GAS TRANSFER FROM SMALL SPHERICAL BUBBLES IN NATURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS

TARIQ AHMED
MICHAEL J. SEMMENS


DOI: 10.2190/9402-N69Y-KHGM-YE9N

Abstract

The bubble terminal velocity and the mass transfer behavior of a small (diameter 0.2 cm) spherical bubble rising through stagnant water are reviewed. Equations relating the bubble diameter and gas composition as a function of depth are presented. The gas-liquid mass transfer co-efficient was estimated from observed bubble diameter versus time data reported in the literature. The system of equations has been solved by numerical integration to predict the behavior of a bubble as it rises through the water column. The model can predict the rate of dissolution and the change in composition of the bubble as a function of the depth of release, initial gas composition in the bubble, liquid phase gas composition, and gas temperature. The mass transfer correlation was found to compare favorably with the theoretical predictions. Initial bubble diameter and basin depths are the most significant parameters that control the gas transfer efficiency of the process. The results can assist in improving the design of experiments to evaluate the bubble terminal velocity and the mass transfer coefficient more accurately.

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