New predictive correlations for the drop size in a rotating disc contactor liquid-liquid extraction column

Sauter mean drop sizes (d(32)) generated from a hole distributor in liquid extraction RDC columns were studied under various conditions. Experiments were designed to generate data required to determine the main variables that control the drop sizes in RDCs. Two precise correlations were proposed for predicting d32 in a RDC extraction column. The first was based on operating variables, hole-distributor diameter, disc speed, column geometry, and system physical properties. The second one considered the same variables, except the column geometry. This model can be used for design purposes. The two correlations are the first of their type to consider the distributor hole inlet diameter in a RDC column. This diameter has been neglected by previous investigators. The maximum standard deviation for all data is 0.75%, with a maximum absolute error of 6.8%.