Hydrodynamics of a carbon dioxide/water/silicone oil bubble column

The present work analyses the hydrodynamic behaviour of a gas phase in a bubble column using different emulsions as liquid phase. The hydrodynamic behaviour was analysed on the basis of gas hold-up, bubble diameter and gas–liquid interfacial area; the different variables employed in this study [gas flow-rate (between 18 and 40 L h−1), as well as the organic phase nature, the organic phase concentration (between 0 and 1% (vol)) and the surfactant presence (between 0 and 0.1% (vol))] have been taken into account. The results obtained have been explained on the basis of the liquid phase physical properties and the special characteristics of the gas–liquid–liquid systems.

► Low concentration of organic phases increase interfacial area between gas and liquid phases.
► The viscosity of organic phase plays an important role producing a decrease in interfacial area.
► The surfactant presence in the emulsion produces a decrease in bubble diameter and then, an increase in gas-liquid interfacial area.