Influence of mixing system design and operating parameters on dissolution process

Abstract : Over recent years, the solid dissolution rate in liquid has been the subject of intense and profitable scientific developments. This work aims to study the influence of hydrodynamics on the dissolution rate of solid in water. The impact of the mixing system design was also investigated. The dissolution process can be followed through several parameters. First, experimental results were validated by kinetic models based on mass transfer coefficients such as the Hixson-Crowell equation. The Weibull model and n-order model were also tested. Then, the dissolution time td,x% was defined as the time needed to reach a given dissolution degree (X). Finally, the dimensionless dissolution number (N td) was defined and correlated with the Reynolds number. This correlation provides a more direct and simple link between operating conditions and process efficiency.