Abstract: A nebulizer and method for forming a finely atomized aerosol are provided. A first aerosol is formed by passing a gas jet across the mouth of a liquid channel that communicates with a liquid reservoir. The first aerosol then strikes a stop surface and is converted into a second, more finely atomized aerosol. The second aerosol impacts a buffer plate. The larger liquid particles in the second aerosol strike the plate and are either broken up or returned to the liquid reservoir. The smaller particles follow a labyrinthine path through at least one slit-shaped passage in the buffer plate, in the process forming a third, final aerosol. Selection of the passage size allows control of the particle size distribution of the third, final aerosol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a fine inhomogeneous aerosol, comprising a liquid container (1) and a liquid-conducting pipe (2) whose outlet orifice (6) at one end is located in a first disc (5) and whose other end extends towards the container bottom, wherein the pipe-outlet orifice (6) is located in the first disc (5) in the proximity of and is directed at least generally at right angles to a second disc (4). The device includes a gas conduit (3) which terminates in the pipe (2) in the proximity of its outlet orifice (6) in the first disc (5). The conduit (3) leads to the pipe (2) and draws liquid through the pipe by suction and, in the proximity of the pipe orifice generates a first aerosol which is directed towards the second disc (4) and forms thereon a film which spreads radially across the second disc (4) and is therewith thinned out, this film shattering at the border edges of the second disc (4) into droplets which form in the gas a second inhomogeneous aerosol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a protective gas consisting of 0.0010-0.100 percent by volume nitric-oxide, 0-90 percent by volume helium, 0-5 percent by volume hydrogen, 0-50 percent by volume carbon dioxide, and the remainder argon. The invention also relates to a gas mixture for producing the productive gas. The method of producing the protective gas is characterized by dissolving nitric oxide in condensed argon to a concentration of 0.0010-0.100 percent by volume, calculated on gas phase, vaporizing the resultant solution and mixing remaining constituents in the vaporized solution in such proportions as to obtain a protective gas of the predetermined composition. The gas mixture used for producing the protective gas is characterized in that it consists of 0.0010-0.100 percent by volume nitric oxide in condensed argon, calculated on gas phase, and is preferably held under an overpressure.