Local void fraction and bubble size distributions in cold-gassed and hot-sparged stirred reactors

Vertical distributions of local void fraction, bubble size and gas–liquid interfacial area in air–water dispersions at 24 and 81 °C have been measured with a dual electric conductivity probe in a fully baffled dished base stirred vessel of 0.48 m diameter holding 0.145 m3 liquid. The agitator was a hollow blade dispersing turbine below two up-pumping hydrofoils. The vertical distribution of the void fraction in the hot conditions is similar to that at ambient temperature though the void fraction is significantly lower in the hot system. The vertical distributions of bubble size show maxima with large bubbles above the bottom impeller, near the top impeller and close to the free surface. With given operating conditions, the overall Sauter means bubble size in the hot systems appears to be about 21% greater than when cold. Estimates of the local interfacial area show a maximum just above the level of the top impeller.