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A study on effect of wetting on mechanism of coalescence in a model coalescer

Journal Article · · Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States)
 [1]
  1. Indian Inst. of Science, Bangalore (India). Dept. of Chemical Engineering

In order to depict the mechanism of coalescence in fibrous bed coalescers, a model coalescer was fabricated. Both water/oil and oil/water dispersion were run through this model coalescer to check for coalescence on PTFE and glass surfaces. The equilibrium contact angle and the dynamic contact angle of the dispersed drops were measured on these surfaces in the presence of the continuous phase. Coalescence was monitored using a microscope. Based on these observations a mechanism of coalescence in the model coalescer is proposed. Different modes of coalescence are correlated to the equilibrium contact angle and the dynamic contact angle. Deposition of dirt on the coalescing surface is observed to result in change of wettability, leading to redispersion of the already coalesced dispersed phase into larger droplets.

OSTI ID:
6047876
Journal Information:
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States) Vol. 159:1; ISSN 0021-9797; ISSN JCISA5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English