The Science Behind Aeroseal’s Sealant: How Atomization Works
Dr. Mark Modera, the inventor of Aeroseal’s technology and our Scientific Advisor, explains how our sealant is atomized – transforming from our non-toxic, water-based Duct Seal sealant to a dry fog of sealant particles.
By far, the most frequently asked questions about our technology are about our sealant. This includes the process of atomization: how the sealant is transformed into liquid droplets as it is injected into the HVAC ductwork being sealed. Atomization also occurs in spray bottles or perfume spritzers you’ll find in the home.
It is a simple, but critical, process because the sealant particles must be small enough to stay suspended in the air, but large enough to seal the leaks.
How Particle Size Impacts Sealing
Finding the right particle size is important, impacting duct sealing in two ways.
- Transport: Smaller particles travel to leaks better than larger particles, staying suspended in the air for a longer period and traveling a longer distance.
- Deposition: Larger particles deposit themselves in the leaks better than smaller particles. Smaller particles stay within the air streams better and do not skid out of the edges of the leak.
This is why the Aeroseal system’s nozzle is so important. It works with compressed air to determine droplet and particle size. The high velocity of the air literally rips the sealant apart as it is pushed from the nozzle. This breaks the sealant up into small liquid droplets containing water and a sealant particle.
Air, Water, & Sealant
Once injected by the nozzle into the pressurized ductwork, the droplets are pulled to the leaks with the air. The water preserves the sealant particle, evaporating as it travels through the pressurized ductwork.
“Aeroseal particles do not have a far journey to travel in the duct segment, allowing for a quick and efficient delivery process.” – Dr. Mark Modera
Once enough water has evaporated, the sealant particles can collect on all leaks — from the undetectable and unreachable up to leaks 5/8”. How the particles turn into the leaks, collecting on the side of each leak until they eventually seal it off requires a separate discussion.
Learn More
To learn more about the Aeroseal Duct Seal sealant, click here to read The Complete Guide to Aeroseal’s Sealant.