Using Dimensional Analysis for Development of Empirical Correlations for Estimation of Liquid Holdup and Drop Size in Rotating Disc Contactor

The rotating disc contactor (RDC) is a mechanically agitated extraction column commonly used in industries for liquid–liquid extraction unit operation. Correlations reported in literature to predict dispersed phase holdup and mean drop size were studied for various liquid–liquid systems. Experimental data from literature were consolidated and attempts were made to develop empirical correlations to predict holdup and drop size using power law model with dimensionless groups. Correlations developed in the present work are shown to have better prediction than those available in literature and is also tested with wide range of experimental data.