Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – Processes – Vibratory or magneto-strictive projecting
Patent
1995-12-20
1999-03-16
Kashnikow, Andres
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
Processes
Vibratory or magneto-strictive projecting
239 99, 239456, 239515, B05B 1704
Patent
active
058819541
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a method of atomising fluids and a device for carrying out said method.
BACKGROUND ART
Several devices and nozzles for a fine atomization of fluids or suspensions are known from the patent literature.
From WO 91/14468 it is known to produce a spray of droplets by forcing a fluid through a small opening under high pressure.
Further, EP-A1-0 520 571 discloses an atomising nozzle for providing a spray of droplets comprising an orifice having a closure member movable between a position, in which it closes the orifice and a position spaced herefrom to define a gap. Under the action of pressurised fluid, the closure member is displaced relative to the orifice to define the gap, whereby a fluid film flows through the gap and breaks into droplets.
Moreover, from WO 92/19383 it is known to atomise a stream of fluids into droplets by said stream impinging a body placed in the discharge path at great velocity.
Finally EP-A2-0 387 179 discloses an atomising device, in which pressurised fluid is discharged through a vibrating-type atomising nozzle comprising a seat part having an outlet opening and a closing element biassed towards a closed position by means of a spring, in which it closes the outlet opening. By means of an electromechanical drive means the closing element may be oscillated between a closed and opened position relative to the seat part, whereby the pressurised fluid will be discharged from the outlet opening, when the closing element is in its open position.
Within the pharmaceutical field it is known to administer a medicament in solution or suspension as a fine spray through the nose or mouth. For inhalation purposes, the droplets of the spray have to be so small, i.e. about 10 micrometer or less, that they may be extrained by the inhaled air and reach their destination, i.e. the outer most alveoli in the lungs.
In order to obtain sufficiently small droplets, it has been the practice for many years to atomise the medicament in solution or suspension by means of a propellant usually of the freon-type. For environmental reasons and due to the physiological effect it is desirable to avoid the use of more or less inert propellants.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for fine atomization of fluids, in particular medicaments in solution or suspension, in a vehicle, such as water, by means of which it is possible to form a spray of fluid with a droplet size of about 10 .mu. or less.
According to the invention, the method for atomising fluid is characterised in that a predetermined quantity of fluid is provided between a first surface and a second surface spaced from one another, whereafter the two surfaces are moved towards one another, until the first surface essentially over its entire extent essentially is in contact with the second surface and at such a speed that the fluid between the two surfaces is pressed out to the ambience via the periphery of the surfaces with a velocity sufficient to atomise the fluid.
The invention is thus based on the knowledge that a very fine atomization of a fluid can be obtained, if two surfaces, between which a certain dosage of fluid is present, are moved towards one another at sufficient speed for a thin fluid film to be sprayed out at the edge of the surfaces. The fluid film subsequently becomes instable and separates into fluid strings, which are broken up into droplets of a diameter less than the initial thickness of the fluid film under the influence of the surface tension of the fluid. Compared to known principles of atomization without the use of propellants, by the present invention it is thus avoided to pressurised large quantities of fluids, as essentially only the limited quantity of fluid placed between the surfaces, is pressurised. This is particularly advantageous when carrying out the invention by means of a small hand-held device for the administration of a drug, i.e. a so-called inhalator.
According to the invention, the two surfaces may have essentia
REFERENCES:
patent: 3693656 (1972-09-01), Sauer
patent: 4049200 (1977-09-01), Sobol
patent: 4165038 (1979-08-01), Kumazawa
patent: 4221331 (1980-09-01), Goran, Jr.
patent: 5056511 (1991-10-01), Ronge
Danmist APS
Ganey Steven J.
Kashnikow Andres
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