TRANSIENT DROP SIZE IN AGITATED LIQUID-LIQUID SYSTEMS, AS INFLUENCED BY THE DIRECTION OF MASS-TRANSFER AND SURFACTANT CONCENTRATION

The primary application of transient and equilibrium drop size correlations for agitated liquid-liquid systems is in extraction processes. Nevertheless, many previous investigations did not include the effect on the drop size of mass transfer and/or surface-active agents, commonly encountered industrially. Thus, the present work examines the combined influence of surfactants and mass transfer in either direction on the variation in drop size with time throughout the duration of mass transfer. The variables that were studied m regard to their possible effects on the transient Sauter-mean drop diameter include the direction of mass transfer, the selection of the phase dispersed, and the concentration of surface-active agent in the system. Minor variables were the volume fraction of the dispersed phase and the impeller diameter and speed. Agitation was provided by a six-flat-bladed turbine in a batch-operated and baffled vessel.