Multiplexing electrosprays emitted from an array of holes
Abstract
Multiple cone-jet-electrosprays are successfully generated from holes drilled on a dielectric hydrophobic plate. Note that in this case, no needles are needed since the amplification effect of the electric field is due to the own curvature of the menisci. To avoid the space charge effect due to the emitted charged cloud, an intermediate electrified plate (extractor) is located in between of the emitter plate and the ground electrode. Holes are also drilled on the extractor in a number equal to the number of the emitters and located on the extractor in such a way that each one of the individual jets from the emitter goes through the corresponding hole. The jets break finally into a fine multispray of charged droplets which do not affect the cones since the charged droplets are screened by the extractor. Comparison of electrosprays generated from the emitter and conventional electrosprays showed similar spray characteristics and reliability. Consistently with the theoretical prediction, the measured spray current when the flow rate is kept fixed is approximately proportional to the square root of the number of the emitters.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..DFD.MD007B