A study of multistage/multifunction column for fine particle separation. Quarterly report, 1 October 1995--31 December 1995

The overall purpose of the proposed research program is to explore the potential application of a new invention involving a multistage column equipped with vortex-inducing loop-flow contactors hereafter referred to as (bold the multistage column) for fine coal cleaning process. The research work will identify the design parameters and their effects on the performance of the separation process. The results of this study will provide an engineering basis for further development of this technology in coal cleaning and in the general areas of fluid/particle separation. In the last quarter, the (bold bubble size) measurements were carried out in the conventional column. Also, correlations were developed for results on (bold gas holdup, bubble size and specific interfacial area). In this quarter, we investigated the mixing and loop flow (circulation) behaviors around the contactor