Electrospray Device And A Method of Electrospraying
AssigneeQueen Mary & Westfield College
InventorsJohn P W Stark, Mark D Paine, Matthew S Alexander
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Abstract
An electrospray apparatus for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid in pulses at a constant frequency is provided. The apparatus comprises an emitter (70) having a spray area from which liquid can be sprayed, a means for applying an electric field (78) to liquid in, on or adjacent to the emitter (70). In use, liquid is drawn to the spray area by electrostatic forces and electrospray occurs in pulses at a constant frequency whilst the electric field (78) is applied.
Claims38
An electrospray apparatus for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid in pulses at a constant frequency,
- the apparatus comprising:
- an emitter having a spray area from which liquid can be sprayed,
- a means for applying an electric field to liquid in, on or adjacent to the emitter, whereby, in use, liquid is drawn to the spray area by electrostatic forces and electrospray occurs in pulses at a constant frequency whilst the electric field is applied.
A method of electrospraying comprising:
- providing an emitter for receiving liquid, the emitter having a spray area from which liquid can be sprayed,
- applying an electric field of a selected strength to the liquid,
- whereby liquid is drawn to the spray area by electrostatic forces, and
- wherein the electric field strength, liquid viscosity and conductivity and emitter geometry are selected causing electrospray to occur in pulses at a constant frequency whilst the electric field is applied.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.