Some literature suggests that the steam and oil actually form an emulsion in the mixing chamber of the atomiser, and that the emulsion helps further breakdown the droplet in the flame zone. ie smaller droplet, better combustion. Is that why the steam is usually specified as dry sat or min superheat?
Can anyone help explain the basis of steam atomisation of heavy fuel oil, and why the steam quality is specified as either dry saturated or minimal superheat. I'm particularly interested in how the steam and water mix, and in how the steam/water droplets behave in the flame zone.
