Determination of droplet size and flow breakup mechanisms in centrifugal contact devices

Abstract

This article investigates the mechanisms of droplet breakup and the determination of droplet size in centrifugal contact devices, focusing on phase separation and mass transfer processes. The study highlights the critical role of turbulent pulsations and the rotational speed of the rotor in influencing droplet deformation and breakup. Based on the Kolmogorov-Obukhov theory of turbulence, the paper presents theoretical and experimental approaches to predict droplet behavior and optimize the geometry of contact devices. Key findings demonstrate that increased rotor speed and nozzle design significantly impact droplet size reduction, improving interaction efficiency between phases. The results are applicable to the optimization of centrifugal apparatuses used in chemical processes and phase separations.