"Reactor particle-size and velocity calculation, with no trial-and-error" by Miguel Larocca

Input Data:
Fluid Density
Fluid Viscosity
Particle Density

rf =
m =
rp =

0.06
0.0149
82.00

lb/ft3
cp
lb/ft3

Because three different flow regimes are inv

size and settling velocity, a trial-and-error ca
evaluate the particle diameter at a given vel
velocity at a given diameter. In this spreadsh
is eliminated by using equations derived fro
in the literature.

Input only one and calculate the other :

Particle Diameter
Particle Velocity

dp =
vp =

79.7
1.0

micron
ft/s

Determining Particle Velocity :

Law Constant
The System is under
Particle Velocity is

K =

Determining Particle Diameter :

3.04

Stoke's Law
vp =

References:
(1) Theodore L., Buonicore A.J., "Air Pollut
Boca Raton, Florida, 1976.
(2) Larocca M., Chemical Engineering, Ma

1.00

Law Constant
Regime

The System is under

ft/s

Particle Diameter is

d-error" by Miguel Larocca, May 10, 2005

three different flow regimes are involved in the calculations of particle

settling velocity, a trial-and-error calculation is normally required for
he particle diameter at a given velocity, or evaluate the particle
a given diameter. In this spreadsheet the trial-and-eror procedure
ed by using equations derived from correlations readily available

dore L., Buonicore A.J., "Air Pollution Control Equipment" CRC Press
Raton, Florida, 1976.
cca M., Chemical Engineering, March 2, 1987.

ing Particle Diameter :

W =

0.37

Stoke's Law
dp =

79.7

Regime
micron

Determining Particle Velocity

Determining Particle Diam

Adimensional Constants

K = dp ( gpf / 2 )1/3

W = ( v3

Stoke's Regime

v = gdp2p / 18

dp = ( 18v / g

K < 3.3

W < 0.471

v = 0.153g0.71dp1.14p0.71 / 0.430.29

dp = { v0.43

43.6 > K > 3.3

38.9 > W > 0.471

v = 1.74 ( gdpp / )0.5

dp = v2 / g

K > 43.6

W > 38.9

Intermediate Regime

Newton's Regime

Determining Particle Diameter

W = ( v3 / gp )0.5
dp = ( 18v / gp )0.5
W < 0.471
dp = { v0.430.29 / 0.153(gp)0.71}1/1.14
38.9 > W > 0.471
dp = v2 / gp1.742