Effects of surface active agents on mass transfer during droplet formation, fall, and coalescence

This experimental study shows effects of anionic and cationic surface active agents on mass transfer during drop formation, fall, and coalescence for both continuous and disperse phase‐controlled systems. Three dispersion nozzles, mounted with 1.906 cm equilateral pitch, and a 5.08 cm I.D. extraction column were used to simulate certain conditions in commercial liquid‐liquid extraction units. The surfactant effects on extraction were pronounced, frequently reducing transfer to 10% of that in uncontaminated systems, with marked minima at intermediate concentrations of surfactant. In contrast, the continuous phase coefficient during coalescence was substantially increased by surfactants, with maxima in some cases.