Particle-Laden Bubble Size and Its Distribution in Microstructured Bubbling Bed in the Presence and Absence of a Surface Active Agent

This work reports experimental measurements of the bubble size and its distribution in the three-phase (air–water–coal and air–water–coal–surfactant) system. A thorough investigation of the effect of particle concentration, particle size, viscosity, and axial positions on bubble size and its distribution in the presence and absence of the surfactant is reported. Bubble size distribution (BSD) in three different experimental conditions is studied which follows the beta, Weibull, and log–logistic nature of the distribution function. Correlations are developed for estimation of parameters of each distribution function. A generalized correlation model is also developed for the estimation of the Sauter mean bubble diameter, aspect ratio, and interfacial area in the three-phase system by considering operating, geometric variables, and physical properties of the system. The current work will be useful for process intensification of chemical and biochemical processes based on the interfacial phenomena.