Droplet coalescence and breakage rates in a packed liquid extraction column

Abstract

AbstractCoalescence rates for MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone) droplets in water in a packed column have been measured directly using a novel colorimetric technique. Second‐order coalescence and first‐order breakage rate constants were derived from the results using a discrete population balance model and were correlated in terms of droplet diameter and dispersed‐phase holdup. It is shown that the rate constants can be used to predict the steady‐state droplet‐size distribution and coalescence rates. They were also used in a theoretical study of mass transfer for a typical polydisperse system, which showed that repeated droplet coalescence and breakage leads to some reduction in column height.