Drop sizes and population balance model for a Karr column

Abstract

Drop sizes were investigated and measured in a Karr column. A stagewise population balance model was presented considering drop breakage and coalescence. The same breakage mechanisms observed in the single drop study were also found in column. The breakage probability model was selected by comparing the model from single drop study and the widely used models. Model parameters were calculated based on a two‐step optimization method. The results showed that the drop sizes decreased with an increase in reciprocating intensity, but changed slightly with phase velocities. The predicted drop sizes were compared to the experimental data in previous studies and good agreement was achieved. Finally, the population balance model along with some existing correlations were compared with the experimental data. It was found that the population balance model and correlations with the low agitation term provided better predictions of drop sizes in the Karr column. Transport Phenomena and Fluid Mechanics: Karr column, drop size distribution, population balance model, parameter optimization.