Behaviour of a large bubble flowing through a sudden constriction between a cylindrical pipe and a rectangular cross section channel

The behaviour of a single large bubble flowing through a sudden constriction between a cylindrical pipe and a channel of rectangular cross section is studied experimentally. Two types of constrictions are considered: an abrupt one and a smooth one. Image analysis displays the deformation of the large bubble generated in the upstream vertical pipe and flowing through each kind of constriction. Image processing allows an estimate to be made of the velocity of Dumitrescu bubbles upstream of the constriction and the velocity of a 2D cap bubble flowing downstream of the constriction in a rectangular-cross-section channel. When the large bubble flows through a constriction, its behaviour can be considered in two steps: a first step corresponding to the disengagement of the large bubble and a second step corresponding to its transient behaviour after detachment. In terms of disengagement, an abrupt constriction induces systematic break-up of the large bubble whereas, with a smooth constriction, the large bubble undergoes strong deformations but does not break up. After detachment, large bubbles relax in a similar way and their velocities tend towards the terminal velocity of the 2D cap bubble.

Research highlights
► Measurements of deformation and velocity of long bubbles through constrictions.
► Drastic differences observed regarding break up in two different constrictions studied.
► Hydrodynamic model developed to better understand the behaviour of the bubble in two cases.
► Concrete application in limitation of fouling in membrane bioreactors.