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A novel ultrasonic aerosol generator

A Davies¹, N Hudson, L Pirie

¹School of Health Studies, University of Central England, Birmingham, UK.

Medical Engineering & Physics

|July 1, 1995

Summary

A modified domestic humidifier creates liquid aerosols for physiological studies. This reliable ultrasonic aerosol generator produces particles optimal for lung deposition and can use small sample volumes.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Respiratory Physiology
Aerosol Science

Background:

Physiological investigations require reliable methods for generating liquid aerosols.
Existing aerosol generation techniques may have limitations in terms of particle size, sample volume, or cost.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the construction and performance of a novel ultrasonic aerosol generator.
To evaluate its suitability for producing aerosols for physiological research, particularly for intrapulmonary deposition.

Main Methods:

Modification of a domestic humidifier (Pifco) by incorporating an energy guide.
Directing transducer oscillations to a membrane-based sample chamber containing the liquid to be aerosolized.
Characterization of aerosol particle size distribution and generation rate.

Main Results:

The modified device successfully generated liquid aerosols with a size distribution between 2 and 6 mm.
This particle size range is considered optimal for diffuse intrapulmonary deposition.
The generator demonstrated reliability over a three-year period and could accommodate small sample volumes.

Conclusions:

A cost-effective and reliable ultrasonic aerosol generator can be constructed from a domestic humidifier.
The device is suitable for producing aerosols for physiological investigations, especially those requiring targeted intrapulmonary deposition.
Its ability to use small sample volumes makes it ideal for expensive or limited materials.

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