Drop Size Distributions as a Function of Dispersed Phase Viscosity: Experiments and Modeling

Abstract

AbstractDetailed measurements of dynamic and steady‐state drop size distributions were performed in liquid‐liquid systems with water and different silicone oils using an in situ endoscope technique in a discontinuously operated stirred tank. The oils used as the dispersed phase vary in dynamic viscosity, while density and interfacial tension are nearly constant. The performance of a population balance model for partially mobile interfaces and its ability to predict steady‐state and dynamic Sauter mean diameters and the complete drop size distributions as a function of dispersed phase viscosity and different process parameters are evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of different daughter drop size distribution shapes on simulation results is quantified.