Mist generating apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparati for generating a mist are disclosed. One apparatus is disclosed, which has an elongate hollow body () and an elongate member () located within the body (). A transport fluid passage () and a nozzle () are defined between the body () and the elongate member (). The transport fluid passage () has a throat portion of reduced cross-sectional area and is in fluid communication with the nozzle (). The elongate member () includes a working fluid passage () and one or more communicating openings, such as for example, bores, annuli, and combinations thereof, () extending radially outward from the working fluid passage (). The openings () permit a working fluid (e.g. water) to be passed into the transport fluid passage (), whereupon the working fluid is subjected to shear forces by a high velocity transport fluid (e.g. steam). The shearing of the working fluid results in the generation of a mist formed from droplets of substantially uniform size. Methods of generating a mist using such apparati are also disclosed. Also provided are mists for fire suppression produced using an apparatus disclosed herein, as well as fire suppression systems that include any of the apparati disclosed herein. Further provided are devices, methods, and mists for various other applications including turbine cooling and decontamination.