1. Computational Modeling of Electrospray Process
for Nano Encapsulation of Food Bioactives
Pintu Choudhary, Sayantani Dutta, Moses JA and Anandharamakrishnan C*
Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Introduction: Electrospray is a novel nanoencapsulation method for designing monodisperse nanoparticles from a multitude of different precursors. It is a process of liquid atomization by electrical forces.
Objective: CFD was used to optimize process parameters like conductivity, viscosity, surface tension and density of the electrospray feed solution for desired size of sprayed particles.
Results:
A finite element 3D model was developed to predict the particle trajectories
The trajectories of electrospray particles showed that the velocity of sprayed particles depends on applied forces and it increase towards the collector plate
Computational Methods:
A 3D geometry was developed for simulating an electrospray system
Particle trajectories under electric field were predicted
Forces acting on the particles: drag force, electric force and gravitational force with electric force were considered.
Equation for electrospray process:
Figure 2. Collection of particles at collection plate
Conclusions:
The model would help in minimizing the experimental time to get optimum conditions of process parameters for desired particle size
The model helps to scale up electrospray process for industrial applications
Acknowledgment:
The authors acknowledge SERB for funding of the project
References:
Ganan-Calvo, A. M., Lasheras, J. C., Dávila, J., & Barrero, A. (1994). The electrostatic spray emitted from an electrified conical meniscus. Journal of Aerosol Science, 25(6),
Figure 1. Geometry of electrospray system
Excerpt from the Proceedings of the 2018 COMSOL Conference in Bangalore