult to insert and seal the inner capillary 603 so that it properly seals the outer passage exit port.
The gas is delivered through the passage 611 in the nebulizer body 604. The passage 611 surrounds the inner capillary 603 through most of the body 604. However, at the tip 606, which is plugged with the inner capillary 603, there is a hole or notch 612 in the wall of the inner capillary 603 that allows the gas to travel from the inner passage 611 to the gas exit or gas orifice 615.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of one possible arrangement 800 of a hole 812 in a wall of an inner capillary 803. The inner capillary 803 has an inner lumen 805 and seals the exit port of a nebulizer body 804 except for the hole 812, which allows the gas in the nebulizer body 804 to pass out and becomes the gas orifice.
FIG. 9 shows a front view of another possible arrangement 900 of exit holes 912 in the wall of an inner capillary 903 in which there are two holes 912 in the wall of the inner capillary 903 instead of only one. The inner capillary 903 has an inner lumen 905 and seals the exit port of the nebulizer body 904 except for the holes 912, which allow the gas in the nebulizer body 904 to pass out and become the gas orifices.
FIG. 10 shows a front view of a third possible arrangement 1000 of the hole 1012 in the wall of the inner capillary 1003. The inner capillary 1003 has an inner lumen 1005 and seals the exit port of the nebulizer body 1004 except for the hole 1012. In this arrangement 1000, the hole 1012 is a notch rather than a round hole. The shape of the gas exit passage is not a defining aspect of the nebulizer and notches or holes or other shapes may be more appropriate
Although the above description lists the central passage 605 carrying the liquid and the nebulizer body's inner passage 11 carrying the gas, the nebulizer 600 can operate with either gas or liquid in those passages. In some cases, the liquid may be carried in passage 611 and the gas in passage 605.
FIG. 7 shows a close-up, cross-sectional view of the tip of the nebulizer 600 shown in FIG. 6. The central capillary 603 has an inner lumen 605 that conveys the liquid to the exit port 614 in the nebulizer tip 606. The outer diameter of the inner capillary 603 is tightly fitted so that the inner capillary plugs and seals the tip 606. The length of the exit port 606 is a small portion of the length of the nebulizer body's inner passage ¨ typically in the range of 10% to 15% or limited to not more than 33.33%. As the exit becomes longer, it can be more difficult to insert and seal the inner capillary 603 so that it properly seals the outer passage exit port.
The gas is delivered through the passage 611 in the nebulizer body 604. The passage 611 surrounds the inner capillary 603 through most of the body 604. However, at the tip 606, which is plugged with the inner capillary 603, there is a hole or notch 612 in the wall of the inner capillary 603 that allows the gas to travel from the inner passage 611 to the gas exit or gas orifice 615.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of one possible arrangement 800 of a hole 812 in a wall of an inner capillary 803. The inner capillary 803 has an inner lumen 805 and seals the exit port of a nebulizer body 804 except for the hole 812, which allows the gas in the nebulizer body 804 to pass out and becomes the gas orifice.
FIG. 9 shows a front view of another possible arrangement 900 of exit holes 912 in the wall of an inner capillary 903 in which there are two holes 912 in the wall of the inner capillary 903 instead of only one. The inner capillary 903 has an inner lumen 905 and seals the exit port of the nebulizer body 904 except for the holes 912, which allow the gas in the nebulizer body 904 to pass out and become the gas orifices.
FIG. 10 shows a front view of a third possible arrangement 1000 of the hole 1012 in the wall of the inner capillary 1003. The inner capillary 1003 has an inner lumen 1005 and seals the exit port of the nebulizer body 1004 except for the hole 1012. In this arrangement 1000, the hole 1012 is a notch rather than a round hole. The shape of the gas exit passage is not a defining aspect of the nebulizer and notches or holes or other shapes may be more appropriate
-10-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 in some cases. The shapes and sizes and numbers of gas exit holes or notches are determined by the desired gas and liquid flow rates and by the final interaction method used in the nebulizer's liquid and gas interface.
Various embodiments provide a nebulizer which allows a very wide range of materials to be used. Soft materials can be pressed into a short exit port without being stretched, and hard materials can also be pressed into the exit port since very little surface area makes contact so there is minimal surface friction between the parts.
It may be preferred to have the exit port as short as possible while still enabling a proper seal of the outer fluid passage. This allows for minimal surface friction while assembling the .. nebulizer so that there are minimal forces to stretch the inner capillary or the outer body.
Typically, the exit port length is less than ten times the inner capillary's outside diameter.
In conventional enhanced parallel path analytical nebulizers (such as shown in FIG. 1), the inner tubing is drawn for the entire length of the nebulizer. Typically, the inner tubing is about 0.0625" (1.58mm) OD and the length of the nebulizer body's inner hole is 2.25 inches (57 mm). Which is a ratio of 36:1. Such a length relative to diameter puts high stresses onto any material being pushed or pulled into the hole.
Various embodiments provide a nebulizer, for a similar sized nebulizer for analytical applications, which has a typical exit port of length 0.12 inches (3 mm) or less, and the inner capillary is typically about 0.0625 inches (1.58) mm, or a ratio of less than 2:1. As such, the surface tension in the press fit is roughly 1/18 the forces used for the conventional nebulizers and most materials can be used in this application. These sizes are examples only and the nebulizer can scale up to much larger and smaller sizes with the same benefits.
In conventional glass concentric nebulizers (such as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
5), the gas flowing out of the exit port of the tip of the nebulizer creates a lower pressure on the liquid at the tip of the liquid capillary and sucks the liquid into the gas flow.
These concentric nebulizers operate well when the outer exit port is nearly perfectly centered around the inner capillary tubing. In some cases, the inner capillary may lean to one side contacting the inner wall of the concentric nebulizer. This still allows the gas flow to draw the liquid into the gas flow, but can create larger droplets as the interaction area is not consistent around the inner capillary.
In a cross-flow nebulizer, the gas flow is at right angles to the liquid area.
Gas flow of sufficient amounts creates suction on a nearby liquid surface regardless of the detailed
Various embodiments provide a nebulizer which allows a very wide range of materials to be used. Soft materials can be pressed into a short exit port without being stretched, and hard materials can also be pressed into the exit port since very little surface area makes contact so there is minimal surface friction between the parts.
It may be preferred to have the exit port as short as possible while still enabling a proper seal of the outer fluid passage. This allows for minimal surface friction while assembling the .. nebulizer so that there are minimal forces to stretch the inner capillary or the outer body.
Typically, the exit port length is less than ten times the inner capillary's outside diameter.
In conventional enhanced parallel path analytical nebulizers (such as shown in FIG. 1), the inner tubing is drawn for the entire length of the nebulizer. Typically, the inner tubing is about 0.0625" (1.58mm) OD and the length of the nebulizer body's inner hole is 2.25 inches (57 mm). Which is a ratio of 36:1. Such a length relative to diameter puts high stresses onto any material being pushed or pulled into the hole.
Various embodiments provide a nebulizer, for a similar sized nebulizer for analytical applications, which has a typical exit port of length 0.12 inches (3 mm) or less, and the inner capillary is typically about 0.0625 inches (1.58) mm, or a ratio of less than 2:1. As such, the surface tension in the press fit is roughly 1/18 the forces used for the conventional nebulizers and most materials can be used in this application. These sizes are examples only and the nebulizer can scale up to much larger and smaller sizes with the same benefits.
In conventional glass concentric nebulizers (such as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
5), the gas flowing out of the exit port of the tip of the nebulizer creates a lower pressure on the liquid at the tip of the liquid capillary and sucks the liquid into the gas flow.
These concentric nebulizers operate well when the outer exit port is nearly perfectly centered around the inner capillary tubing. In some cases, the inner capillary may lean to one side contacting the inner wall of the concentric nebulizer. This still allows the gas flow to draw the liquid into the gas flow, but can create larger droplets as the interaction area is not consistent around the inner capillary.
In a cross-flow nebulizer, the gas flow is at right angles to the liquid area.
Gas flow of sufficient amounts creates suction on a nearby liquid surface regardless of the detailed
-11-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 configuration. As such, a gas exit port of a hole beside a liquid exit port will produce some suction on the liquid. It may not be as efficient nor will the droplets all be the same size distribution as with a well-centered concentric setup, but it provides some suction and forms a mist if the gas flow is high enough.
Various embodiments provide nebulizers that allow for the gas exit port to be a hole in the wall of the central capillary. The hole may be cut closely to the liquid line, allowing the final configuration to be made into an enhanced parallel path gas orifice.
Alternatively, the final configuration may be a gas exit point beside a liquid exit point which provides suction similarly to a concentric nebulizer if the gas flow is high enough.
Other gas/liquid interaction setups may be easily configured at the exit port.
For example, a thin film may be used on the exit port between a liquid capillary exit point and a gas orifice to transfer the liquid to the gas flow by providing a rough surface on the exit port of the nebulizer. Adding a roughened surface between the gas orifice and liquid capillary exit port in some embodiments provides a nebulizer which enables the thin film method.
The interface between the gas and liquid exit points impacts the efficiency, droplet size distribution, and final liquid flow rates for each configuration. While enhanced parallel path nebulizers may have efficient energy transfer between the gas flow and a liquid, there are many applications that require suction which the enhanced parallel path method does not create.
Increasing the gas exit hole's diameter provides enough gas flow to produce suction on the liquid. Various nebulizers in accordance with these embodiments utilize the enhanced parallel path method, the concentric method or other methods. As such, the nebulizers are referred to as semi-concentric enhanced parallel path nebulizers as they are mainly concentric in nature, but also can be finished as concentric or enhanced parallel path nebulizers.
An embodiment provides a semi-concentric enhanced parallel path nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a nebulizer body with two input ports for fluids, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage to conduct one fluid through the body to the exit port of the nebulizer body's nozzle end. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than the main body's passage interior dimension and the exit port has a length less than one third of the main body's length.
The nebulizer also includes an inner capillary having an outer surface and an inner passage to conduct a fluid from one input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passing through the nebulizer body's inner passage. The inner capillary having its outer surface fit into the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage. The inner capillary has an opening (or multiple
Various embodiments provide nebulizers that allow for the gas exit port to be a hole in the wall of the central capillary. The hole may be cut closely to the liquid line, allowing the final configuration to be made into an enhanced parallel path gas orifice.
Alternatively, the final configuration may be a gas exit point beside a liquid exit point which provides suction similarly to a concentric nebulizer if the gas flow is high enough.
Other gas/liquid interaction setups may be easily configured at the exit port.
For example, a thin film may be used on the exit port between a liquid capillary exit point and a gas orifice to transfer the liquid to the gas flow by providing a rough surface on the exit port of the nebulizer. Adding a roughened surface between the gas orifice and liquid capillary exit port in some embodiments provides a nebulizer which enables the thin film method.
The interface between the gas and liquid exit points impacts the efficiency, droplet size distribution, and final liquid flow rates for each configuration. While enhanced parallel path nebulizers may have efficient energy transfer between the gas flow and a liquid, there are many applications that require suction which the enhanced parallel path method does not create.
Increasing the gas exit hole's diameter provides enough gas flow to produce suction on the liquid. Various nebulizers in accordance with these embodiments utilize the enhanced parallel path method, the concentric method or other methods. As such, the nebulizers are referred to as semi-concentric enhanced parallel path nebulizers as they are mainly concentric in nature, but also can be finished as concentric or enhanced parallel path nebulizers.
An embodiment provides a semi-concentric enhanced parallel path nebulizer. The nebulizer includes a nebulizer body with two input ports for fluids, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage to conduct one fluid through the body to the exit port of the nebulizer body's nozzle end. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than the main body's passage interior dimension and the exit port has a length less than one third of the main body's length.
The nebulizer also includes an inner capillary having an outer surface and an inner passage to conduct a fluid from one input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passing through the nebulizer body's inner passage. The inner capillary having its outer surface fit into the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage. The inner capillary has an opening (or multiple
-12-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 openings) in the wall of the capillary extending from the exit port of the inner capillary to a location within the nebulizer body's passage that is wider than the inner capillary's outer surface, allowing the fluid within the nebulizer body's inner passage to travel through the opening or openings. The inner capillary's outer surface sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage and preventing any flow of the fluid out said exit port except through the opening (or openings) in the wall of the inner capillary. The exit port allowing an interaction between the two fluids, with one of the fluids a liquid and the other a gas, so that the liquid is atomized.
In a further embodiment of the nebulizer above, the inner tubing is compression fit into the exit port sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is glued or welded into the inner tubing's exit port sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary's exit port and the opening in the wall of the capillary extending into the nebulizer body's inner passage, is configured to provide a protrusion from the liquid exit port into the gas exit port enabling the nebulizer to use the enhanced parallel path method of atomizing a liquid.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is recessed in the exit port of the nebulizer body increasing suction by the gas flow on the liquid.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the end of the inner capillary is level with the end of the nebulizer body's exit port.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the end of the inner capillary extends past the end of the nebulizer body's exit port.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the central capillary's opening (or openings) in the wall of the inner capillary includes several holes or notches enabling a high flow of gas and causing suction on the liquid.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the nebulizer is configured for liquid to pass through the central capillary and for gas to pass through the nebulizer's body's inner passage.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the nebulizer is configured for gas to pass through the central capillary and for liquid to pass through the nebulizer's body's inner passage.
In a further embodiment of the nebulizer above, the inner tubing is compression fit into the exit port sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is glued or welded into the inner tubing's exit port sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary's exit port and the opening in the wall of the capillary extending into the nebulizer body's inner passage, is configured to provide a protrusion from the liquid exit port into the gas exit port enabling the nebulizer to use the enhanced parallel path method of atomizing a liquid.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is recessed in the exit port of the nebulizer body increasing suction by the gas flow on the liquid.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the end of the inner capillary is level with the end of the nebulizer body's exit port.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the end of the inner capillary extends past the end of the nebulizer body's exit port.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the central capillary's opening (or openings) in the wall of the inner capillary includes several holes or notches enabling a high flow of gas and causing suction on the liquid.
In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the nebulizer is configured for liquid to pass through the central capillary and for gas to pass through the nebulizer's body's inner passage.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the nebulizer is configured for gas to pass through the central capillary and for liquid to pass through the nebulizer's body's inner passage.
-13-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 In another embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is composed of soft materials. The soft materials can be plastics including, but not limited to, materials such as PTFE, PFA, PEEK, Polypropylene, or polyethylene.
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is composed of hard materials. The hard materials include but are not limited to, metal, glass, quartz, crystal or ceramic.
Another embodiment provides a method of atomizing liquids. The method includes providing a nebulizer having a nebulizer body, an inner capillary and a seal.
The nebulizer body includes two input ports for fluids, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage to conduct one fluid through the body to the exit port of the nebulizer body's nozzle end. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than the main body's passage interior dimension and the exit port has a length less than one third of the main body's length. The inner capillary has an outer surface and an inner passage to conduct a fluid from one input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passing through the nebulizer body's inner passage. The outer surface of the inner capillary fits into the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage. The seal seals the inner capillary toward one of the input ports such that the inner capillary fluid passage is in communication with the input port and not in communication with the second input port or inner passage of the nebulizer body. The inner capillary has an opening, or openings in the wall of the capillary extending from the exit port of the inner capillary to a location within the nebulizer body's passage that is wider than the inner capillary's outer surface, allowing the fluid within the nebulizer body's inner passage to travel through the opening or openings. The inner capillary's outer surface sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage preventing any flow of the fluid out said exit port except through the aforementioned opening or openings in the wall of the inner capillary. The method also includes passing a gas and a liquid separately along the nebulizer body's inner passage and the capillary fluid passage such that the gas atomizes the liquid as the gas and the liquid flow out of the nozzle end of the nebulizer body.
In a further embodiment of the method above, the gas is passed through the nebulizer body's inner passage and the liquid is passed through the capillary fluid passage. Alternatively, the liquid is passed through the nebulizer body's inner passage and the gas is passed through the capillary fluid passage
In a further embodiment of any one of the nebulizers above, the inner capillary is composed of hard materials. The hard materials include but are not limited to, metal, glass, quartz, crystal or ceramic.
Another embodiment provides a method of atomizing liquids. The method includes providing a nebulizer having a nebulizer body, an inner capillary and a seal.
The nebulizer body includes two input ports for fluids, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage to conduct one fluid through the body to the exit port of the nebulizer body's nozzle end. The exit port has a smaller interior dimension than the main body's passage interior dimension and the exit port has a length less than one third of the main body's length. The inner capillary has an outer surface and an inner passage to conduct a fluid from one input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passing through the nebulizer body's inner passage. The outer surface of the inner capillary fits into the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage. The seal seals the inner capillary toward one of the input ports such that the inner capillary fluid passage is in communication with the input port and not in communication with the second input port or inner passage of the nebulizer body. The inner capillary has an opening, or openings in the wall of the capillary extending from the exit port of the inner capillary to a location within the nebulizer body's passage that is wider than the inner capillary's outer surface, allowing the fluid within the nebulizer body's inner passage to travel through the opening or openings. The inner capillary's outer surface sealing the exit port of the nebulizer body's inner passage preventing any flow of the fluid out said exit port except through the aforementioned opening or openings in the wall of the inner capillary. The method also includes passing a gas and a liquid separately along the nebulizer body's inner passage and the capillary fluid passage such that the gas atomizes the liquid as the gas and the liquid flow out of the nozzle end of the nebulizer body.
In a further embodiment of the method above, the gas is passed through the nebulizer body's inner passage and the liquid is passed through the capillary fluid passage. Alternatively, the liquid is passed through the nebulizer body's inner passage and the gas is passed through the capillary fluid passage
-14-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 Another embodiment provides a method of manufacturing a nebulizer. The method includes providing a nebulizer body with two input ports for fluids, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. The exit port having a smaller interior dimension than the main body cavity interior dimension and the exit port having a length less than one third of the main body's length. An inner capillary extending from a first fluid input port, is inserted into the inner cavity of the nebulizer body through to the nozzle end's exit port such that the inner surface of the nebulizer body and an outer surface of the capillary body define a fluid passage. The fluid passage being in fluid communication with the second fluid port, the capillary body comprising a capillary passage having a capillary inlet in fluid communication with a first fluid port and a capillary outlet adjacent to (or at) the nozzle end's exit port of the nebulizer body. The method also includes sealing the fluid passage with a first seal toward the receiving end of the nebulizer body relative to the first fluid port and a second seal at the nozzle end's exit port of the nebulizer body and forming an opening or openings in the capillary body at the nozzle end of the nebulizer body and across the second seal such that the opening or openings is in fluid communication between the fluid passage and an outlet adjacent to the capillary outlet.
In a further embodiment of the method above, the first seal, the second seal, or both the first seal and the second seal are formed by compression fittings.
In another embodiment of any one of the methods above, the first seal, the second seal, or both the first seal and the second seal are formed by gluing or welding.
The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments.
However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Modifications to the above-described systems and methods may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features.
Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation of the invention.
In a further embodiment of the method above, the first seal, the second seal, or both the first seal and the second seal are formed by compression fittings.
In another embodiment of any one of the methods above, the first seal, the second seal, or both the first seal and the second seal are formed by gluing or welding.
The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments.
However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Modifications to the above-described systems and methods may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features.
Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation of the invention.
-15-Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23
Claims (17)
1. A nebulizer comprising:
a nebulizer body, the nebulizer body defining a first input port for a first fluid and a second input port for a second fluid, the nebulizer body having a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage, the inner passage configured to conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port, wherein the exit port has an interior dimension that is smaller than an interior dimension of the inner passage, and an inner capillary having an outer surface and a capillary passage, the capillary passage configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passing through the inner passage of the nebulizer body, the inner capillary having an outer surface fit into the exit port of the nebulizer body;
wherein the exit port has a length less than ten times the outer diameter of the inner capillary;
wherein the inner capillary has at least one opening in a wall of the inner capillary extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening, wherein the outer surface of the inner capillary seals the exit port preventing flow of the second fluid through the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary, and wherein an interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid at the exit port, with one of the first fluid and the second fluid being a liquid and the other being a gas, atomizes the li qui d.
a nebulizer body, the nebulizer body defining a first input port for a first fluid and a second input port for a second fluid, the nebulizer body having a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage, the inner passage configured to conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port, wherein the exit port has an interior dimension that is smaller than an interior dimension of the inner passage, and an inner capillary having an outer surface and a capillary passage, the capillary passage configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port of the nebulizer body and passing through the inner passage of the nebulizer body, the inner capillary having an outer surface fit into the exit port of the nebulizer body;
wherein the exit port has a length less than ten times the outer diameter of the inner capillary;
wherein the inner capillary has at least one opening in a wall of the inner capillary extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening, wherein the outer surface of the inner capillary seals the exit port preventing flow of the second fluid through the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary, and wherein an interaction between the first fluid and the second fluid at the exit port, with one of the first fluid and the second fluid being a liquid and the other being a gas, atomizes the li qui d.
2. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary seals the exit port of the nebulizer body through a compression fit of the inner capillary into the exit port.
3. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary seals the exit port of the nebulizer body by being glued or welded into the exit port.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23
4. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the exit port and the at least one opening in the wall extend into the inner passage and are configured to provide a protrusion located between the exit port and the at least one opening in the wall enabling the nebulizer to use an enhanced parallel path method of atomizing a liquid.
5. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary is recessed in the exit port to provide suction from gas flow on the liquid.
6. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary is level with the end of the exit port.
7. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary extends past the exit port.
8. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein nebulizer is configured to pass the liquid through the inner capillary and the gas through the inner passage.
9. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein nebulizer is configured to pass the gas through the inner capillary and the liquid through the inner passage.
10. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary comprises plastic, the plastic being one of: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polypropylene, and polyethylene.
11. The nebulizer as in claim 1, wherein the inner capillary comprises one of:
metal, glass, quartz, crystal, and ceramic.
metal, glass, quartz, crystal, and ceramic.
12. A method of atomizing liquids, the method comprising:
providing a nebulizer comprising:
a nebulizer body having a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage configured to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port, wherein the exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner passage;
an inner capillary having an outer surface and a capillary passage configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port and passing through the inner passage, the inner capillary having an outer surface fit into the exit port;
a seal that seals the inner capillary toward the first input port such that the capillary passage is in communication with the first input port and not in communication with the second input port or inner passage of the nebulizer body;
the inner capillary having at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary, the at least one opening extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening;
the outer surface of the inner capillary sealing the exit port preventing any flow of the second fluid out the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary; and passing a gas and a liquid separately along the inner passage and the capillary passage such that the gas atomizes the liquid as the gas and the liquid flow out of the nozzle end.
providing a nebulizer comprising:
a nebulizer body having a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner passage configured to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 conduct the second fluid through the body to the exit port, wherein the exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner passage;
an inner capillary having an outer surface and a capillary passage configured to conduct the first fluid from the first input port to the exit port and passing through the inner passage, the inner capillary having an outer surface fit into the exit port;
a seal that seals the inner capillary toward the first input port such that the capillary passage is in communication with the first input port and not in communication with the second input port or inner passage of the nebulizer body;
the inner capillary having at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary, the at least one opening extending from the exit port to a location within the inner passage that is wider than the outer surface of the inner capillary, allowing the second fluid within the inner passage to travel through the at least one opening;
the outer surface of the inner capillary sealing the exit port preventing any flow of the second fluid out the exit port except through the at least one opening in the wall of the inner capillary; and passing a gas and a liquid separately along the inner passage and the capillary passage such that the gas atomizes the liquid as the gas and the liquid flow out of the nozzle end.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the gas is the first fluid and the liquid is the second fluid.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the liquid is the first fluid, and the gas is the second fluid.
15. A method of manufacturing a nebulizer, the method comprising:
providing a nebulizer body with a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity, wherein the exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner cavity:
inserting an inner capillary, into the inner cavity through to the exit port and connecting to the first fluid input port such that the inner surface of the nebulizer body and an outer surface of the capillary body defines a fluid passage, the fluid passage being in fluid communication Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 with the second fluid port, the inner capillary defining a capillary passage having a capillary inlet in fluid communication with the first fluid port and a capillary outlet adjacent to the exit port of the nebulizer body;
sealing the fluid passage of the inner cavity of the nebulizer body with a first seal at the first fluid port and a second seal at the exit port of the nebulizer body; and forming at least one opening in a wall of the inner capillary at the nozzle end of the nebulizer body and across the second seal such that the at least one opening is in fluid communication between the fluid passage of the inner cavity and an outlet adjacent to an outlet of the inner capillary.
providing a nebulizer body with a first input port for a first fluid, a second input port for a second fluid, a nozzle end with an exit port, and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity, wherein the exit port has a smaller interior dimension than an interior dimension of the inner cavity:
inserting an inner capillary, into the inner cavity through to the exit port and connecting to the first fluid input port such that the inner surface of the nebulizer body and an outer surface of the capillary body defines a fluid passage, the fluid passage being in fluid communication Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23 with the second fluid port, the inner capillary defining a capillary passage having a capillary inlet in fluid communication with the first fluid port and a capillary outlet adjacent to the exit port of the nebulizer body;
sealing the fluid passage of the inner cavity of the nebulizer body with a first seal at the first fluid port and a second seal at the exit port of the nebulizer body; and forming at least one opening in a wall of the inner capillary at the nozzle end of the nebulizer body and across the second seal such that the at least one opening is in fluid communication between the fluid passage of the inner cavity and an outlet adjacent to an outlet of the inner capillary.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of: the first seal and the second seal are formed by compression fittings.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of: the first seal and the second seal are formed by gluing or welding.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-11-23
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3182636A CA3182636A1 (en) | 2022-11-23 | 2022-11-23 | Semi concentric enhanced parallel path pneumatic nebulizer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3182636A CA3182636A1 (en) | 2022-11-23 | 2022-11-23 | Semi concentric enhanced parallel path pneumatic nebulizer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3182636A1 true CA3182636A1 (en) | 2024-05-23 |
Family
ID=91130007
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3182636A Pending CA3182636A1 (en) | 2022-11-23 | 2022-11-23 | Semi concentric enhanced parallel path pneumatic nebulizer |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3182636A1 (en) |
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2022
- 2022-11-23 CA CA3182636A patent/CA3182636A1/en active Pending
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