The Effect of Nozzle Shape and Configuration on Bubble Formation in a Liquid Cross Flow

Abstract

Gas injection into a liquid cross flow from a nozzle causes bubble formations which have potential applications in industry such as chemical plants, waste water treatment and bio- and nuclear-reactors. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the effects of nozzle shape and configuration with respect to the liquid cross-flow direction, on the bubbly flow characteristics such as bubble formation, detached bubble size and frequency at different gas and liquid flow rates. The experiments were conducted in a Plexiglas two-dimensional rig using a high speed camera. High speed imaging and an image processing algorithm were used to track each individual bubble and to quantify the bubble growth as well as the detachment frequency and the bubble velocity. Back light shadowgraphy which utilizes a low intensity diffuse light source to illuminate the background was used to image bubbles. Nozzles were mounted in the test section which was designed such that the flow in this section has a two-dimensional profile. The results showed that the bubble size increases with an increase in GLR (gas to liquid flow rates ratio). Furthermore, the bubble formations and detached bubble size were strongly influenced by the nozzle shape and configuration.