Grantee Research Project Results
Pollution-Free Aerosol Dispenser
EPA Contract Number: 68D99045Title: Pollution-Free Aerosol Dispenser
Investigators: Sivathanu, Yudava
Small Business: EnUrga Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through March 1, 2000
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This Phase I project involves a feasibility study for a new type of consumer aerosol dispenser that seeks to eliminate the volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents and hydrocarbon (HC) propellants used in many commercial sprays. The two distinguishing features of the dispenser are: (1) application of ligament-controlled effervescent atomization for producing very small droplets independent of the fluid viscosity, and (2) a microlaminated nozzle to control both the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) and the distribution of drop sizes. These two features allow for the elimination (reduction in certain applications) of VOC carrier liquids and HC propellants in conventional aerosol dispensers. The anticipated primary result is the elimination or reduction in VOC carrier liquids and HC propellants from a variety of consumer products. This will greatly reduce indoor pollution, global warming, and ozone depletion. The anticipated secondary result is an aerosol dispenser that is insensitive to fluid physical properties (surface tension and viscosity), allowing a single design to be employed for a wide variety of products. This reduces unit costs and makes U.S. manufacturers' products more competitive in the world marketplace.Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of substantial reduction in the VOC solvents and HC propellants in many consumer and commercial spray applications. This will make the proposed nozzle commercially attractive due to the lower costs associated with using lesser amounts of chemicals and from the potential benefits associated with the "green label" in the consumer products market.
The three major consumer applications of the proposed effervescent dispenser are in paint (spray cans), cosmetic (e.g., deodorants, hair sprays), and chemical (e.g., antiseptic, fabric care) industries. The other commercial applications include painting of automobiles and other consumer goods such as furniture and appliances. All these industries will benefit substantially from reduced VOC and HC usage.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, pollution prevention, engineering, chemistry, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, particulate matter, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, VOCs, Technology for Sustainable Environment, indoor air, New/Innovative technologies, tropospheric ozone, Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, aerosol formation, ambient aerosol, air pollutants, hydrocarbon, indoor VOC compounds, stratospheric ozone, ozone depletion, ozone, air pollution, ozone depleting chemicals, hydrocarbons, aerosol dispenser, innovative technology, global warming, indoor air quality, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), innovative technologies, air emissions, pollution prevention, aerosol production, air qualityProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.