Measurement of drop size characteristics in annular centrifugal extractors using phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA)

Drop size distributions have been measured in a 39 mm annular centrifugal extractor using phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA). The power consumption and the interfacial tension have been varied in the range of 10–450 kW/m3 and 13–33 mN/m, respectively. The two liquid phases have been selected with different density and viscosity ratios. The results have been analyzed using Rosin–Rammler distribution function. A correlation has been developed for the drop size distribution. The same has been compared with the correlations in the literature.

► Annular centrifugal extractors provide high mass transfer rates for extractions.
► Accurate measurement of the drop size distribution in the annulus is essential.
► PDPA has been used in the present study to measure the drop size distribution.
► A correlation has been developed for estimation of drop size.