Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol.37, No.7, 1103-1111, 2014
Systematic Analysis of Single Droplet Coalescence
Coalescence behavior in liquid-liquid dispersions is controlled by various parameters. Thus, data from different research groups can differ significantly. Dynamic coalescence processes were analyzed systematically with the EFCE standard test system toluene/water in two different research laboratories. After comparability was proven with standardized batch settling tests and drop rise velocity measurements, the influence of drop size ratio and varying NaCl and NaOH concentrations on coalescence probability was investigated. Since the ions led to a coalescence inhibition, no clear impact of drop size ratio could be observed. The analysis of drop contact showed longer contact times for increasing equivalent drop diameter. This promotes coalescence and corresponds to film drainage model.
Keywords:Batch settling tests;Coalescence test cell;Drop rise velocity;Dynamic binary coalescence;Liquid-liquid extraction