Particle velocity in a stratified two‐phase flow between inclined parallel plates

Fundamental investigations of coalescence processes in settlers with plate packages for the separation of liquid‐liquid dispersions prompted an analysis of the drop motion on the interface of a stratified two‐phase flow. Therefore, a physical model was developed, which permits the calculation of drop velocity along the interface of an inclined trickling film. Starting from a balance of forces around a single particle, the model provides the equation of motion for a steady motion of single particles in a stratified two‐phase flow. Several assumptions and considerations were necessary to solve this equation, such as taking into account the influence of the wall and of flow resistance. The model calculation assumes Newtonian liquids and laminar, smooth trickling films. A comparison with experimental results confirms that the drop motion behaviour is well reproduced.