Simulation analysis of drop breakage, coalescence and micromixing in liquid-liquid stirred tanks

A modified simulation model is developed, which is capable of producing bivariate drop size-concentration distributions for liquid-liquid dispersions in stirred tanks under steady state or unsteady state operating conditions. Drop micromixing phenomena can be accurately assessed from the information obtained in the model - mainly, the bivariate distribution and drop ages. Therefore, this model provides a means to analyze mass transfer and/or reactions in liquid-liquid dispersions, taking into account the effects of drop interactions. The model is also employed to assess the usefulness of the drop breakage and coalescence frequency formulas previously developed to model the drop size and drop concentration distribution data. The simulation results indicate deficiencies in these frequency formulas. Modified and alternative frequency formulas are suggested.