THEORETICAL-ANALYSIS OF GAS-LIQUID MIXTURES AS SEPARATION MEDIA

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model of bubble size distribution in a gas-liquid mixture for a range of gas flow rates. Population balance mathematical analysis was applied and probability functions describing bubble coalescence and breakup were used for bubble size distribution model development. The model can predict bubble size distribution at any height in a gas-liquid mixture once the size distribution at a reference height is known. The model is important for studying the use of a controlled gas-liquid mixture as a specific gravity separation medium for sorting of fruits and vegetables. The model was experimentally tested and found to be in good agreement with measured bubble size distributions (R2 = 0.87). Also, the relationship between the bubble size distribution and the gas-liquid mixture density was developed.