Wolfson Electrostatics News

Smartseeker Technology - the attraction of charge

Research by Professor John Hughes and Dr Lindsey Gaunt of the Bioelectrostatics Research Centre at Southampton University has led to the development of a new generation of electrostatic aerosol sprays. The charged sprays are attracted to surfaces and objects, substantially enhancing the performance of the product. The technology was originally developed for use with aerosol fly sprays, whereby the charged droplets are attracted to flying insects, such as houseflies and mosquitoes. Faster rates of insect paralysis and higher mortality are the result. Many other domestic applications for the technology are now being considered.

This 'Smartseeker Technology' offers many advantages over conventional sprays as the droplets emitted from the nozzle reach their target more rapidly and efficiently. The electrostatic charge means the spray has 'wrap-around' capabilities, giving coverage to those hard-to-reach places. More accurate coverage also means there is less wastage, offering a more environmentally sensitive delivery system.

The electrostatic technology exploits the natural process of shearing interfacial electrical double layers that occur during liquid atomisation. On its commercial launch in 1999, 'Smartseeker Technology' became the first passively charged aerosol spray in the world, before receiving the Design Council Millennium Product Award in 2000.

Building on the success of the Smartseeker, the concept of passively charged sprays has recently been extended and adapted to create a two-stage charging system for trigger actuated devices. The first stage of the process involves tribocharging (frictional charge generation) between two components of the trigger mechanism. Charging of the product is simultaneously achieved as the liquid is atomised in the high electric field created by one of the tribocharged components. Using this technology, effective targeting and wrap around characteristics can be conferred to just about any aqueous spray.

These developments which can confer numerous efficiency advantages and additional functionality without the need for a power supply have many potential benefits. The fact that the droplets are charged and attracted to the target is relevant to a range of applications from industrial coatings to deposition of pharmaceuticals.

For further information on smartseeker Technology contact Wolfson Electrostatics.