Atomizer Bulb, Rubber

Quick Answer: An atomizer bulb is a rubber squeeze bulb that pushes air through the nozzle of an atomiser to turn a liquid into a fine spray. In laboratories it drives glass reagent sprayers, such as those used to apply locating reagents to chromatograms.

From a Squeeze to a Mist

An atomiser works on the venturi effect. Air from the bulb rushes through a narrow jet that passes across the top of a thin tube dipping into the liquid. Fast-moving air has lower pressure, so liquid is drawn up the tube and torn into fine droplets as it meets the air stream. That makes an atomiser a neat demonstration of Bernoulli’s principle as well as a practical tool.

In chromatography, colourless substances on a paper or thin-layer plate are made visible by spraying them evenly with a locating reagent; ninhydrin, for example, shows amino acids as coloured spots after warming. A fine, even mist matters here, because drops or runs would smear the spots. A single bulb gives a puff with each squeeze. For a steadier, continuous flow, the double bellow with net reservoir is used instead.

For spraying water or cleaning solutions over larger areas, a trigger sprayer is simpler, but it pumps the liquid itself and gives a coarser spray.

Applications

• Spraying locating reagents onto paper and thin-layer chromatograms
• Replacing a hardened or split bulb on an existing reagent sprayer
• Demonstrating the venturi effect and Bernoulli’s principle
• Misting small plant or specimen samples with water

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Spray reagents in a fume cupboard and wear gloves, as many locating reagents are harmful.
• Rinse the atomiser jet with clean solvent after use so dried reagent does not block it.
• Hold the sprayer upright so reagent is not drawn back towards the bulb.
• Store the bulb away from sunlight and solvents to slow cracking and swelling.

Why Choose LabEquip

Chemistry and biochemistry labs running chromatography, and physics teachers showing the venturi effect, are the typical buyers. LabEquip lists this bulb in the General Lab Products range; send your sprayer’s neck size through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an atomiser turn liquid into spray?

Air from the bulb passes quickly over the top of a tube dipping into the liquid. The fast air has lower pressure, so liquid rises and is broken into fine droplets by the air stream.

Why use a sprayer rather than dipping the chromatogram?

Spraying applies a thin, even coat of reagent without dissolving or washing away the separated spots. Dipping is also used, but it needs a suitable reagent and tank.

What is the difference between a single bulb and a double bulb?

A single bulb gives a puff of air with each squeeze. A double bulb has a reservoir bulb that stores air and releases it steadily, giving a more even spray.

Can reagent get into the bulb?

It should not, because the bulb only supplies air. Keep the sprayer upright and do not let the bulb re-expand with the jet under liquid.

Is the atomizer bulb resistant to solvents?

Rubber can swell or soften on contact with many organic solvents. Keep the bulb away from spills and wipe off any splashes promptly.

Can it be used for medical nebulising?

No. It is a general laboratory component. Nebulisers for patient use are separate devices designed and approved for that purpose.

Last Updated: September 2026