Atomizer failure - latest thoughts ... - E-Cigarette Forum

kinabaloo · 06-24-2009, 11:47 PM

The solder blobs have a hole where the nichrome enters the blob. And it seems to be that the hot wire has caused the solder to recede.
This might sometimes lead to atty failure but in the under 2 months use bracket, most failures seem to be due to wire snap due to deposit buildup; I still think that this is the majority case.

As far as tin getting into the deposit, I dont't think this is because of the solder melting around the nichrome alone, but also some electro-chemical action - because only tin was found in the deposit - no copper, nickel or silver.

The tin component of the deposit (about 3%) is not likely to be burned off and may be part of the reason why the coil is not shiny. Whether this tin coating might affect the resistance of the coil over time is unknown, but quite possible.

Hence, I suspect that the coil resistance becomes reduced over time where the wire coils around the wick. So eventually the hottest parts of the nichrome wire will be the 'legs' (these will be the parts with the most resistance and now heated more by the greater current; particularly, half-way between the gunked coil and the solder blob. This is indeed where most failures occur, heat softened and possibly mechanically stretched also to breaking point.

breakfastchef · 06-24-2009, 11:51 PM

All of my atty failures were due to a break in the coil.

emus · 07-01-2009, 07:04 PM

I figured the coils failed from embrittlement due to excessive thermal cycling.

That is why I "try" to keep my attys wet all the time.

kinabaloo · 07-03-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emus

I figured the coils failed from embrittlement due to excessive thermal cycling.

That is why I "try" to keep my attys wet all the time.

I think that if e-juice left no dry-residue, then this would be the life-limiting factor. Which is why I am working on temperture controlled heating and direct juice feed. And these have very beneficial side-effects: longer battery life and no need to change the juice so often (top up/drip).

breakfastchef · 07-03-2009, 11:36 PM

From my observation, the ends of the coil are not soldered to the leads that attach to the atomizer connector. Rather, it appears that the coil end are bent into a 'V' shape and are set into the solder.

There is a company in California that produces vaporizers that essentially draw liquid from the bottom up and do not use a heating coil.

kinabaloo · 07-04-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breakfastchef

From my observation, the ends of the coil are not soldered to the leads that attach to the atomizer connector. Rather, it appears that the coil end are bent into a 'V' shape and are set into the solder.

There is a company in California that produces vaporizers that essentially draw liquid from the bottom up and do not use a heating coil.

The V shape join holds it in place and this is supported by the solder; I think we can call that a soldered joint

Any more info on this type of vaporizer?

breakfastchef · 07-04-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kinabaloo

The V shape join holds it in place and this is supported by the solder; I think we can call that a soldered joint

Any more info on this type of vaporizer?

Take a look at this...Vapore, Inc. | TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

Carlos49 · 07-04-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breakfastchef

Take a look at this...Vapore, Inc. | TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

now that's interesting... wonder what kind of heating element is used.

HK45 · 07-04-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breakfastchef

Take a look at this...Vapore, Inc. | TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

This seems like the perfect technology for VP's. I wonder if they have thought about it or if anyone has posed the idea to them. It certainly looks like it could be adapted to esmoking.

Seems to me that this would be sort of a "breakthrough" for a lot of the quality issues of VP's. I know that I would be willing to spend more for more reliability. With the failure rate of these products it would probably be cheaper in the long run.

Good post!

HK45

kinabaloo · 07-05-2009, 01:06 AM

This has come up before. Suggested by Vageorge if i remember right.

I think it looks interesting and depends on two densities of porous ceramic (my guess). The problem would be that the power required would likely be too high for this to be feasible with a battery.

Similar in a way to BubbleJet technology - now there is something that is small and efficient !

06-24-2009, 11:47 PM	#1
kinabaloo PV Master ECF Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: london uk / beijing china Posts: 3,395	Atomizer failure - latest thoughts ... The solder blobs have a hole where the nichrome enters the blob. And it seems to be that the hot wire has caused the solder to recede. This might sometimes lead to atty failure but in the under 2 months use bracket, most failures seem to be due to wire snap due to deposit buildup; I still think that this is the majority case. As far as tin getting into the deposit, I dont't think this is because of the solder melting around the nichrome alone, but also some electro-chemical action - because only tin was found in the deposit - no copper, nickel or silver. The tin component of the deposit (about 3%) is not likely to be burned off and may be part of the reason why the coil is not shiny. Whether this tin coating might affect the resistance of the coil over time is unknown, but quite possible. Hence, I suspect that the coil resistance becomes reduced over time where the wire coils around the wick. So eventually the hottest parts of the nichrome wire will be the 'legs' (these will be the parts with the most resistance and now heated more by the greater current; particularly, half-way between the gunked coil and the solder blob. This is indeed where most failures occur, heat softened and possibly mechanically stretched also to breaking point. __________________ Link: Vaping Buzzz : Article Base & FAQ ... *New Design

07-05-2009, 01:06 AM	#10
kinabaloo PV Master ECF Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: london uk / beijing china Posts: 3,395	This has come up before. Suggested by Vageorge if i remember right. I think it looks interesting and depends on two densities of porous ceramic (my guess). The problem would be that the power required would likely be too high for this to be feasible with a battery. Similar in a way to BubbleJet technology - now there is something that is small and efficient ! __________________ Link: Vaping Buzzz : Article Base & FAQ ... *New Design

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06-24-2009, 11:51 PM	#2
breakfastchef Moved On ECF Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,232	All of my atty failures were due to a break in the coil.

07-01-2009, 07:04 PM	#3
emus Super Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 515	I figured the coils failed from embrittlement due to excessive thermal cycling. That is why I "try" to keep my attys wet all the time.

07-03-2009, 11:36 PM	#5
breakfastchef Moved On ECF Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,232	From my observation, the ends of the coil are not soldered to the leads that attach to the atomizer connector. Rather, it appears that the coil end are bent into a 'V' shape and are set into the solder. There is a company in California that produces vaporizers that essentially draw liquid from the bottom up and do not use a heating coil.