Atomizing feed nozzle

A nozzle for atomizing a liquid comprising:

• (a) a primary conduit having a longitudinal axis, an inner surface, an inlet for receiving a liquid stream, and an outlet;
• (b) a secondary conduit, a portion of which is positioned within the primary conduit for receiving a dispersion medium, having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an inlet, and an outlet that is located within the primary conduit at a point upstream from the outlet of the primary conduit, the secondary conduit including an expansion union between the inlet and outlet of the secondary conduit to increase the cross section area of the secondary conduit within the primary conduit;
• (c) at least one fluid passageway between the outer surface of the secondary conduit and the inner surface of the primary conduit;
• and
• (d) a mixing zone, located between the secondary conduit outlet and the primary conduit outlet, wherein the inner surface of the primary conduit within the mixing zone is a tapered surface that reduces the cross sectional area of the primary conduit in the mixing zone to form a liquid film therein which is atomized as it exits the primary conduit outlet.