Parallel Dispersion of Liquid Compositions

Abstract

A dual fluid spray device for dispersing two different liquids, such as droplets, in parallel, comprising a spray nozzle assembly having two nozzles, each nozzle having a nozzle axis for dispersing a spray pattern of the liquids along the nozzle axis. In an embodiment, the dual fluid spray device is capable of dispersing two liquids in parallel and simultaneously, the nozzle axis of a first nozzle diverging at a divergence angle from the nozzle axis of a second nozzle. In an embodiment, the dual fluid spray device is capable of dispersing two liquids in parallel and simultaneously, the first supply means supplies a series of pulses of a first liquid composition to the first nozzle, and the second supply means supplies a series of pulses of a second liquid composition to the second nozzle in alternating and non-overlapping fashion with the pulses of the first liquid composition.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dispersing liquids, typically aqueous compositions, in rooms or other volumes of space.

[0002] It is often necessary to disperse two or more liquid or aqueous compositions into a room or other volume space and distribute and deposit them onto one or more surfaces therein. The compositions can be dispersed sequentially to form one or more layers of material on the surface, or they can be dispersed simultaneously to allow the compositions to interact with each other in the air space and / or on the surface. In some cases, it may be advantageous to delay or prevent the liquid compositions or droplets thereof from contacting each other in the air space prior to deposition on the surface, for example to comply with regulatory requirements, promote safety, increase the stability of the composition, avoid chemical reactions between a first reactive component in one liquid composition and a second reactive component in a second liquid composition, and / or optimize the benefits of the combined liquid compositions on the surface.

[0003] As a result, there is a need to develop improved methods and systems for dispensing two or more distinct compositions from a single device while delaying or preventing the liquid compositions or droplets thereof from interacting or fusing during flight within air and volume spaces before depositing the two liquid compositions on a surface and fusing the two or more distinct compositions into a composite layer of the two or more distinct compositions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for concurrently dispersing two or more liquid compositions into an air space to reduce, minimize, or eliminate intermixing or aggregation of the two or more liquid compositions within the air space.

[0005] <Dispersed droplets and flow morphology> The dispersion can be multiple droplets, one or more streams, or a combination thereof. The dispersion of two or more liquid compositions is deposited independently on one or more surfaces. The dispersion can be directed toward one or more surfaces, or directed toward an air space in a volume, such as a room, or an enclosed or open area, and passed through the air space and deposited on the surface by gravity.

[0006] The present invention provides single or multiple device systems and methods for dispersing two or more liquid compositions into streams or droplets that are configured to reduce, minimize, or eliminate mixing or coalescence of the droplets and streams of each of the two or more liquid compositions within an air space prior to deposition on the surface or surfaces, respectively.

[0007] The present invention also provides a spray nozzle assembly including two or more separate nozzles as described herein.

[0008] The two or more liquid compositions can be different or separate liquid compositions. In various embodiments, the first and second liquid compositions are independently and separately dispersed as multiple droplets.

[0009] The dispersion of droplets of the liquid composition from the spray nozzle can be driven by the pump speed or pressure applied to the liquid in the spray nozzle assembly, or by the volumetric flow rate of the pressurized air stream passing through the spray nozzle assembly in a two-fluid (liquid and air) spray nozzle assembly in parallel. The pressurized air stream can be generated by an air pump or a high-pressure air blower, such as the Hurricane fogger available from B&G Equipment Company. The stream of liquid composition dispersed from the spray nozzle can be driven by the pump speed or pump pressure applied to the liquid in the spray nozzle assembly.

[0010] Interaction between dispersed droplets of a first liquid composition from a first liquid nozzle and dispersed droplets of a second liquid composition from a second liquid nozzle is reduced by: 1) increasing the distance of the first nozzle and its dispersion vector (or nozzle axis) from the second nozzle and its dispersion vector (or nozzle axis); 2) increasing the relative dispersion angle between the nozzle axis of the first nozzle and the nozzle axis of the second nozzle; 3) reducing, minimizing, or preferably avoiding dispersion of droplets of the second liquid composition while droplets of the first liquid composition are being dispersed (and vice versa); and 4) applying the same electrostatic charge to each of the dispersed droplets of the liquid compositions.

[0011] <Distance between two nozzles> In various embodiments, the distance between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is at least 1 cm, or at least 2 cm, or at least 4 cm, and up to about 10 cm, or up to about 6 cm. This distance should be sufficient to minimize or avoid overlap or collision between the dispersions of the first and second liquid compositions when they are dispersed simultaneously.

[0012] <Reaction Compound> In various embodiments, each of the two or more liquid compositions can have a different reactive compound, and when the two or more liquid compositions are combined into a mixed composition, the two different reactive compounds can react with each other to form a reaction product in the mixed composition. For example, a first liquid composition can have, consist of, or include a first reactive compound, and a second liquid composition can have, consist of, or include a second reactive compound. When the first liquid composition is combined with the second liquid composition to form a resulting mixed liquid composition, the first reactive compound and the second reactive compound react to form a reaction product.

[0013] <Catalytic reaction> In other aspects employing the methods, apparatus or systems described herein, the first liquid composition can have two or more reactive compounds that are stable, minimally reactive, or non-reactive within the first liquid composition, while the second liquid composition can have a catalytic material that induces or initiates a reaction between the two or more reactive compounds or increases the rate of the reaction to form a target product.

[0014] <Concurrent distribution> The two or more liquid compositions are dispersed in parallel, each of the two or more liquid compositions being dispersed within a concurrent period of time or within each of a series of concurrent periods of time. During the concurrent periods, each of the two or more liquid compositions is dispersed alone or together with the other liquid compositions. For example, the first liquid composition is dispersed alone or only at a moment during the concurrent period or simultaneously with the second liquid composition at a moment during the concurrent period, and the second liquid composition is dispersed alone or only at a moment during the concurrent period or simultaneously with the first liquid composition at a moment during the concurrent period.

[0015] Without being bound to any particular theory of operation or function, the side-by-side distribution of the first and second liquid compositions in a volumetric space improves the reliability and uniformity of the volumes or masses of the first and second liquid compositions and their relative volumes and / or masses deposited and aggregated on one or more target surfaces. Typically, each portion, region, or area of ​​the one or more target surfaces is covered by a reactive liquid layer having a reaction product formed by a first reactive compound of the first liquid composition and a second reactive compound of the second liquid composition, and the first and second reactive compounds and / or reaction products are present in a similar, identical, or uniform amount or concentration, or within a predetermined range or tolerance, within each portion, region, or area of ​​the one or more target surfaces.

[0016] <Parallel, simultaneous and divergent distribution> In various embodiments of the system or method, two or more liquid compositions are dispersed in parallel and simultaneously into the air space during a parallel period or during each of a series of parallel periods, and are dispersed along the divergent spray vector. During the parallel period, both of the two or more liquid compositions are dispersed together. For example, the first liquid composition is dispersed simultaneously with the second liquid composition at a moment during the parallel period, and the second liquid composition is dispersed simultaneously with the first liquid composition at a moment during the parallel period. In addition to the two or more liquid compositions being dispersed together during the parallel period, either the first liquid composition or the second liquid composition can be dispersed independently of the other. For example, the time during the dispersion of the first liquid composition overlaps with the time during the dispensing of the first liquid composition, and before or after such time, only the first liquid composition or only the second liquid composition can be dispersed.

[0017] The present invention provides a dual liquid spray device for dispensing two different liquids, preferably as droplets, concurrently and simultaneously, the device comprising a spray nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles, each nozzle having a nozzle axis for dispersing a spray pattern of the liquids along the nozzle axis, the nozzle axis of the first nozzle dispersing a first liquid composition diverging at a diverging angle from and not parallel to the nozzle axis of the second nozzle dispersing a second liquid composition, first means for supplying the first liquid composition to the first nozzle, and second means for supplying the second liquid composition to the second nozzle.

[0018] The present invention also provides a spray nozzle assembly including at least two nozzles, each nozzle having a nozzle axis for dispersing a spray pattern of liquid along the nozzle axis, the nozzle axis of the first nozzle dispersing a first liquid composition diverging at a diverging angle from and not parallel to the nozzle axis of the second nozzle dispersing a second liquid composition.

[0019] In various embodiments, the divergence angle is at least 3°, and preferably at least 10°.

[0020] In various embodiments, during the parallel and simultaneous dispersing of two or more liquid compositions, each dispersion comprises a jet or spray of the respective liquid composition along a dispersion vector, the dispersion vector of a first liquid composition being divergent from and not parallel to the dispersion vector of a second liquid composition, in embodiments, the jet or spray of each liquid composition comprises or consists essentially of a dispersion of droplets of the liquid composition.

[0021] In various embodiments, the dispersion source is a spray nozzle or a droplet nozzle, including a first nozzle for the first liquid composition and a second nozzle for the second liquid composition. The first nozzle and the second nozzle can be arranged in a single dispersion device or in separate devices. The first nozzle and the second nozzle can be oriented in an imaginary plane and spaced apart a distance. In some embodiments, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are oriented in a substantially horizontal plane or in a plane substantially perpendicular to gravity, and the first nozzle has a nozzle axis that diverges from the nozzle axis of the second nozzle and is not parallel to the nozzle axis of the second nozzle. The nozzle axis of the first nozzle diverges from the nozzle axis of the second nozzle by a divergence angle α, and the first and second dispersion vectors of the dispersion of the first and second liquid compositions diverge at approximately the same divergence angle α of the nozzle axis. In various embodiments, the divergence angle α between the first and second nozzle axes can be up to 45°, and can be at least 3°, more typically at least 6°, or at least 10°, and can be up to about 30° or more, and more typically up to about 25°, or about 20°.

[0022] At any moment during dispersion, the dispersion vector of the first liquid composition is non-parallel to the dispersion vector of the second liquid composition and diverges outwardly. In various embodiments, the dispersion vectors of the droplets of the two liquid compositions travel along the respective nozzle axes of the spray nozzle to a target distance T, as shown in FIG. 8, and the droplets disperse axially along the dispersion vector and diverge away from the dispersion vector. As the dispersed droplets travel axially along the dispersion vector, they radially move away from the dispersion vector, typically in a circular or elliptical pattern in a cross section perpendicular to the dispersion vector. For example, the droplets spread in a conical pattern with a central angle along the dispersion vector and a dispersion angle indicated by central angle β along the respective nozzle axes. The dispersion angle β of the dispersed droplets can depend on several factors, including the compositional and electrostatic properties of the droplets of the liquid compositions, the design of the spray nozzle, and the operation of the droplet propulsion device of the spray device. Typically, aqueous droplets disperse in a pattern with a dispersion angle β of about 10° to about 30° in the horizontal plane.

[0023] Without being bound to any particular theory of operation or function, the angle of receding dispersions of the first and second liquid compositions directs the momentum of the droplets of each of the first and second liquid compositions away from one another, particularly within the first few feet, e.g., 3-6 feet (1-2 meters) from the spray nozzle. As the droplets continue along the spray vector, their velocity and momentum begin to slow, and at greater distances from the spray nozzle, the droplet pattern begins to diverge slightly outward away from the dispersion vector, increasing the distance between particles, thereby reducing or minimizing collisions between the droplets, particularly between droplets of the first liquid composition and droplets of the second liquid composition.

[0024] As shown in Figure 8, the divergence angle α of the nozzle axis is configured and selected to limit or prevent overlap of the radially diverging distribution pattern 51 of the first liquid composition with the radially diverging conical distribution pattern 52 of the second liquid composition. By minimizing or eliminating overlap of the distribution patterns of the first and second liquid compositions, contact between droplets of the first and second liquid compositions and the formation of droplets of the mixed composition can be minimized or eliminated.

[0025] In various embodiments of the present invention, the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition each have at least one reactive compound and / or reactive catalyst. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first liquid composition has hydrogen peroxide or a peroxide generating compound, and the second liquid composition has an organic acid, preferably acetic acid, and the formation of droplets of the mixed composition leads to the formation of a peracid, preferably peracetic acid, in situ. The formation of particles or droplets of the mixed composition with a peracid, such as peracetic acid, poses the risk of inhalation of droplets with peracid or peracetic acid, which may be harmful to humans and mammals.

[0026] Without being bound to any particular theory, the divergence angle α of the two nozzle axes is selected to optimize the performance of the two-fluid spray system while minimizing the mixing and coalescence of droplets of the two different liquid compositions, the latter being important when the two different liquid compositions consist of only two different liquid compositions, each of which contains a different reactant compound, and the two different liquid compositions combine to form a mixed liquid composition, and the two different liquid compositions react to form a reaction product within the mixed liquid composition only when the two different liquid compositions react to form a reaction product.

[0027] When two different liquid compositions are dispersed as respective droplet patterns, increasing the divergence angle α of the two nozzle axes reduces the interaction and coalescence of droplets from the two different droplet patterns, and as the divergence angle increases, the interaction and coalescence of the different droplets becomes negligible, immeasurable, or avoided.

[0028] On the other hand, to effectively mix a sufficient amount of coalesced droplets on a surface or surfaces to form an effective reaction product, it is important that sufficient droplets of both of the two different liquid compositions pass through the air space, descend to land on a surface, and coalesce to form a coalesced mixed composition containing the reaction product. When two different liquid compositions are dispersed as respective droplet patterns, reducing or minimizing the divergence angle α of the two nozzle axes increases the delivery and coalescence of sufficient droplets from both of the different liquid compositions to provide effective performance on all surfaces to which the dispersed spray pattern is directed. For example, in the case of two reactive compounds that form a disinfection reaction product, it is important to deliver sufficient amounts (e.g., stoichiometric amounts) of both reactive compounds to one or more surfaces to form an effective disinfection product that can disinfect such surfaces.

[0029] <Parallel, alternating distribution> In various embodiments, the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition are distributed in parallel and alternating manner in the air space within parallel periods or within each of a series of parallel periods. During the parallel periods, both of the two or more liquid compositions are distributed separately and independently of each other at mutually exclusive times. The first liquid composition is distributed in a series of pulses, each pulse being distributed in a volumetric pulse amount during a pulse time, and each pulse of the series of pulses being separated in time by a residence time. The second liquid composition is also distributed in a series of pulses, each pulse being distributed in a volumetric pulse amount during a pulse time, and each pulse of the series of pulses being separated in time by a residence time. The pulses of the first liquid composition are distributed during the residence time of the pulses of the second liquid composition, while the pulses of the second liquid composition are distributed during the residence time of the pulses of the first liquid composition and do not overlap in time with the pulses of the first liquid composition.

[0030] In various embodiments where the liquid composition dispersion comprises a multiplicity of droplets, a dispersion pulse of the liquid composition has a multiplicity of droplets moving in waves radiating from the dispersion vector as the pulse moves axially along the dispersion vector. Typically, the pulse wave of droplets spreads in a circular or elliptical pattern in a cross section perpendicular to the dispersion vector. For example, the droplets of each wave spread in a conical pattern at a substantially radial angle along the dispersion vector. For example, the droplets spread in a conical pattern having a dispersion angle denoted by angle β. The dispersion angle β can be from about 10° to about 40°.

[0031] In various embodiments, the first and second liquid compositions 51, 52 are pulsed from two separate nozzles (pi, FIG. 9). The dispersion vectors of the first and second liquid compositions can be spaced parallel at a distance sufficient to accommodate the two nozzles. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second liquid compositions are pulsed from a single nozzle along a single dispersion vector. A series of alternating pulse dispersions of the first and second liquid compositions move in axially spaced pulse waves along their respective dispersion vectors or along a single vector. The residence time of the alternating pulse dispersions is sufficient to spatially and temporally separate the alternating pulse dispersions of the first and second liquid compositions, minimizing or eliminating overlap of the alternating dispersion pulses of droplets of each of the first and second liquid compositions, minimizing or eliminating contact between droplets of the first liquid composition and droplets of the second liquid composition and formation of droplets of the mixed composition.

[0032] Without being bound to any particular theory of operation or function, the pulse waves of droplets of the first liquid composition and the pulse waves of droplets of the second liquid composition are distributed through the air space without overlapping or intermingling, or at least without significant overlap. Typically, only the most energetic (or fastest moving) droplets from a subsequent pulse wave of the first liquid composition (or second liquid composition) are able to overtake the least energetic (or slowest moving) droplets of a preceding pulse wave of the second liquid composition (or first liquid composition).

[0033] In various embodiments, the duration of the dispersion of the pulse wave of either the first liquid composition or the second liquid composition can be at least 0.01 seconds to 10 seconds in duration. In other embodiments, the duration of the dispersion wave or pulse is at least 0.1 seconds, or at least 0.25 seconds, and is up to about 1 second, or up to about 0.5 seconds, or up to about 0.25 seconds. Each pulse wave of the droplet of the first liquid composition has a wave distance or pulse distance (ym, FIG. 9) from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wave, and each pulse wave of the droplet of the second liquid composition has a wave distance or pulse distance (yn). Each pulse of the first liquid composition is separated by a residence time that forms a residence distance (wm, FIG. 9), and each pulse of the second liquid composition is separated by a residence time that forms a residence distance (wn). In various embodiments, the residence of the dispersion of the first and second liquid compositions results in a time delay and separation distance (z, FIG. 9) between the end of the pulse wave of droplets of the first liquid composition and the beginning of the pulse wave of droplets of the second liquid composition, or vice versa. In various embodiments, the time delay is at least 0.01 seconds and up to 1 second. In other embodiments, the time delay is at least 0.1 seconds, or at least 0.5 seconds, up to about 0.5 seconds, or up to about 0.25 seconds, or up to about 0.1 seconds. The distance delay between the end and beginning of the pulse wave of droplets of the first liquid composition and droplets of the second liquid composition is sufficient to minimize or eliminate contact and mixing of droplets of the first liquid composition with droplets of the second liquid composition, and formation of droplets of the mixed composition.

[0034] <Parallel, Alternate and Divergent Dispersion> In various embodiments, the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition are dispersed in parallel and alternating fashion along a diverging spray vector.

[0035] 10 shows droplets 51, 52 of the first and second liquid compositions dispersed in parallel along divergence vectors about the divergence axes of the two nozzles 10, 20. The first and second liquid compositions 51, 52 are each dispersed in pulses or waves during the residence of the other during alternating periods of dispersion. In this manner, both mechanisms reduce, minimize or prevent mixing of the droplets of the first liquid composition with the first liquid composition in the air space.

[0036] <Droplet formation> In various embodiments, the multiple droplets of the liquid composition can be formed by any one or more known methods, such as selected from the group consisting of coarse spray, mist, shower, aerosol, fog, and steam, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, at least about 90% by volume, at least 95% by volume, or at least 97% by volume, or at least 98% by volume, or 99% by volume of the first and second liquid compositions are dispersed as multiple droplets. In further embodiments, substantially 100% by volume of either or both of the first and second liquid compositions are dispersed as multiple droplets. Sprayers, fogging machines, and other devices for dispersing the first and second liquid compositions as droplets are well known in the art.

[0037] <Aqueous liquid composition> In various embodiments, one or more of the liquid compositions is an aqueous composition having water as a solvent.In various embodiments, one or more of the liquid compositions can be a non-aqueous composition, including but not limited to an oil composition, an organic compound or composition, and other volatile compounds or compositions that are substantially free of water.In various embodiments, all of the liquid compositions that are dispersed are aqueous compositions.

[0038] <Diameter size> In various embodiments, the equivalent diameter of many droplets can be controlled so that the droplets are small enough to be dispersed throughout the air space and a portion of the volume space.In various embodiments, the formation of droplets of the liquid composition can be controlled so that at least 90% by volume, typically at least 95% by volume, and more typically at least 99% by volume of the dispersed liquid composition have a diameter (or equivalent diameter) within a desired or target droplet size range.For the formation of droplets (smaller droplets) that can pass through the air space and remain suspended in the air space for a distance of about 10 feet (about 3.3 meters) or more, the target droplet size range is at least 10 microns, or at least 15 microns, up to 100 microns, preferably up to 80 microns, or up to 50 microns, or up to 25 microns. For the formation of droplets that are airborne but fall by gravity within a distance of about 15 feet (about 5 meters) or less (medium droplets), the target droplet size range is at least 25 microns, or at least 50 microns, up to 250 microns, preferably up to 125 microns, or up to 100 microns, or up to 75 microns.

[0039] In various embodiments, the dispersion and distribution of one or more aqueous compositions can be controlled to increase, enhance, or maximize binding of the compositions within a volumetric space before being deposited on a target surface. In various embodiments, the dispersion and distribution of one or more aqueous compositions can be controlled to decrease, minimize, or prevent binding of the compositions within a volumetric space before being deposited on a target surface.

[0040] <Multi-spray application> In various embodiments, two or more liquid or aqueous compositions can be dispersed using a system having multiple spray devices positioned at different locations within a volumetric space. In various embodiments, two or more liquid or aqueous compositions can be dispersed as multiple droplets using a system having a single spray device.

[0041] <Multi-nozzle dispersion> In a further aspect, within a single spray device system, the spray device can have (a) two or more liquid composition containers or aqueous composition containers, each container containing or configured to contain a separate and different liquid composition or aqueous composition; (b) two or more means for pumping or drawing the liquid composition or aqueous composition from one of the two or more liquid composition containers or aqueous composition containers; and (c) two or more delivery nozzles, each delivery nozzle in fluid communication with at least one pumping means and configured to dispense a volume or mass of the liquid composition or aqueous composition. In various aspects, the two or more delivery nozzles of a single spray device system disperse each liquid composition or aqueous composition into a number of droplets, or sizes or diameters as described herein above. In various aspects, the axial velocity of the dispersed droplets or pulse waves of the first liquid composition is substantially the same as the axial velocity of the dispersed droplets or pulse waves of the second liquid composition.

[0042] In various embodiments, the spray system described above can be configured to disperse two (or more) liquid or aqueous compositions in parallel, each having a predetermined mass or volume velocity and emitted at a corresponding axial velocity depending on the nozzle design, the axial mass or volume air flow rate through the two-fluid spray nozzle, and the volume velocity or pressure of each liquid composition. In a non-limiting example, a first liquid or aqueous composition is dispersed in a volumetric space and a second liquid or aqueous composition is dispersed in parallel (and either alternately or divergently, or both) in the volumetric space.

[0043] In various embodiments, the total time required for the side-by-side distribution of the first and second liquid compositions can be determined, for example, by calculation based on the number of square feet of contacting surfaces in the volumetric space and the determined or target equivalent thickness of the combined reaction layer on the surfaces. In a non-limiting example, a typical facility, office, or residential room may take about 1-15 minutes to distribute the two liquid compositions side-by-side on the surfaces in the room.

[0044] <Air space> Non-limiting examples of volumetric spaces having air spaces include rooms, buildings, shipping containers, and shipping compartments, while non-limiting examples of target surfaces include food processing surfaces, health care surfaces and equipment, laboratory surfaces, industrial or commercial machines, or household and residential surfaces. Potential applications are varied. One non-limiting example of such an application is the disinfection of surfaces using two or more aqueous compositions. Such methods, systems, and devices are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,861,102 and 10,603,396; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2019 / 0091360 and 2020 / 0306399; U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 985,783, and PCT Publication Nos. WO 2017 / 205649, 2019 / 075176, and 2021 / 178774, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0045] <Nozzle outlet shape> The design geometry of the spray nozzle can affect the shape of the pattern of dispersed droplets from the spray nozzle assembly. In most conventional spray nozzles, the geometry of the liquid supply and discharge tubes, as well as the air supply, venturi and air discharge tubes, are circular in cross section along the nozzle axis, so that the dispersion pattern of droplets emitted from the spray nozzle has a circular pattern in cross section perpendicular to the dispersion vector.

[0046] In various embodiments, the liquid outlet tube and the air venturi and air outlet tube are rectangular or elliptical in shape and oriented with their major axes pointing vertically (in the direction of gravity when used for spraying), so that the dispersion pattern of the droplets emitted from the spray nozzle has a circular pattern in a cross section perpendicular to the dispersion vector. As the dispersion pattern of the droplets narrows horizontally or laterally, the overlap of the respective dispersion patterns of the first and second liquid compositions is reduced and minimized. <Spray pattern> In various embodiments, the spray nozzle of the spray device distributes the liquid composition in a spray pattern, non-limiting examples of which include a solid, circular or elliptical cone emitted along the nozzle axis, a hollow, circular or elliptical cone emitted along the nozzle axis, and a flat or planar spray emitted transverse to the nozzle axis.

[0047] <ess> In various embodiments, as is preferred in the systems and methods of the invention that generate droplets of two liquid compositions, the droplets of one or both of the first and second liquid compositions dispensed from the nozzle can be electrostatically charged. In some embodiments, the droplets of both the first and second liquid compositions dispensed from the nozzle can be electrostatically charged with the same electrostatic charge, which can be either a positive charge or a negative charge.

[0048] An electrostatic charge is typically applied to the dispersed droplets of the liquid composition exiting the spray nozzle using an ionization or high voltage charging system having a pin electrode and a charged (grounded) ring that transfers a high voltage charge to the droplets passing between them. A typical electrostatic charge on the dispersed droplets is 5 to 20 kilovolts (kV), e.g., 8 to 10 kV.

[0049] Without being bound to any particular theory, the electrostatic charge of the dispersion of droplets of both the first and second liquid compositions is utilized to electrostatically repel each other. When two dispersed droplet streams are released from the spray device with high velocity and momentum, collisions between the droplets may occur, but because the collisions involve droplets of the same liquid composition, no reaction products are formed. As the droplets travel along their respective dispersion vectors, their velocity and momentum decrease, and the distance between the droplets in each dispersion pattern spreads laterally away from the dispersion vector as a result of the electrostatic charge repulsion between the droplets (the repulsive force between two droplets due to electrostatic charge is proportional to the square of the distance between the droplets). Collisions and mixing between any two droplets, including droplets of the same liquid composition and droplets of different liquid compositions, are reduced due to the mutual electrostatic repulsion of the droplets, and eventually all the droplets descend to the surface, land, and coalesce.

[0050] Axial Velocity and Kinematics In various embodiments, the kinetic energy and axial velocity of the dispersed droplets of each of the first and second liquid compositions can be influenced and controlled by the amount of power applied per unit of dispersed liquid. The amount of power applied by the air pump or blower is believed to correlate with the air flow rate and air pressure generated in the housing and the amount of liquid solution drawn from the liquid container by venturi action. The amount of power applied by the liquid pump sprayer is believed to correlate with the volumetric flow rate and liquid pressure generated in the housing. Without being bound to any particular theory of action or function, an increase in the amount of power applied per unit of dispersed liquid can result in an increase in the volumetric output of the dispersed liquid composition, a decrease in the diameter or size of the droplets, an increase in the flight time and travel distance of the droplets, and an increase in the interaction of the dispersed droplets, while a decrease in the amount of power applied per unit of dispersed liquid can result in an increase in the diameter or size of the droplets and a decrease in the flight time of the droplets. The large increase in droplet size and decrease in flight time can result in premature coalescence of the droplets and deposition of the dispersed liquid composition in the immediate area, such as the floor around the spray device.

[0051] <Auxiliary electronic equipment> The two-fluid (or multi-fluid) droplet spray device of the present invention may also include auxiliary electronics, such as an illumination lamp or a directional signal, shown as element 31 in FIG. 1. The auxiliary electronics are connected to the power and control units of each of the two-fluid spray nozzle assemblies for power and control. In one example, the auxiliary electronics can be an ultraviolet lamp, such as an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED), that illuminates the space in front of the two-fluid spray nozzle assembly with ultraviolet light to provide or assist in the disinfection operation using the two-fluid spray nozzle assembly and device. In another example, the auxiliary electronics can be a laser lamp that emits a visible or invisible laser beam in front of the two-fluid spray nozzle assembly and provides a directional signal to the two-fluid spray nozzle assembly and device.

[0052] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples and hypothetical examples, none of which should be construed as limiting the present invention. Also, to the extent section headings are used, they should not necessarily be construed as limiting. The use of the past tense to describe examples shown to be constructive or prophetic is not intended to reflect that the constructive or hypothetical examples have actually been performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a two-fluid droplet spray device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a front right perspective view of a dual fluid spray nozzle assembly having a pair of spray nozzles housed within a housing body of a dual fluid droplet spray device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear right perspective view of a dual fluid spray nozzle assembly including a pair of liquid supply ports for each of a pair of spray nozzles. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a two-fluid spray nozzle assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a top view of a dual fluid spray nozzle assembly showing how the liquid feed ports are aligned with each spray nozzle along the diverging nozzle axis. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a top cross-sectional view of the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly taken along the two divergent nozzle axes and line 6-6 of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and along the first divergent nozzle axis. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a top schematic view of a two-fluid spray nozzle assembly in which a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition are dispensed in parallel and simultaneously, with the nozzle axes of the two spray nozzles at a diverging angle, and with the diverging dispersion patterns of the two dispensed liquid compositions centered along the nozzle axis at the diverging angle. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a top schematic view of a second embodiment of a two-fluid spray nozzle assembly showing that the first and second liquid compositions are dispensed in a parallel and alternating manner. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a plan schematic view of a third embodiment of a two-fluid spray nozzle assembly in which a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition are dispersed in parallel and alternating fashion with the nozzle axes of the two spray nozzles diverging at an angle, resulting in a spreading and alternating pattern of the two dispersed liquid compositions centered along the nozzle axis at the diverging angle. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0054] definition As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0055] The term "about" as used herein refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur due to, for example, common measuring and liquid handling procedures used to make concentrates or use solutions in the real world, inadvertent errors in these procedures, differences in manufacture, source, or purity of ingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods, etc. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that vary due to different equilibrium conditions of the compositions resulting from a particular initial mixture. Similarly, the claims include equivalents to the recited quantities, regardless of whether the claims are modified by the term "about."

[0056] As used herein, the term "aqueous composition" refers to a combination of liquid components including water. Most commonly, aqueous compositions are synonymous with the term "solution" as commonly used in the technical field of the present invention. However, depending on the type of components other than water in the composition, "aqueous composition" also includes mixtures, emulsions, dispersions, suspensions, etc. It should be noted that water must be present, but need not comprise the majority of the aqueous composition.

[0057] As used herein, the term "concurrent" means that two or more liquid compositions are both independently dispersed within a period or within each of a series of periods.

[0058] As used herein, the "equivalent diameter" of a non-spherical droplet refers to the diameter of a sphere of liquid that has the same mass as the non-spherical droplet of liquid, such as when gravity causes the droplet to form a "teardrop" or "raindrop" shape.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "free" or "substantially free" refer to the total absence or near complete absence of a particular compound in a composition, mixture, or ingredient.

[0060] As used herein, the term "reactive layer" refers to a layer formed on a surface resulting from the combination or fusion of at least a first aqueous composition and a second aqueous composition on the surface. Each aqueous composition can have one or more compounds that react with each other within the reactive layer to form a product in situ upon formation of the reactive layer.

[0061] As used herein, the term "volume space" refers to the atmosphere or air space within a room or other enclosed space that typically has a fixed and measurable volume and typically contains an object or structure having a surface.

[0062] In describing aspects of the methods and systems of the present disclosure, the terms "first" or "second" are used to refer to aqueous compositions. Unless the context clearly indicates that a particular order is intended, "first" and "second" are merely relative terms, and a "first" composition being described can simply and conveniently be referred to as a "second" composition, and such description is implicitly included herein.

[0063] Aspects of the invention In situ peracid generation In one embodiment of the present invention, the first liquid composition comprises an aqueous composition having a first reactive compound with hydrogen peroxide, and the second liquid composition comprises an aqueous composition having a second reactive compound with an organic acid. The first liquid composition comprises at least 0.1% to 15% hydrogen peroxide, and the second liquid composition comprises at least 0.1% to 20% organic acid. The two liquid compositions are dispersed simultaneously as droplets in a volume space (air space). Either or both of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition can independently comprise at least 0.1% to 25% alcohol, which can be one or more of ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol and its isomeric structures, pentanol and its isomeric structures, and hexanol and its isomeric structures.

[0064] Non-limiting examples of first liquid compositions comprising first and second peracid-reactive compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid, respectively, are described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2020 / 0306399 and 2021 / 0015954, and International Patent Publication No. WO2021 / 178774, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0065] The first and second liquid compositions can each be contained and dispensed in a multi-nozzle liquid dispensing device as shown in FIG. 1. The multi-nozzle liquid dispensing device includes a blower assembly, a nozzle system having at least two nozzles, including a first nozzle and a second nozzle formed in the nozzle body, a housing for the blower and the nozzle body, at least two separate blending tanks, including a first tank and a second tank, and at least one or more metering valves in fluid communication with and between the first tank and the first nozzle, and the second tank and the second nozzle. The blower can be a two-stage axial compressor driven by a universal motor operating at a speed of up to 20,000 RPM. The blower moves a large volume of air through the nozzles of the nozzle system. A volumetric flow rate of both the air and each liquid composition is drawn through each of the two nozzles, and each liquid composition is dispersed into small aerosol droplets and dispersed into the atmosphere. The flow rate of the first and second liquid compositions can be controlled manually or remotely using metering valves. The first and second liquid compositions are contained in separate first and second tanks, respectively. Generally, the size of the output droplets increases with increasing liquid flow rate and increasing viscosity of the liquid being dispensed.

[0066] Other means of providing energy to dispense a stream of droplets or a dispersion of the liquid composition include pumps, centrifugal mist atomizers, and piezoelectric mist atomizers.

[0067] In various embodiments, a conventional multi-nozzle liquid dispensing device can be modified to form a multi-nozzle liquid dispensing device of the present invention. Modifications or modifications of a conventional multi-nozzle liquid dispensing device include adding a second blend tank or replacing a conventional blend tank with at least two separate blend tanks. Modifications or modifications of a conventional multi-nozzle liquid dispensing device include modifying or replacing a conventional nozzle body to provide a nozzle body having at least two nozzles that are separate and in fluid communication with the first and second nozzles of the present invention, respectively, via separate liquid supply lines with at least two separate blend tanks. A conventional nozzle body has two or more nozzles in fluid communication with a single common liquid supply line to a single blend tank. Non-limiting examples of conventional nozzle bodies include spray and fogging devices available under the brand names Dyna-Fog and Hurricane from B&R Equipment Company.

[0068] The first and second nozzles are disposed within the nozzle body with the nozzle outlets aligned along their respective axes. The first and second nozzle outlets are separated by a horizontal distance of about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm), although greater spacing can be used.

[0069] Working Example The following examples represent the embodiments of the present invention that are currently best known. However, it should be understood that the following examples are merely exemplary or illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative configurations, methods, and systems may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, although the present invention has been described in detail above, the following examples provide further details in connection with what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] Example 1: Two-component spray A single-fluid spray nozzle assembly from a Hurricane ES portable electrostatic ULV sprayer available from B&G Equipment Company was modified to a dual-fluid spray nozzle assembly. The conventional nozzle assembly has three spray nozzles arranged in a triangular pattern on the front of the nozzle assembly. Each spray nozzle has a feed port that feeds liquid into an annular manifold, which has three outlets, each in liquid communication with one of three venturi nozzle ports on the three spray nozzles. The conventional nozzle assembly also has separate air swirl channels, each of which directs air from a blower through a venturi passageway and out of the spray nozzle to disperse droplets outward along the dispersion vector.

[0071] The modified two-fluid spray nozzle assembly can be assembled into a two-fluid droplet spray device as shown in Figure 1. The spray device 1 includes a housing body 2 that houses a blower 3 and a nozzle assembly 4, and has a housing base to which a cylindrical container 5 is connected. The cylindrical container 5 consists of a pair of semi-cylindrical containers 5a, 5b assembled and fixed together and having a common top connection that connects to the base of the housing 2. Each of the first container 5a and the second container 5b has a respective outlet port 6a, 6b, a pair of flow control valves 7a, 7b that control the flow of liquid from the respective containers 5a, 5b, and liquid supply tubes 8a, 8b that connect the outlets of the flow control valves 7a, 7b to respective supply ports 11, 21 of the modified nozzle assembly 4. The spray nozzle assembly also includes an ionizer 9, shown in Figure 1 as an ionization or high voltage charging system with a pin electrode and a charging (ground) ring in the vicinity of the nozzles 10 and 20 that electrostatically charges the microdroplets of the aqueous composition dispensed by the nozzles. A typical electrostatic charge on the dispersed droplets is from 5 to 20 kilovolts (kV), such as from 8 to 10 kV.

[0072] The modified two-fluid spray nozzle assembly 4 is shown in Figures 2-7 and had an overall size and shape for mounting within the same housing body 2. The modified two-fluid spray nozzle assembly 4 was made by additive manufacturing of a two-fluid spray nozzle assembly model based on a model of a conventional single-fluid spray nozzle assembly. The liquid supply ports and manifold of the conventional nozzle assembly have been replaced or modified to provide separate dedicated supply ports 11, 21 that supply liquid from flow control valves 7a, 7b to the respective spray nozzles 10, 20. One of the three spray nozzles of the conventional model (the nozzle shown at the 12 o'clock position in the front view) has been removed or blocked and / or replaced with a blank position 30.

[0073] The remaining two spray nozzles can be left unchanged and provided as a pair of conventional spray nozzles having circular liquid supply and discharge tubes, and air supply tubes, venturi tubes and air discharge tubes in two nozzle axes oriented in parallel.

[0074] In various preferred embodiments, the remaining two spray nozzles 10, 20 are oriented with the long axis vertical (in the direction of gravity when in use) as shown in FIG. 4, giving the liquid outlet tubes 15, 25, air venturis 13, 23 and air outlet ports 16, 26 a rectangular shape, and are modified so that the nozzle axes S1, S2 are tilted or angled at a diverging angle as shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] The modified nozzle assembly 4 maintains separate internal air swirl channels, including inner air swirl channels 12, 22 which direct a portion of the airflow to respective venturis 18, 28, and outer air swirl channels 14, 24 which direct a portion of the airflow to nozzle exit ports 16, 26.

[0076] A central axis S1 of the first spray nozzle 10 extends through the feed port 11, the venturi tube 13, and the air / liquid discharge port 15 and defines a dispersion vector of the dispersed first liquid composition, and a central axis S2 of the second spray nozzle 20 extends through the feed port 21, the venturi tube 23, and the air / liquid discharge port 25 and defines a dispersion vector of the dispersed second liquid composition. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 5, the first and second spray nozzles 10, 20 are configured such that the relative angle between the nozzle central axis S1 and the nozzle central axis S2 is about 15°.

[0077] The first and second spray liquid compositions were provided and placed in the first and second containers 5a, 5b. At a reduced power setting provided to the blower (about 70% of the amount of power provided by the blower when spraying a single liquid through the three nozzles of a conventional single liquid spray nozzle assembly), the dispersion angles β1 and β2 of the spray patterns of the first and second liquid compositions were about 20°-30°. The parallel and simultaneous distributed spraying of the first and second liquid compositions resulted in a parallel and distributed distribution pattern of droplets of the first and second liquids, with no or negligible droplets of the mixed composition being detected within the air space up to a distance of at least about 10 feet (3.3 meters) from the spray nozzle device 1. The distribution of droplet sizes of each of the first and second liquid compositions resulted in the accumulation of coagulated droplets on the target surface along the entire path.

[0078] Example 2: Two-fluid spray with auxiliary electronics In another non-limiting example, the blank location 31 of the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly 4 can be configured to secure an auxiliary electronic device that can be connected to a power source and control device for the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly. In one example, the auxiliary electronic device can be an ultraviolet lamp that illuminates the space in front of the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly with ultraviolet light to provide or assist in a sterilization operation using the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly and device.

[0079] In another example, the auxiliary electronics may be a laser lamp that emits a visible or invisible laser beam in front of the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly and provides directional signals to the dual fluid spray nozzle assembly and the system.< / ess>

Claims

1. 1. A two-fluid spray device for dispersing two different liquids, preferably as droplets, concurrently and simultaneously, the device comprising a spray nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles, a first means for supplying a first liquid composition to the first nozzle, and a second means for supplying a second liquid composition to the second nozzle, each nozzle having a nozzle axis dispersing a spray pattern of the liquids along the nozzle axis, the nozzle axis of the first nozzle dispersing the first liquid composition being non-parallel to the nozzle axis of the second nozzle dispersing the second liquid composition, but diverging at a divergence angle from the nozzle axis of the second nozzle.

2. A two-fluid spray device according to claim 1, characterized in that the divergence angle is at least 3°, preferably at least 10°.

3. A spray nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles, each nozzle having a nozzle axis that distributes a spray pattern of liquid along the nozzle axis, the nozzle axis of a first nozzle that distributes a first liquid composition being non-parallel to the nozzle axis of a second nozzle that distributes a second liquid composition and diverging at a divergence angle from the nozzle axis of the second nozzle.

4. A two-fluid spray device according to claim 3, characterized in that the divergence angle is at least 3°, preferably at least 10°.

5. 1. A dual liquid spray device for dispersing two different liquids, preferably as droplets, concurrently and alternatingly, the device comprising: a spray nozzle assembly having at least one nozzle, the nozzle axis dispersing a spray pattern of the liquids along the nozzle axis; first means for supplying a series of pulses of a constant quantity of a first liquid composition to the at least one nozzle, the series of pulses of the first liquid composition being separated by a first residence time between successive pulses of the first liquid composition; and second means for supplying a series of pulses of a constant quantity of a second liquid composition to the at least one nozzle, the series of pulses of the second liquid composition being supplied only during the first residence time of the first liquid composition.

6. 6. The two fluid spray device of claim 5, wherein said at least one nozzle comprises a first nozzle and a second nozzle, said first supply means supplies said first liquid composition to said first nozzle and said second supply means supplies said second liquid composition to said second nozzle.

7. 7. The two fluid spray device of claim 6, wherein the nozzle axis of the first nozzle is not parallel to the nozzle axis of the second nozzle but diverges at a divergence angle from the nozzle axis of the second nozzle.

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