Effects of geometric parameters on flow and atomization characteristics of swirl nozzles for artificial snowmaking

With the worldwide popularity of skiing, artificial snow technology has been gradually developed. Atomization is the key process for snowmaking, and swirl nozzles are applied as the core atomization components in snow-makers. In this research, the effects of nozzle geometric parameters on the flow and atomization characteristics are explored to improve snowmaking performance. The flow and atomization process in swirl nozzle is simulated by VOF-DPM approach after experimental validation. The results show that appropriate increase of orifice diameter and swirl slot area can effectively reduce the atomization droplet size and increase the spray flow rate. As the diameter ratio of swirl chamber to orifice decreases from 6.67 to 2.5, Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) decreases by 54.9%, and mass flow rate increases by 168.2%. When orifice diameter is 4.0 mm, as the atomizer constant increases from 0.1688 to 0.3797, SMD decreases by 65.8% and mass flow rate increases by 114.3%. Furthermore, the reduction in SMD and the increase in spray flow rate are attributed to high discharge velocity. The swirl nozzles have the best atomization droplet size and maximum flow rate, as the inlet pressure is 0.6-1.4 MPa, orifice diameter is 4.0 mm and swirl slot width is 2.25 mm.

Automated summary

This research explores the effects of nozzle geometric parameters on the flow and atomization characteristics in snow-making. Results show that increasing the orifice diameter and swirl slot area can effectively reduce droplet size and increase spray flow rate. The best atomization droplet size and maximum flow rate are achieved with an inlet pressure of 0.6-1.4 MPa, orifice diameter of 4.0 mm, and swirl slot width of 2.25 mm.