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. Simulação Dinâmica de Sistemas Líquido–Líquido, Um novo Algoritmo com Potencialidades de Aplicação em Controlo. PhD thesis, Universidade do Minho, Portugal; 1995].