An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic atomizer variable in arrangement and configuration while being low in cost and uncomplicated. An electrostatic atomizer includes a spray site, a spray electrode (1) electrically connectable to the spray site, a reference electrode (2), and a power supply (4) for applying a voltage between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2). The reference electrode (2) is arranged such that when a voltage is applied between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2), matter to be electrostatically atomized is atomized from the spray site. The power supply (4) monitors an electrical property of the spray site, and adjusts the voltage to be applied between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2) according to a monitored electrical property of the spray site and a predetermined characteristic. The spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2) are arranged such that an electrical charge of the matter to be atomized from the spray site is counterbalanced by production of at least equal amount of opposite electrical charge at the reference electrode (2).

The invention concerns an aerosol charger having electrical discharge comprising: a body (2); an ion source (3) comprising two electrodes (31, 32); the charger being characterized in that the body (2) and at least a first electrode (32) of the ion source (3) are aligned along a same axis of longitudinal symmetry (AA) of the charger, the body (2) surrounding the first electrode (32) in such a way as to define an area (5) for an aerosol to flow between a space defined between the body (2) and the first electrode (32); and in that the first electrode (32) comprises a hole (321) in communication with the area (5) for the aerosol (Ae) to flow, the hole (321) being designed to allow ions formed at the ion source (3) to pass therethrough in order for them to mix with an aerosol (Ae) flowing in the area (5) for the aerosol (Ae) to flow.

Discharge device includes voltage application circuit that applies output voltage to load including discharge electrode holding liquid to generate discharge in discharge electrode. Voltage application circuit includes a function of varying a magnitude of output voltage, and a function of switching a discharge period that is a period for varying the magnitude of output voltage to any one of a plurality of periods having different lengths with a lapse of time.

Provided is an electrostatic atomizing device which performs atomization at low cost. An electrostatic atomizing device (M4) is installed in an atomization chamber (10) of a separation apparatus. The electrostatic atomizing device (M4) includes a plate-like inclined surface electrode (101) and a plate-like counter electrode (102) parallel to the surface electrode (101). A solution is diffused by diffusers (108) onto an upper end of the surface electrode (101). The solution flows down along a front surface of the surface electrode (101) while being spread in a thin film form, and is atomized by an electric field between the surface electrode (101) and the counter electrode (102).

Provided is an electrostatic atomizing device which performs atomization at low cost. An electrostatic atomizing device (M4) is installed in an atomization chamber (10) of a separation apparatus. The electrostatic atomizing device (M4) includes a plate-like inclined surface electrode (101) and a plate-like counter electrode (102) parallel to the surface electrode (101). A solution is diffused by diffusers (108) onto an upper end of the surface electrode (101). The solution flows down along a front surface of the surface electrode (101) while being spread in a thin film form, and is atomized by an electric field between the surface electrode (101) and the counter electrode (102).

A process of creating an aerosol includes coating at least one of a pair of counter-rotating, adjacent rollers with a fluid, the pair of counter-rotating rollers defining a nip therebetween, rotating the counter-rotating rollers to cause the fluid to be drawn into an upstream side of the nip, causing fluid filaments of the fluid to form on a downstream side of the nip, the fluid filaments stretching between respective surfaces of the pair of counter-rotating rollers and breaking into droplets on the downstream side of the nip, and harvesting the droplets at the downstream side of the nip.

An electrostatic atomizing device of the present disclosure includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode, a liquid supplying unit, a current path, a voltage applicator, and a limiting resistor. The limiting resistor is disposed on a first current path or a second current path included in the current path. The first current path electrically connects the voltage applicator and the counter electrode, and the second current path electrically connects the voltage applicator and the discharge electrode. This makes it possible to increase an amount of generated radicals while keeping an increase of ozone small. In addition, an electric current peak of an instantaneous electric current can be kept small.

An electrostatic atomizing device of the present disclosure includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode, a liquid supplying unit, a current path, a voltage applicator, and a limiting resistor. The limiting resistor is disposed on a first current path or a second current path included in the current path. The first current path electrically connects the voltage applicator and the counter electrode, and the second current path electrically connects the voltage applicator and the discharge electrode. This makes it possible to increase an amount of generated radicals while keeping an increase of ozone small. In addition, an electric current peak of an instantaneous electric current can be kept small.

A discharge device includes discharge electrode, counter electrode, and a voltage application device. Discharge electrode includes distal end portion. Counter electrode is disposed so as to face distal end portion of discharge electrode with a gap provided therebetween. The voltage application device applies a voltage between discharge electrode and counter electrode to generate a discharge between discharge electrode and counter electrode. Discharge electrode protrudes toward counter electrode. Counter electrode includes discharge portion where a discharge occurs between discharge portion and distal end portion of discharge electrode. Discharge portion extends along a circumference centered at distal end portion of discharge electrode.

Humidity control method and apparatus are disclosed. The humidity control apparatus may include a water holding tank for holding water therein, a nozzle positioned adjacent to the water holding tank for escape of the water therethrough, a first electrode connected to the nozzle, and a second electrode positioned opposite to the first electrode. The humidity control apparatus may include a first electrical power control unit for applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a first insulator formed on the second electrode.