Bubbly flow characteristics during decompression sickness: Effect of surfactant and electrolyte on bubble size distribution

This work presents experiments in a bubbly flow comparable to the one observed during decompression sickness (DCS) in humans. Experiments are conducted in a tube dimensionally similar to vena cava of the human body with liquids of various properties (surface tension, viscosity, conductivity) and liquid flow rates equivalent to those of human blood circulation. New data concerning the effect of separate and simultaneous presence of surfactant and electrolyte in the liquid phase on the bubble size distribution are acquired. In this respect, the influence of gas and liquid flow rates has also been studied. The results indicate a clear effect of surfactant concentration on bubble coalescence hindrance. Moreover, a synergy of surfactant and electrolyte is observed which is over and above their influence if they were alone in the liquid phase.