The Collison Nebulizer was first described in the scientific literature by Collison in 1935, according to May(1).

Over the intervening years, it has become the recognized technique for atomizing liquids and suspensions.

The original version had 3 jets and BGI is responsible for the standardization and publication of the 6 jet

version(2).

Nebulization is taken to mean a refinement of two fluid atomization. In an atomizer, a gas is used to aspirate

the liquid into a (usually) sonic velocity gas jet, wherein it is sheared into droplets. In a Nebulizer, this

liquid/gas jet is impacted against a barrier (the inside of the jar) to remove the larger fraction of the droplets.

There is one basic type of Collison Nebulizer, known as the modified MRE, which is manufactured by BGI.

MRE stands for Microbiological Research Establishment, located in Porton, England.

All Collison Nebulizers of current BGI manufacture, have all the metal components fabricated from 316

stainless steel. All “O” rings are buna N or silicone rubber. No flat gaskets are currently utilized. Glass jars

are either Crown Glass (standard) or Pyrex (precious fluids jar only). The 24 jet Collison jar is coated with

clear PVC.

2. Safety Precautions

While the recommended pressure to be applied to the nebulizer may vary from 20 to 100 psig., it must be

clearly understood that this pressure is expanded to just above atmospheric, inside the jar. The glass jar is

not to be subjected to pressures above 1 psig under any circumstances! Great care must be exercised

at all times when connecting the nebulizer’s output to other apparatus, to ensure that the flow of gas out of the

nebulizer is not restricted in any manner that will cause significant back pressure.

The Collison Nebulizer is intended to be utilized by trained scientific professionals. BGI will bear no

responsibility for misuse.

3.0 Set up

3.1 Air. It is the responsibility of the investigator to supply a source of clean, compressed air. The

volumetric requirements as follows: