Particle and droplet trajectories in a non-linear electrical field

Abstract

In this paper we describe a new approach in which finite element analysis is applied to predict charged particle trajectories in a liquid continuum across which a non-linear electrical field is applied. The equations of motion and equations describing the distribution of the electrical field in the entire contactor are solved simultaneously and thus yield the trajectories of individual particles emerging from a single charged nozzle. The predictions are compared with experimentally determined trajectories and good agreement is demonstrated. The work is regarded as a starting point for the quantitative description of charged droplet motion in a liquid–liquid contactor and the associated prediction of droplet hold-up and mass transfer using a similar approach.