Stable mist generation method and apparatus, the products and uses thereof

Abstract

Abstract Disclosed is a series of methods and apparatuses for generating a stable water mist composed of water drops coated with a monomolecular film of long chain fatty alcohols whose carbon atoms are 16 and above. The methods include vaporizing and then condensing the alcohol to form particles of a suitable size for later intimately mixing with and thereby becoming a coating film upon generated drops of water. The water drops may be generated by means of a steam nozzle, spinning disc, or the agitation caused by an ultrasonic generator focused on the surface of a water bath or in the path of a water spray. The size of the drops can be controlled by the size of the generating equipment, temperature and quality of the steam or the intensity of the ultrasonic field. The alcohol particles may be held in solution with a volatile solvent which, after the spray mixing or emulsion of this solution and water drops, erupts causing the alcohol particle to burst out from the water drops to form a coating on the drop''s surface. Insecticides, fertilizers, dyes and other materials may be added to the alcohol and water sprays so long as the additives have a neutral pH and do not cause imperfections in the alcohol film around the drop. The generated product of alcohol-coated minute water drops may be used to reduce the risk of frost damage to an orchard when the generated mist is directed through the orchard and thereby reduces the energy flux by reflecting and absorbing the heat energy which otherwise would escape into space as it is radiated from the earth and trees. The effectiveness of the mist for this purpose is enhanced when the water drops have a radius between 3 and 15 microns. In a similar manner the coated drops can form a floating lens system for reflecting and scattering infrared radiation. Another use of the generated product is to assist in the extinguishment of fires such as forest fires, by permitting a greater amount of water to be used for wetting the fuel of the fire and increasing the relative humidity closer to the fire since the coated water drops are more stable and can penetrate farther into the fire without having the moisture evaporated. Particularly good results occur when the radius of the water drops is between 50 and 100 microns. A dense opaque mist can be used to engulf an unruly mob reducing visibility to such a degree as to cause the mob to become disoriented and easily controlled.

Inventors

• 👤 Thomas Y Palmer

Bibliographic Details