Automated image analysis for trajectory determination of single drop collisions

• Development of robust automated image analysis of two colliding drops.
• Determination of drop trajectory, velocity and events: detachment and collision.
• Statistical evaluation of multiple drop collisions.
• Application: fundamental analysis of coalescence using high speed imaging.
• Results allow relating collision velocity and coalescence probability.

The fundamental analysis of drop coalescence probability in liquid/liquid systems is necessary to reliably predict drop size distributions in technical applications. For this crucial investigation two colliding oil drops in continuous water phase were recorded with different high speed camera set-ups under varying conditions. In order to analyze the huge amount of recorded image sequences with varying resolutions and qualities, a robust automated image analysis was developed. This analysis is able to determine the trajectories of two colliding drops as well as the important events of drop detachment from cannulas and their collision. With this information the drop velocity in each sequence is calculated and mean values of multiple drop collisions are determined for serial examinations of single drop collisions. Using the developed automated image analysis for drop trajectory and velocity calculation, approximately 1–2 recorded high speed image sequences can be evaluated per minute.

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