CFD Simulation of Nonideal Dispersed Phase Flow in Stirred Extraction Columns

Abstract

This paper will focus on hydrodynamic relations arising from single-droplet movement in a rotating disc extraction column (RDC) geometry. These relations can be regarded as the basis for a general estimation strategy for the determination of dispersed-phase flow parameters in connection with droplet population balance modeling. The droplet population balance based modeling of countercurrent liquid-liquid extraction column offers a considerable advance in describing the real droplet swarm behavior. The main problem encountered is the determination of the characteristic droplet model parameters, such as droplet rising velocity, axial backmixing, droplet breakage and droplet coalescence frequencies. The scope of this paper is to estimate fluid and particle residence times and thus the backmixing characteristics.