TSI Instruments 9307 Application Note

OIL DROPLET GENERATORS
MODELS 9307 AND 9307-6
APPLICATION NOTE 9307-001 (A4)
Laskin nozzle oil droplet generator
models 9307 (single-jet) and 9307-6
(six-jet) are designed to generate
large amounts of seed particles for
the seeding of PIV or LDV flows. They
are also ideal for seeding in high-
speed flows for wind tunnel
experiments. These generators are
typically used with olive oil, but can
also be used with other fluids such as
DEHS or salt solutions (for
aerosolizing solid salt particles).
The oil droplet generator operates
when pressurized air atomizes oil in
the generator reservoir to produce
the droplets. An internal impactor
plate blocks large droplets from getting into the droplet stream exiting the device, allowing it to
generate particles with a reasonably narrow size distribution. Generally, a larger particle output
volume can be obtained without seriously affecting the droplet size range by increasing the inlet
pressure. A valve and pressure gauge arrangement provides an easy way to control the inlet air
pressure. Both models are equipped with an external gauge which indicates the oil level in the
atomizer chamber.
Instructions for Operation
The oil droplet generator is very easy to use. The seeding agent is added to the reservoir (typically
olive oil), and the unit is attached to a pressurized air supply. It is not necessary to remove the cover
of the unit to add the oil; the oil can be poured directly through the outlet port. The following steps
instruct users how to operate the generator, to provide the desired oil droplets as seed particles for
your PIV or LDV measurements: