Size Distribution Effects—Population Balance and Precipitator Design

6 SIZE DISTRIBUTION EFFECTS—POPULATION BALANCE AND PRECIPITATOR DESIGN 

Coupled with a mass balance, the population balance accounts for all of the particles of each size that are generated in a precipitator. The population balance was first formulated by Randolph [96] and Hulbert and Katz [97]. A general review is provided by Randolph and Larson [98]. The population balance, when performed on a macroscopic scale like that of the whole precipitator, is given by 

For this macro balance, the terms represent the accumulation of particles in size range R to R + dR due to growth, net particle input from entry and exit streams, and birth and death of particles directly into the size range by nucleation, aggregation, abrasion, or fracture. As written this equation assumes no volume accumulation in the reactor. 

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