Drop size distribution and holdup profiles in a multistage extraction column

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · AIChE Journal (American Institute of Chemical Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690400304· OSTI ID:7302716

Tsouris, C; Kirou, V I; Tavlarides, L L ^[1]

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1. Syracuse Univ., NY (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

A population-balance-equation model is employed for the analysis of liquid-liquid extraction columns. This model considers drop breakage, coalescence, and exit phenomena for the drop phase caused by drop-drop and drop-continuous phase interactions. Drop breakage and coalescence rates are employed from a previous study on liquid dispersions in stirred-tank contactors. A drop exit frequency is developed based on a stochastic modeling approach. The model is tested by drop size distribution and dispersed-phases volume fraction (holdup) data obtained for a multistage column contactor of pilot-plant scale. Steady-state drop size distribution and transient holdup measurements are obtained by a photomicrographic technique and an ultrasonic technique, respectively. The model can predict flooding of the column. The effect of mass transfer on the hydrodynamic parameters of the contactor is also examined. The population-balance-equation model can be used for the control of extraction columns and can be extended to include mass-transfer calculations for the prediction of extraction efficiency.

• OSTI ID: 7302716
• Journal Information: AIChE Journal (American Institute of Chemical Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: AIChE Journal (American Institute of Chemical Engineers); (United States) Vol. 40:3; ISSN AICEAC; ISSN 0001-1541
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400105* -- Separation Procedures
CONTROL
DROPLETS
EXTRACTION APPARATUSES
EXTRACTION COLUMNS
FLOW MODELS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
PARTICLES
PROCESS CONTROL
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
SEPARATION PROCESSES