Bubble column gas–liquid interfacial area in a polymer+surfactant+water system

This work studies the influence of two substances – a polymer and a surfactant – upon the gas–liquid hydrodynamics in a bubble column contactor to analyse the effect of a surfactant in a viscous liquid to simulate biosurfactant production. These kinds of substances can have an important influence upon the gas–liquid hydrodynamics, primarily upon the bubble size which has a direct relation to the gas–liquid interfacial area used to transfer the oxygen from the gas-to-liquid phase. The present study analyses the influence of these substances, individually and combined, upon the hydrodynamic parameters (gas hold-up, bubble diameter and interfacial area) to reach conclusions on the joint effect and the possible synergic behaviours. Specifically the surfactant presence shows positive effect upon interfacial area though a viscous liquid phase is used.

► Gas flow-rate and polymer (without surfactant) produce bubbles with a large diameter.
► Surfactant presence achieves inhibition of polymer negative effect upon bubble size.
► Surfactant causes a positive effect in viscous liquids producing a larger area.