Atomization and Evaporation: Understanding the Energy Exchange

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In summary, when liquid is forced through a small hole, heat is released due to the pressure drop across the hole. The volume of liquid and the pressure drop determine the power and heat generated. The heat comes from the power supply to the pump that raised the pressure. This is a fundamental concept in hydraulics, where pressure in the liquid is converted to kinetic energy resulting in a hotter liquid and/or vapor.
  • #1
russellsh2
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Split from https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/steves-random-physics-questions.1051467/
Oh, also, I know that it takes a lot of energy to phase change a liquid to a gas, but what if you force the liquid through a small hole that atomizes the liquid. Does the atomized liquid draw the same amount of heat from the surrounding area as its forced to become steam?
 
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  • #2
When you have a volume of liquid flow through a hole, with a pressure drop across the hole, heat is released in the fluid. The volume in metres cubed per second, multiplied by the pressure drop in pascals, gives the power in watts, or joules per second.

The heat that passes to, and boils the liquid, comes from the power supply to the pump that raised the pressure.
 
  • #3
Baluncore said:
The volume in metres cubed per second,
Just a clarification please: Is that the volume of the liquid before passing thru the hole? It seems to be the only way that statement makes sense.
 
  • #4
Tom.G said:
Is that the volume of the liquid before passing thru the hole?
Yes, the volume of liquid.
That is a fundamental of hydraulics.
The pressure in the liquid is potential energy, which is converted to kinetic energy in the orifice, to become a hotter liquid and/or a vapour.
 
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Related to Atomization and Evaporation: Understanding the Energy Exchange

What is atomization in the context of energy exchange?

Atomization is the process of breaking up a bulk liquid into fine droplets or particles. In the context of energy exchange, it involves the input of energy to overcome the cohesive forces within the liquid, facilitating its dispersion into a fine spray. This process is crucial in various applications such as fuel injection in engines, spray drying, and aerosol production.

How does evaporation differ from atomization?

Evaporation is the process where liquid molecules transition into the gas phase, typically occurring at the surface of the liquid. Unlike atomization, which involves breaking the liquid into droplets, evaporation is a phase change that requires energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the liquid molecules together. It is a key mechanism for cooling and concentration processes in both natural and industrial settings.

What role does energy play in atomization and evaporation?

Energy is essential for both atomization and evaporation. In atomization, energy is required to create the surface area of the droplets by overcoming the liquid's cohesive forces. For evaporation, energy is needed to provide the latent heat of vaporization, enabling liquid molecules to escape into the gas phase. Both processes involve energy transformations that are critical for their respective applications.

What factors influence the efficiency of atomization?

The efficiency of atomization is influenced by several factors, including the properties of the liquid (such as viscosity and surface tension), the method of atomization (e.g., pressure, ultrasonic, or centrifugal), and the operational parameters (like pressure, temperature, and flow rate). Optimizing these factors can enhance the uniformity and size distribution of the droplets produced.

How can understanding the energy exchange in evaporation improve industrial processes?

Understanding the energy exchange in evaporation can lead to more efficient industrial processes by optimizing the conditions under which evaporation occurs. This can result in energy savings, improved product quality, and faster processing times. For example, in drying operations, controlling temperature and humidity can maximize evaporation rates while minimizing energy consumption, leading to more cost-effective and sustainable operations.

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