Numerical modelling of a gravity settler in dynamic conditions

An iterative numerical technique has been developed to simulate in detail the dynamics of a shallow-layer gravity settler. Currently acknowledged models apply only to specific equipments at steady-state and laboratory scale [Jeelani SAK, Hartland S. The continuous separation of liquid/liquid dispersions. Chem Eng Sci 1993;48(2):239–54]. To our knowledge, no study has ever addressed the dynamic simulation of a gravity settler. In this paper a direct numerical technique is presented for computing the thickness and drop-size composition of the dispersion band formed in a shallow-layer settler under steady-state and transient conditions. This technique is an extension for the settler of the one used on the stirred vessel by Ribeiro [Ribeiro LM. Simulac¸a˜o Dinaˆmica de Sistemas Lı´quido–Lı´quido, Um novo Algoritmo com Potencialidades de Aplicac¸a˜o em Controlo. PhD thesis, Universidade do Minho, Portugal; 1995]. Ó 2007 Elsevier Ltd. and Civil-Comp Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: AES
• Authors: Elsa F. Gomes, M. M. L. Guimarães, Lígia M. Ribeiro
• Keywords: AES 2007, Cryptology, Gravity Settler, Numerical Technique, Shallow-layer Gravity Settler