Experimental coalescence time and time distribution studies of the coalescence of a single droplet a t a plane interface are presented for four hvo-component-two-phase systems. The results have been analyzed by dimensional analysis and statistical analysis, and a correlation of coalescence time and coalescence time distribution with the physical properties of the system is proposed.

An experimental investigation of the behaviour of a single droplet at an oil water interface has shown that coalescence takes place stepwise. The number of steps appears to depend on the ratio of the viscosity of the phases and the experimental distribution of coalescence times has been correlated by an equation of the type In (N/No) = — K(t—to)n as proposed by Gillespie & Rideal and not by In(N/No)= — αtn as suggested by Elton & Picknett.