Stability of the Dispersed Band in a Shallow Layer Settler

The present study is aimed at shallow-layer settler s, involving data collecting about the thickness of the dispersion band at different points along it s length and its use in simulation work. At steady state, after step inputs in the agitation po wer, the length of the dispersed band varied in time, and didn’t return to its initial condition. A lthough clean, pure fluids were used, crud formation was observed and acquired relevance espec ially for long period experiments. This behavior brought out the fact that crud formed during the experimentation disturbed the st abili y of the dispersed band. Crud analysis, performed by fluorescence microscopy, su ggested the presence of bacteria. Thus, in order to make the ex p rimental data reliable and reproducible, the effects of the formation and accumulation of crud at the water-organic interface must be taken into consideration, controlled and minimized by usi ng appropriate biocides.