One-dimensional drift-flux model of gas holdup in fine-bubble jet reactor

Abstract A one-dimensional drift flux model of the gas holdup in the fine-bubble jet reactor (for short FJR) was developed and experimentally verified. The model consists of three key sub-models (bubble Sauter mean diameter, bubble average rising velocity and energy dissipation rate). Effects of downcomer length, liquid dynamic viscosity and surface tension on the bubble Sauter mean diameter, energy dissipation rate, and gas holdup were discussed theoretically. Furthermore, three kinds of systems (air-tap water, air-aqueous ethanol, and air-aqueous glycerol) were chosen to validate the model under different conditions including liquid flow rate, nozzle diameter, downcomer length, and temperature. Theoretical results indicated that the energy dissipation rate in the downcomer of FJR was the critical factor influencing gas holdup in the column of FJR. It is also found that gas holdups predicted by the model were roughly identical to experimental results and errors were within ±15%.