Interaction of two in-line bubbles of equal size rising in viscous liquid

doi:10.1016/j.cjche.2019.06.003

Abstract

Abstract: The interaction of bubbles is the key to understand gas-liquid bubbling flow. Two-dimensional axis-symmetry computational fluid dynamics simulations on the interactive bubbles were performed with VOF method, which was validated by experimental work. It is testified that several different bubble interactive behaviors could be acquired under different conditions. Firstly, for large bubbles (d:4, 6, 8, 10 mm), the trailing bubble rising velocity and aspect ratio have negative correlations with liquid viscosity and surface tension. The influences of viscosity and surface tension on leading bubble are negligible. Secondly, for smaller bubbles (d:1, 2 mm), the results are complicated. The two bubbles tend to move together due to the attractive force by the wake and the potential repulsive force. Especially for high viscous or high surface tension liquid, the bubble pairs undergo several times acceleration and deceleration. In addition, bubble deformation plays an important role during bubble interaction which cannot be neglected.

Key words: Bubble column reactor, Computational fluid dynamics, Bubble interaction, Bubble rise velocity, Volume-of-fluid method, Bubble aspect ratio

摘要： The interaction of bubbles is the key to understand gas-liquid bubbling flow. Two-dimensional axis-symmetry computational fluid dynamics simulations on the interactive bubbles were performed with VOF method, which was validated by experimental work. It is testified that several different bubble interactive behaviors could be acquired under different conditions. Firstly, for large bubbles (d:4, 6, 8, 10 mm), the trailing bubble rising velocity and aspect ratio have negative correlations with liquid viscosity and surface tension. The influences of viscosity and surface tension on leading bubble are negligible. Secondly, for smaller bubbles (d:1, 2 mm), the results are complicated. The two bubbles tend to move together due to the attractive force by the wake and the potential repulsive force. Especially for high viscous or high surface tension liquid, the bubble pairs undergo several times acceleration and deceleration. In addition, bubble deformation plays an important role during bubble interaction which cannot be neglected.

关键词: Bubble column reactor, Computational fluid dynamics, Bubble interaction, Bubble rise velocity, Volume-of-fluid method, Bubble aspect ratio

Zhen Tian, Xi Li, Youwei Cheng, Lijun Wang. Interaction of two in-line bubbles of equal size rising in viscous liquid[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2020, 28(1): 54-62.

Zhen Tian, Xi Li, Youwei Cheng, Lijun Wang. Interaction of two in-line bubbles of equal size rising in viscous liquid[J]. 中国化学工程学报, 2020, 28(1): 54-62.

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