Study on the Co-atomization of immiscible liquids by a superheated steam jet

This article presents the results of an experimental investigation into the co-atomization of immiscible liquids, exemplified by diesel fuel and water, using a jet of superheated steam. A digital visualization method employing a fluorescent dye was used to analyze spray characteristics, enabling separate detection of water and fuel droplets. The results demonstrated effective atomization of both liquids, with a predominant droplet size range of 10–40 μm. Combustion studies conducted using a low-emission laboratory-scale burner equipped with a steam-assisted injector showed that the addition of water led to a reduction in flame temperature by 300–400 °C and a decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 30–50%. However, increasing the water flow rate resulted in a rise in carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (CnHm) concentrations, as well as combustion instability. The findings confirm the potential of the co-atomization method for reducing harmful emissions but indicate the need for optimizing the fuel-to-water ratio to minimize adverse effects.