Coalesceren

Coalesceren is a Dutch verb meaning to cause two or more separate entities to merge into a single one. In general usage, coalescence is the process by which distinct parts join to form a larger whole, often driven by energy reduction or external forcing. The term is used across scientific, engineering, and technological fields to describe transitions from multiple components to a single phase or unit.

In physical and chemical contexts, coalescence commonly refers to droplets, bubbles, or particles merging. For example, in emulsions oil droplets may coalesce to form larger droplets, facilitating separation from water. Surface tension, gravity, and fluid shear influence whether droplets coalesce or remain dispersed. Stabilizing agents or surfactants can inhibit coalescence, while external fields or coalescing media promote it.

In engineering and industry, coalescence is exploited in separation processes. Coalescers and coalescing media are used to merge fine droplets to create larger ones that can be removed by gravity or filtration, as in oil–water separators, wastewater treatment, and air purification. Designs often include coalescing plates, packings, or fibrous media to enhance droplet collision and coalescence.

In natural phenomena, coalescence is observed in raindrop formation, where many small droplets combine to become larger drops that fall as precipitation. In computing and data management, coalescing describes merging adjacent blocks of free memory or combining small data packets into larger frames to reduce overhead.

Overall, coalesceren denotes the general tendency of separate elements to unite into a single, more stable unit under appropriate conditions.