Research Article| December 01 2004 Bubble size distribution in dissolved air flotation tanks D. M. Leppinen; D. M. Leppinen 1Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA UK Tel.: +44 (0)1223 337744 Fax: +44 (0)1223 765900; E-mail: D.M.Leppinen@damtp.cam.ac.uk Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar S. B. Dalziel S. B. Dalziel 1Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA UK Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2004) 53 (8): 531–543. https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2004.0042 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Cite Icon Cite Permissions Search Site Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsThis Journal Search Advanced Search Citation D. M. Leppinen, S. B. Dalziel; Bubble size distribution in dissolved air flotation tanks. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 December 2004; 53 (8): 531–543. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2004.0042 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex This papers presents the results of two studies performed to measure the size distribution of bubbles at different locations in dissolved air flotation tanks. Measurements were performed at the Albert Water Treatment Works and in two separate tanks at the Graincliffe Water Treatment Works (Yorkshire Water). At Albert, and in one of the tanks at Graincliffe, bubbles were generated using conventional pressure reduction nozzles. Bubbles in the second tank at Graincliffe were generated using needle valves. Bubble size distributions are presented and variations in the size distributions at different locations in the flotation tanks are explained. It is observed that bubble clustering plays an important role in dissolved air flotation and that smaller bubbles are preferentially incorporated into these clusters. Macrobubble formation by the needle valves reduces the efficiency of the flotation process. It is concluded that flotation is enhanced by the use of smaller bubbles. bubble clusters, bubble size distribution, dissolved air flotation, field measurements, macrobubbles This content is only available as a PDF. © IWA Publishing 2004 You do not currently have access to this content.