Vibration mesh nebulizers

Abstract This chapter discusses several other types of atomizers that were not considered in the previous chapters. This includes swirl nozzles, T-jet nozzles, and vibrating mesh nebulizers. The droplet size correlations for different types of nozzles is provided in Chap. 24. 

Keywords Swirl nozzles T-jet nozzle Vibration mesh nebulizers... 

Fig. 33.9 (a) Schematic showing the principle of operation of an active vibrating mesh nebulizer (Reproduced from [71], With permission. Copyright 2007 Elsevier), (b) Photograph of an Aeroneb Professional Nebulizer System... 

Kesser and Geller [74] reviewed some other aspects and also the challenges in treatment of the lung-related diseases and the delivery of drugs to the lungs using various inhalers, such as dry powder inhalers and also vibrating-mesh nebulizers. 

Elhissi A, GiU H, Ahmed W, Taylor K. Vibrating-mesh nebulization of liposomes generated using an ethanol-based proliposome technology. J Liposome Res 2011 21 173-80. 

Nebulizers, the atomizers that produce a fine mist, are classified into three main commercialized types air-jet (pneumatic), ultrasonic, and vibrating-mesh. Air-jet nebulizers atomize liquid into droplets using a high-velocity gas passing through... 

Actively vibrating-mesh devices such as the Aeroneb Professional Nebulizer may employ a micro-pump system which comprises an aerosol generator and a... 

One of the drawbacks to the vibrating-mesh devices is the potential to clog the tiny holes of the mesh. Suspension-type drugs may get caught in the mesh holes, and some solutions may be too viscous to pass through a mesh system. With repeated use, the nebulization time can gradually increase, and cleaning methods are necessary to maintain the efficient function of the mesh [71]. 

A further increase in viscosity resulted in cessation of nebulization from the Omron nebulizer and intermittent aerosol generation from the Aeroneb Pro device, indicating that vibrating-mesh technology may be inappropriate for nebulizing highly viscous fluids. 

R. Dhand, Nebulizers that use a vibrating mesh ot plate with multiple apertures to generate aerosol, Respir. Care 47, 406—416 (2002). 

As with other types of nebulizers, some liposomal formulations may suffer degradation with vibrating mesh/plate nebulizers [30] but this is formulation dependent. Similarly, spray production may not be possible for highly viscous liquids [25], while clogging of the mesh/membrane openings after extended use may occur [31]. 

Figure 5 Schematic of Omron NE-UI4. When the power is turned on, the piston is operated by the electromagnet and pushes up the diaphragm at the bottom of the medication bottle. Medication is then supplied to the area between the vibrator and the mesh. The ultrasonic energy generated from the vibrator is transmitted to the medication, which then is nebulized through microholes in the mesh.

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