Predicting emulsion coalescence: Multi-scale simulation techniques

Abstract

In optimizing industrial solvent extraction performance, a throughput-limiting process is the efficient separation of raffinate and loaded organic phases via coalescence of dispersed droplets. New research findings are needed in order to quantify the physical and chemical regimes that favour coalescence, which will aid in the design and optimization of hydrometallurgical processing equipment; with both economic and environmental benefits. Coalescence remains difficult to model due to the disparate length scales involved: a successful model must simultaneously capture both droplet and film-scale dynamics. While multiphase flows have been well simulated by interface-capturing methods, the deta..