Experimental Study of Hydrodynamics in the Aquarium Using PIV Method

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the phase indicator functions (vacuum rate, velocity and bubble size) of the gas-liquid flow. The gas-liquid flows in these columns (aquarium) are intrinsically unstable and the dynamics of such flows influence the mixing and mass transfer performance. It is therefore important to characterize the dynamics of gas-liquid flow. Also, the complete knowledge of the global dynamics of the fluids of the bubble column is based on that of the bubble. The experimental analysis is carried out using a two-phase instrumentation consisting of an optical fiber bi-probe. The use of the experimental techniques has enabled a better understanding of the hydrodynamics of two-phase flow. In terms of results, intrusive techniques provide local measurements while non-intrusive techniques provide a distribution over a cross-section with different spatial and temporal resolutions. The optical fiber bi-probe placed between two column flanges permit to have a complete mapping of the dispersed phase flow. The use of a mass flow meter and an ultrasonic flow meter, in different flow configurations, made it possible to obtain data on the operation of the column. However, the analysis of granulometry of the bubbles in the columns is performed by intrusive, flow-disrupting and non-intrusive techniques. Knowledge of bubble size and vacuum rate is crucial for determining interfacial air.