Modelling study of emulsion latex coagulation processes in coagulators
Résumé
This paper presents a numerical study of emulsion latex coagulation processes in continuous coagulators based on the full computational fluid dynamics approach. The RANS approach together with the k-ε turbulence model was used to describe the detailed flow field in the coagulators. The coagulant mixing process was modelled by the convection-diffusion equation and the emulsion latex coagulation process was formulated by the population balance equation of the particle size with a coagulation kernel including a perikinetic and orthokinetic combined mechanism. The flow and coagulation models were independently validated by means of comparing simulated results to the relevant experimental data from the literature. A series of simulations were carried out to study the effects of coagulator bottom shape, salt solution feeding location, residence time and agitation speed, as well as the influence of four typical scale-up criteria on the latex particle coagulation process. The presented results would be helpful for the relevant process design, development and scale-up of continuous latex coagulators.
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