As market-leading dispensing experts, LINDAL already conduct detailed spray analysis in the
form of flow, particle size, spray angle/shape and spray pattern performance on their standard
product range, as well as the bespoke solutions they work on with their innovation partners.
The new technology not only adds to this, but provides a new avenue for in-depth consumer
tests, with additional spray characterisations, including the measurement of shape and
velocity also planned for the future utilisation of the technology.
The new measurement technology, deployed at LINDAL’s Global Innovation Centre in France,
uses optical techniques to capture spray behaviour at high speed (around 7500 images per
second). Comprising of front and back radial lighting, camera and suction system hardware, its
integrated software produces 30 second videos of spray movement for analysis, equivalent to
0.1 seconds in real time. The process provides detailed information on axial plume spray,
including the particle distribution as well as the angle, diameter and length.
Eric Lambine, Central Laboratory Manager at LINDAL’s GIC, said: “The software’s ability to
capture the behaviour of the spray and not simply the size of spray particles, is crucial. This
information allows us to understand so much more about spray patterns and performance,
which creates far greater objectivity to our analyses and discussions. We believe it will
significantly benefit our customers that we are working with now and in the future.”
The company believes the spray imaging system will also be effective when testing
compressed air dispensing solutions. Spray performance can be affected due to a reduction of
pressure over the lifecycle of the can, resulting in a larger droplet sizes and a ‘wet’ final
product, not suitable for products such as hairsprays and deodorants.
With the production of more in-depth spray performance data, LINDAL plans to use the
technology with compressed air systems to greater understand the performance of the
product in association with the valve and actuator combination, over the lifecycle of a can.
Eric says: “We aim to generate a template incorporating an optimum propellant, valve and
actuator combination, as well as deriving further quantitative data, producing new levels of
quality in all our dispensing systems. Our ultimate goal is to give our customers the best
opportunity to provide an improved consumer experience.”
