Effect of Particle Diameter on Removal of Surface Particles Using High Speed Air Jet

Removal of particles adhering to a surface was studied, using a high-speed air jet with particular attention to the effect of particle diameter. The experiment was conducted for latex particles of 1~10 μm diameter adhering to a surface of glass (flat surface), metal or plastics under various pressures in the air jet nozzle. The experimental results obtained with the flat glass surface revealed that the dynamic pressure for attaining 50% removal (P_d50) of particles was inversely proportional to the 2nd power of particle diameter. Variation of the dynamic pressure P_d50 by the surface materials was well correlated with the surface characteristics (Hamaker's constant and elastic property) and relative surface roughness defined by the ratio of particle diameter and the curvature of surface protrusion. The removal force of the air jet was found to be proportional to the 2nd power of the dynamic pressure and to the 6th power of the particle diameter.