The Use of Nonlinear Acoustics as an Energy-Efficient Technique for Aerosol Removal

Figures & data

FIG. 1. Illustrative diagram of the experimental set up.

FIG. 2. Typical velocity profiles for acoustics on and off.

FIG. 3. Typical variation in particle number concentration due to acoustic treatment.

FIG. 4. Particle number concentration drops as a function of flow velocities. (Flow velocities were obtained without acoustics.)

FIG. 5. Fluid flow fields (a) without acoustics, (b) with acoustics due to symmetrical plate position, and (c) with acoustics due to asymmetrical plate position.

FIG. 6. Aerosol flow patterns of (a) 6-μm particles without acoustics, (b) 6-μm particles with acoustics, and (c) 0.3-μm particles with acoustics.

FIG. 7. The effect of acoustic radiation pressure on particles of different sizes.

FIG. 8. Droplets leaving the standing wave with (left) and without (right) acoustics.

Table 1 Percentage change in particle number concentration

Size range (μm)	Mean % change input = 0.3 μm	Mean % change input = 0.6 μm	Mean % change input = 2 μm
0.30–0.50	−25%	—	—
0.51–0.70	−28%	−18%	—
0.71–1.00	−36%	−22%	—
1.01–1.50	−38%	−18%	—
1.51–2.00	−43%	−23%	−48%
2.01–2.50	−47%	−34%	−46%
2.51–3.00	−51%	−39%	−49%
3.01–4.00	−53%	−39%	−51%
4.01–5.00	−55%	−36%	−44%
5.01–6.00	−47%	−42%	−39%
6.01–8.00	−17%	−47%	−30%
8.01–10.00	3%	−34%	49%