Effect of operating and geometric parameters on dispersed phase holdup in Pulsed Disc and Doughnut and Pulsed Sieve Plate Columns: A comparative study

A detailed experimental study is performed to understand the effects of different operating and geometrical parameters on dispersed phase holdup in Pulsed Disc and Doughnut Columns (PDDCs) and Pulsed Sieve Plate Columns (PSPCs). The phase system used in the experiments consists of mutually saturated water as the aqueous phase and 30% TBP in dodecane as the organic phase. The experiments are conducted in aqueous continuous mode. The operating parameters that have been varied are the superficial velocities (flow rates) of the continuous and dispersed phase and pulsing velocity. The geometrical parameters are plate spacing or disc spacing and column diameter. Previously reported correlations for dispersed phase holdup are evaluated with the experimental data generated in this study. New correlations, based on modification of previously reported correlations, are proposed.