ABSTRACTThe atomization process of the LEAFLASH spray dryer has been investigated by laser diffractometry and video imaging. The LEAFLASH atomizer is a particular pneumatic nozzle where the pressurized gas is the hot drying air. The drying and the atomization processes are interrelated in the spray dryer. Consequently the mixing of the liquid droplets and the drying medium is very efficient, permitting to work with short drying duration and reduced chamber volume. The mean diameter and the drop size distribution are measured at the outlet of the nozzle by laser diffraction. We studied the coupling effects of the air temperature (150 to 300° C) and pressure (1.20 to 1.50 bars abs) and of the dry matter content of the liquid feed (aqueous maltodextrin solution, 20 to 55% w/ w) on the droplets/ size distribution and on the general pattern of the spray. Analyses of video images of the generated spray give the general pattern of the spray and an estimation of the liquid velocity