How to Atomize Water With Pressure

There are many practical applications for atomizing water with pressure. These include hydraulic and air atomizing systems. Hydraulic spray systems apply pressurized water to nozzles for many different applications and include evaporative cooling and the spray of pesticides or liquid fertilizers on crops. Air atomizing systems, in contrast, mix air with water to create fine droplets or fogs for humidification and cooling purposes. Each type of spray system has specific nozzles and pressure requirements in order for the atomization to occur properly. Knowing the amount of water delivery that is needed is the first step in designing a water atomizing system.

Liquid strainer or filter

Air atomizing nozzle

Air compressor

Pressure regulator with gauge

Spray pipe assembly

Polyetheylene tubing

Pipe hanger or side-mounting assembly

Air filter

Solenoid valve

Switching relay

Humidistat

Sling psychrometer or hand-held humidity tester

Determine the amount of water delivery that is needed. For humidification systems, the amount of water delivery is based on the volume of the area of the room or building that is heated by an HVAC system. Calculate the square footage and the ceiling height of all rooms in the building. Tables can be found on the Internet that have this information. For example, a 1,000 cubic foot room requires from 0.5 to 10 gallons per day of water for humidification. There is a large range because the amount needed depends on the tightness of the building's construction.

Select the type of nozzle that fits the needs for water consumption. Manufacturers have nozzles listed either by gallons per day or gallons per hour. Make the conversion to gallons per day if needed. Find the required air pressure and purchase an air compressor that provides both the adequate pressure and volume needed for atomization. Purchase the miscellaneous supplies that are needed to install the nozzles and mount them where needed.

Assemble the atomization system. First assemble the tubing needed for the water side and the water strainer. Install the nozzles into fittings provided in the tubing. Include a ball valve for cutting off the water supply for maintenance purposes. The air line after the compressor includes the following components, in order: air filter, pressure regulator, solenoid, and switching relay. The switching relay is attached to the humidistat, which turns on the system when the humidity is below the desired set point. After the solenoid, a T is installed. On the downside of the T a ball valve is connected for draining and maintenance. On the upper half of the T fitting, the pressure lines connect to the air side of the atomizing nozzles.

Mount the pipe or hose assembly into the area where the atomized water is to be applied. Mounting systems will vary, perhaps including pipe hangers or mounting along a pipe inserted into an air duct. If the system is being mounted onto an air duct, make sure that the insulation is replaced to prevent air leakage.

Install the humidistat and connect the wiring to the air solenoid. Connect the power to the humidistat and turn on the water supply to the nozzles. Check the system for proper operation and cycling. For verification of humidity settings, use a sling psychrometer or a hand-held humidity tester.