Mathematical modeling of bubble size distribution in bubble column

Abstract

The bubble size plays an important role in bubble column. Therefore for proper designing of bubble columns, it is vital to understand the behaviours of bubble size and its distribution. In this research the size distribution of bubble is analysed by photo graphic method. The bubbles are generated by porous ring and spyder gas sparger. The obtained results shows that porous ring sparger generates bubble having bimodal distribution, whereas the spyder sparger generates bubble with unimodal distribution. The results also shows that size distribution curve changes as the gas flow rate and physical properties of liquid changes. The gas phase fraction is also analysed. The bubble size distribution curve is also validated using population balance model concerning simultaneous coalescence and breakup model. The results obtained in this research can be useful for scale up of bubble column operated with porous ring sparger and spyder sparger.