Two-stage ultrasonic atomization using a gravity-fed pre-stage

Common disc-type ultrasonic atomizers are characterized by a liquid column of millimeters to centimeters above the disc to successfully atomize the liquid. This results in to a fountain and splash formation, along with heating of the liquid, which typically are undesired. In recent studies, this limitation has been overcome by introducing large-sized droplet generation as a pre-stage to the ultrasonic atomization process. This, however, typically requires a pump to feed the atomizer. In the present study, we designed a novel single drop dispenser as a pre-stage which can operate using gravity with timing option, and thereby eliminating the need for a pump for the pre-stage dispensing.