MAXWELL-STEFAN APPROACH COUPLED WITH DROP POPULATION-MODEL FOR THE DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF LIQUID-LIQUID-EXTRACTION PULSED COLUMN

Zimmermann and al. (1995) have proposed a model for the simulation of a multi-component extraction process based on Maxwell-Stefan approach and incorporating a drop population model. In the continuation of this work, this paper presents some recent developments, notably the exten sion to the dynamic and some improvements at the hydrodynamic level. T he model is characterised by the coupling of two main aspects in separ ation processes : hydrodynamics and multi-component mass transfer. Hyd rodynamics is described by a drop population model : fundamental mecha nisms like transport, axial back-mixing and forward-mixing, drop break age and interdrop coalescence, including Marangoni effect, are describ ed in a detailed way. Multi-component mass transfer is computed using the Maxwell-Stefan approach. The proposed model is able to predict the component concentration profiles in the dispersed and continuous phas es, hold-up and drop size distribution throughout the column and the i nteractions between mass transfer and hydrodynamics under operating co nditions up to flooding. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.