Influence of viscosity and surface tension on bubbles New empirical correlation

What is it about?

This study investigates how the properties of a liquid, particularly its viscosity and surface tension, influence the shape of rising gas bubbles in bubble columns. These reactors are widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. The shape of bubbles plays an important role in how they move through a liquid and how efficiently gases mix and transfer into the liquid. However, predicting bubble shapes accurately is challenging, especially when many bubbles rise together in liquids with different properties. Using high-speed imaging, we analysed approximately one million bubbles for each experimental condition, covering a wide range of liquid viscosities and surface tensions. Based on these measurements, we developed a new correlation that predicts bubble shape more accurately under different liquid conditions. Our findings can help researchers and engineers improve computer simulations and the design of bubble column reactors, ultimately supporting more efficient industrial processes.

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Photo by Rafael Peier on Unsplash

Photo by Rafael Peier on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is important because it improves our ability to predict bubble behaviour in industrial reactors. More reliable predictions can lead to better reactor design, more efficient gas–liquid processes, and reduced development costs. Its novelty lies in providing new correlations based on an extensive experimental dataset covering a wide range of liquid properties.