Prediction of intensity of dispersion in surfactant solutions in vertical sparged bubble column

Abstract

Dispersion of liquid in bubble column is an important process in chemical and allied industries. In the present work, the dispersion characteristics of liquid phase in a bubble column is studied in three different surfactant solutions. A comparative analysis on the dispersion characteristics of liquid phase in different surfactants has been carried out. The gas holdup and mixing time are also analysed. The effect of different physiochemical properties and operating variables on the dispersion coefficient and gas holdup is examined. A novel model for the estimation of dispersion due to bubble motion has been developed which incorporates the effect of gas holdup, liquid viscosity and circulation velocity. The contribution of dispersion coefficient due to the bubble motion in overall dispersion is also examined. The value of velocity distribution parameter in three different surfactant solutions is also compared. Generalised correlations for gas holdup, dispersion coefficient and mixing time are also developed based on the physicochemical properties of liquid. This research may be useful for the selection and application of these three surfactants in industries. This article will also help researchers for designing multiphase flow system where role of dispersion due to the motion of bubbles is significant.