The velocity of rise of single cylindrical air bubbles through liquids contained in vertical tubes

Abstract

Velocity measurements were made on single cylindrical air bubbles rising in a variety of liquids contained in vertically mounted tubes sealed at the lower end. A general graphical correlation involving Fr = u 2/ gd, Eo = ρ gd 2/σ and Y = gμ 4/ρσ 3 is given. It is shown that viscous effects are of minor importance if ρ 2 gd 3/μ 2 > 3 × 10 5, interfacial effects if Eo > 70 and inertial if Fr < 0·003. Evidence suggests that the general correlation is also applicable to limiting velocity data for smaller (non-cylindrical) bubbles.