A POPULATION BALANCE MODEL FOR DISPERSE SYSTEMS - DROP SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN EMULSION

A mechanistic model for the description and prediction of the drop siz e distribution in a turbulently agitated emulsion dispersion is develo ped. Based on this model, breakage rate and relative distribution func tions are determined and used to solve the general population balance equation for a continuous flow vessel. Parameters of the models are ev aluated from experimental data by means of Marquardt's method. The mod el is found to be capable of predicting bimodal drop size distribution s of emulsions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.