Assessing the Size Distribution of Droplets Obtained in a Centrifugal Mass-Exchange Apparatus

Consideration has been given to the basic mechanisms of fragmentation of droplets in the system “liquid–liquid” in film flow over the working surface of the rotor of a centrifugal mass-exchange apparatus. The authors have assessed theoretically the sizes of dispersed-phase droplets on separation of the liquid film from the rotor’s working surface and its arrival at a toroidal clearance between the intake tube and the rotor of the apparatus. It has been established that the greatest influence on the formation of the particle-size distribution of an emulsion is exerted by shear stresses in the liquid that arise in the toroidal clearance. The influence of the rotor speed and the rate of flow of the liquid on the size distribution of droplets of the obtained emulsion has been shown. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental data has been confirmed experimentally.