Abstract: An atomization device comprises a conduit containing liquid to be atomized, a spray electrode (1) and a discharge electrode (3). Each electrode is adjacent to a dielectric (5) and they are connected in an electrical circuit (10) to enable a potential difference to be applied between them to atomize the liquid and to generate charge carriers of a first polarity in the proximity of the spray electrode (1) and ions of a second polarity in the proximity of the discharge electrode (3). Some of the first polarity charge carriers deposit on the dielectric adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and some of the second polarity ions deposit on the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3) so that the atomized liquid is repelled from the dielectric (5) adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and electrically discharged by second polarity ions that are repelled by the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3).

Abstract: An electrostatic spray atomisation device is disclosed. The device comprises a spray electrode disposed in a first recess in a dielectric surface, the spray electrode being connected, in use, in an electric circuit with a reference electrode enabling a potential difference to be applied between the spray and reference electrodes to atomise a liquid. Various techniques for dealing with problems of liquid deposition around the electrodes are described. The techniques may be used alone or in combination.