Hydrodynamic Modeling and Simulation of Kuhni Extraction Column Using Population Balance Model

In this research, the liquid-liquid extraction process in a Kuhni column was modeled and simulated using a non-equilibrium dynamic model. Model Equations including partial differential equations and population balance equation were discretized along the column height. The equations were solved using finite difference method and the method of lines. In order to assess and compare the results of this research with experimental results, a Bench scale Kuhni extraction column was used with the following two chemical systems: water-butyl acetate and water-toluene. The effect of operating parameters including electric motor frequency, holdup, droplet size distribution, phases flow rate and type of chemical system on column performance was presented. The deviation of droplets mean diameter and dispersed phase holdup is 2 % and 4 %, respectively.