In-situ measurement of particle size distribution in an agitated vessel

Abstract

Agitation of solid-liquid suspension or two immiscible liquids is a frequent operation in chemical and metallurgical industries (suspension/emulsion polymerization, catalytic chemical reaction, hydrometallurgical solvent extraction). The product quality, yield and economy of the processes are significantly affected by a mixing process. Prediction of mean particle/drop size and particle/drop size distribution (PSD) during the agitation is fundamental for emulsification, suspension polymerization, solid particle dispersion or crystallization. \nThe aim of this contribution is to propose a simple method of in-situ measurement of particle size distribution. The particle size measurement is based on an image analysis performed on raw image records. Evaluation method based on the best focused particles with sharp detected boundaries enhanced by the analysis of particle circularity was developed. Precise spherical mono-disperse steel and plastic particles were used to verify accuracy of evaluation method. The method has been proposed for the measurement of the time evolution of the drop size distribution in liquid-liquid dispersion in an agitated tank. The effect of droplet size distribution on the impeller speed in wateroil dispersion in agitated vessel was obtained