An instrument capable of measuring multivariate (size and concentration) drop distribution data in heterogeneous liquid dispersions can have significant value both as a research device and as a process monitoring tool. Such a device is needed to obtain fundamental knowl-edge and to improve the design of liquid-liquid contact equipment in various chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, nuclear, and me-tallurgical processes. Phaedron Technologies, Inc. believes that such a miniature probe can be developed for these applications and made available at modest costs.This optimism is supported by recent success in the development and utilization of a Laser Capillary Spectro-photometer (LCS) system to obtain bivariate drop distribution. The proposed study will be directed towards the design, fabrication and testing of a miniature LCS probe for direct introduction into process vessels to meet various process requirements. In Phase I, a suitable photoelectric circuit for data acquisition and the necessary software for data analysis will be developed to implement the conceptual de-sign, and the device will be fabricated and tested. Economic competitiveness would accrue from controlled production of specifically tailored specialty chemicals due to monitoring capabilities heretofore not possible.Commercial Applications:The miniature LCS probe device will have applications to characterize liquid dispersions for basic research studies and to monitor performance of contacting equipment for processing such fluids.
