A new model for coalescence efficiency of drops in stirred dispersions

Kumar, Sanjeev and Kumar, R and Gandhi, KS (1993) A new model for coalescence efficiency of drops in stirred dispersions. In: Chemical Engineering Science, 48 (11). pp. 2025-2038.

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Abstract

A model for coalescence efficiency of two drops embedded in an eddy has been developed. Unlike the other models which consider only head-on collisions, the model considers the droplets to approach at an arbitrary angle. The drop pair is permitted to undergo rotation while they approach each other. For coalescence to occur, the drops are assumed to approach each other under a squeezing force acting over the life time of eddy but which can vary with time depending upon the angle of approach. The model accounts for the deformation of tip regions of the approaching drops and, describes the rupture of the intervening film, based on stability considerations while film drainage is continuing under the combined influence of the hydrodynamic and van der Waals forces. The coalescence efficiency is defined as the ratio of the range of angles resulting in coalescence to the total range of all possible approach angles. The model not only reconciles the contradictory predictions made by the earlier models based on similar framework but also brings out the important role of dispersed-phase viscosity. It further predicts that the dispersions involving pure phases can be stabilized at high rps values. Apart from explaining the hitherto unexplained experimental data of Konno et al. qualitatively, the model also offers an alternate explanation for the interesting observations of Shinnar.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Chemical Engineering Science
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Science.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Chemical Engineering
Date Deposited:	31 Jan 2011 11:48
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2011 11:48
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/35288

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