CHINA
Peabody Electrostatic Oilers
How the Peabody electrostatic oiler works.
The electrostatic principle is based on the law of physics which simply states: 'like charges repel, unlike charges attract". Thus, when a suitable liquid (oil) is formed into a thin film exposed to an intense electrostatic energy field, it will separate almost immediately into a collection of very uniform and equally charged particles.
The reason for this is that the electrostatic charge in a sprayed particle tends to be forced to the outer surface, as all of the like-charged ions repel each other. Because of factors like surface tension, resistively, etc., only so much charge (energy) can exist in a droplet before it spontaneously breaks up into smaller droplets in order to increase its surface area, as the so-called "Rayleigh Limit" of the liquid is exceeded.
Each smaller droplet generated will thus carry a charge of the same value and polarity and will therefore repel its neighbor. In consequence, this controlled dispersion within the electrostatic field ensures excellent uniformity over the surface being coated: more drops for less coating material.
Electrostatics ensure that each charged particle of liquid is attracted strongly to the target, which is grounded and hence seen by the particle as being of opposite polarity. It then loses its charge and returns to its stable state. (Voltages as high as 120,000 volts are used, but at only 200 microamps).
Such intense electrostatic energy fields overcome gravity, enabling the system to work equally well "upside down" to ensure uniform application on both sides of the target when presented horizontally. (For vertical presentation of strip, the sprayers are positioned to discharge horizontally)