How quickly do ocean spray droplets dry into solid salt particles?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the drying process of ocean spray droplets into solid salt particles, specifically focusing on the factors influencing this process such as droplet size, salt concentration, relative humidity, air speed, and temperature. Participants explore both theoretical considerations and potential empirical measurements related to this phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the drying of ocean spray droplets into solid salt particles can be modeled using variables like droplet size, salt concentration (specifically NaCl), relative humidity, air speed, and temperature.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the droplets drying out, noting that sodium chloride is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the atmosphere when relative humidity exceeds 75%.
  • A different participant counters that the droplets must dry out when humidity is below 75%, particularly in scenarios where air is heated, such as in ventilation ducts.
  • One participant suggests looking for existing measurements or studies under topics like "sea spray" or "aerosols" to find relevant information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the conditions under which ocean spray droplets dry out, particularly in relation to humidity levels and the hygroscopic nature of sodium chloride. The discussion remains unresolved with competing views on the drying process.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the drying process, and there are assumptions regarding the conditions affecting the behavior of sodium chloride in relation to humidity and temperature that remain unaddressed.

Peter Hessellund
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
When a bubble in the ocean bursts water drops are thrown into the air. How fast do these water drops dry out creating solid salt particles? There must be a formula for calculating this and I am guessing that the following variables must figure in the formula:
- Droplet size
- Salt concentration (Lets just assume that is is NaCl)
- Relative humidity
- Air speed around the particle
- Temperature

Or maybe someone just made a measurement.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I doubt they ever do dry out ... sodium chloride is hygroscopic . It absorbs moisture from the atmosphere when the relative humidity is above 75%
 
But they must dry out when the humidity is below 75% In my case when the air enters a ventilation duct where the air is heated slightly.
 
Peter Hessellund said:
Or maybe someone just made a measurement.
Look under "sea spray", or "aerosols", and see if you can find out some information for your inquiry.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K