Liquid-Liquid Emulsion Sauter Mean Diameter (d32) Calculator

Estimate equilibrium Sauter mean droplet diameter (d32) in turbulent stirred dispersions using Hinze-Kolmogorov theory and Calabrese correlations.

Continuous & Disperse Fluids

Continuous Phase Density ρ_c (kg/m³):

Interfacial Tension σ (mN/m or dyn/cm):

Impeller Diameter D (m):

Agitator Speed N (RPM):

Disperse Phase Volume Fraction Φ (%):

Turbulent Breakup Constant C₁: Standard Rushton Turbine: 0.053

Droplet Granulometry & Weber Number

Sauter Mean Diameter (d32):

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Impeller Weber Number We:

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Specific Interfacial Area (a):

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Estimated Max Droplet d_max:

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Emulsion Coalescence Damping Factor:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sauter mean diameter (d32) of an emulsion?

The Sauter mean diameter d32 = Σ(d_i³) / Σ(d_i²) is the volume-to-surface mean diameter. It directly governs the specific interfacial area available for chemical mass transfer and extraction kinetics.

What role does the Weber number (We) play in droplet breakup?

The Weber number compares destructive inertial turbulent shear stresses to cohesive surface tension forces. Droplets break down until internal interfacial forces balance the turbulent eddy pressure fluctuations (We_crit).

Why does higher disperse phase concentration increase average droplet size?

Higher disperse volume fraction Φ increases droplet collision frequency, driving coalescence rates higher until a new equilibrium between droplet breakup and coalescence is reached at a larger mean diameter.