PPBLAB: A new multivariate population balance environment for particulate system modelling and simulation

This work presents a new windows-based MATLAB program, which is called PPBLAB (Particulate Population Balance Laboratory) for modelling and numerical simulation of particulate systems. As a first step, liquid-liquid extraction columns are modelled using the population balance equation as a mathematical framework. Up to date population balance models and solvers are incorporated. The discretization of the spatial domain is based on the finite volume method with flux vector splitting. A strongly stable semi-implicit first order time integration scheme is used to resolve such a large and stiff ODE system. The MATLAB GUI is used to make PPBLAB a user friendly program, which allows the user to define and simulate liquid extraction columns. A thermodynamics package TEA-COCO, which obtained from CAPE-OPEN, is linked to PPBLAB. Therefore, a special interface is designed for the purpose of data exchange between PPBLAB and CAPE-OPEN TEA tool. The solute distribution coefficient in ternary systems is predicted using the UNIQUAQ model with a special optimization tool to estimate the binary interaction parameters based on infinite conditions. A pilot plant Kuhni extraction column is simulated and tested. Full analysis and performance of the PPBLAB are carried out and validated against experimental data. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.