A CFD-Population Balance Model for the Simulation of Kühni Extraction Column

Abstract In this work, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations coupled with DPBM are compared to LLECMOD ( L iquid- L iquid E xtraction C olumn MOD ule) simulations and to Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) measurement of the phase fraction using an iso-optical system of calcium chloride/water and butyl acetate. The results show a good agreement between the simulations and experimental data. The CFD requires a high computational load compared to LLECMOD, but gives local information about the droplet size and the phase fraction and is independent from geometrical constraints.