Mass transfer coefficients—calculation for rigid and oscillating drops in extraction columns

Abstract

Extraction efficiencies are predicted for rigid, and Handlos-Baron, isolated drops passing countercurrently to a continuous phase in an extraction column. Approximations made in previous theoretical work, in particular the assumption of uniform continuous phase concentrations in calculating the dispersed phase mass transfer coefficient, and the use of average rather than local coefficients, were eliminated to obtain more accurate predictions of mass transfer rates by both models. Significant differences from the approximate solutions previously published were obtained. Preliminary comparisons of theoretical predictions and experimental data are made by applying the isolated drop model predictions to swarms of drops in a Rotating Disc Contactor.