Effect of Particle Size on Collision Efficiency in the Deposition of Brownian Particles with Electrostatic Energy Barriers

Abstract

The effect of particle size on the kinetics of deposition of polystyrene latex particles on spherical glass beads in porous media was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The latex particles cover a wide size range (46-753 nm) and have comparable surface properties. Experimental collision efficiencies were calculated from measured particle deposition rates. The results are presented as stability curves, i.e., the logarithm of the collision efficiency as a function of the logarithm of concentration of electrolyte (KC1). Experimental curves were compared to those calculated theoretically. It was found, in a marked contrast to theory, that the slopes of the stability curves are insensitive to particle size. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are discussed and evaluated. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.