<p> The separation of distilled water and coconut fatty acid (CNFA) was investigated in a 4 in. x 16 in. vertical gravity decanter to determine the most significant design variables. The design variables studied were tangential versus perpendicular feed flow, height/diameter ratio, the total feed flow rate, the temperature and the intertace position with respect to feed inlet. The criteria used were the calculated immiscible concentration of water in CNFA overflow (Cw) and that of CNFA in water underflow (Co), The test conditions were arranged according to a Central Composite Design based on Box Method of Experimentation. Two levels of inlet geometry and five levels of each of the other four variables were studied. The range of variables were 1. Inlet geometry Tangential and Perpendicular Feed Flow 2. Height/Diameter Ratio 3/1 to 4/1 3· Total Feed Flow rate 160 cc/min. to 320 cc/min. 4. Temperature 40° to 80°c. 5· Interrace Position 2" below feed inlet to 2" above feed inlet The Overall residence time in the decanter ranged from 7.5 to 12.5 minutes. The drop size distribution of the incoming dispersion was measured by taking photomicrographs for all the runs. </p> <p> It was found that the tangential feed flow was slightly better but not significantly better for the separation of two immiscible liquids. Statistical analysis revealed that 95% confidence level height/diameter ratio, flow rate and temperature, respectively, are the most important design variables for the separation of CNFA from water underflow. The dependence of Cw on height/diameter ratio of Co on the interface position was interpreted to mean that the theoretical, plug flow residence time within each phase is the most important design variable. Interaction between variables and second order constants were not found significant at 95% confidence level. Sedimentation rather than coalescence appeared to be the controlling factor in the present study. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

This thesis explores the topic of flow of two immiscible liquids in horizontal pipeline. For this purpose, the experimental apparatus has been set up, that allows to observe the flow of mixture through the transparent pipe. Moderately viscous oil and water (viscosity ratio: 52,81, density ratio: 0.86, interfacial tension: 41,64 mN/m) have been chosen for the experiment. Both fluids were introduced into the pipe through a T-junction. At the end of the apparatus, a mixture of liquids flowed into the separation tank, where both phases were separated. The separated oil was then reused for further measurements. The oil and water flow rates could be individually changed by use control valves, that led to identification of different flow regimes. These varied from stratified flows to fully dispersed ones as the mixture speed increased. All observed flow regimes were plotted in the flow map, that is a function of the inlet velocities of both fluids. For further analysis, a second type of flow map has been created that displays rates as a function of mixture velocity and phase volume fraction. Selected regime was also simulated using software ANSYS FLUENT. The VOF method was used to simulate multiphase flow. This thesis critically evaluates the results of the study and shows the direction for further research in the field of immiscible liquids flow.