Characterization of stable and transient cavitation bubbles in a milliflow reactor using a multibubble sonoluminescence quenching technique

•Bubble type depends on frequency, input power and transducer configuration.•Flow increases the sonoluminescence yield.•Transition from transient to stable bubbles is shown in when moving from laminar to turbulent flow conditions.

The bubble type, generated by an ultrasonic field, was studied in a batch and flow reactor using a multibubble sonoluminescence (MBSL) quenching technique with propanol and acetone. The influence of frequency and transducer configuration was evaluated using the same piezoelectric element in both setups. Results show that the bubble type not only depends on the frequency, but also on the input power or transducer configuration. Additionally, the effect of flow on sonoluminescence yield and bubble type was studied in the continuous setup at various frequencies. As the flow becomes turbulent, the sonoluminescence signal reaches a plateau for three out of four frequencies, and a transition from transient to stable cavitation occurs for frequencies below 200 kHz.