Reconstruction of the Shape of a Taylor Bubble Rising Through a Circular Tube Using Parallel Wire Conductivity Probes

Abstract

In many industrial applications prediction on two phase parameters such as void fraction, bubble shape, phase velocities are important. In the present study, a simple and convenient method of estimating the shape of an axisymmetric Taylor bubble, rising through a vertical tube has been developed using parallel wire conductivity probes, spanned over the cross section of the tube. The proposed method is based on measuring the resistance of a liquid film as a function of film thickness using the mentioned probe. A theoretical modelling is done to calculate the change in resistance of a liquid film with its depth. An experimental study has been carried out to obtain the resistance of the surrounding film of a Taylor bubble by distinguishing the conductivity of the two phase medium. Finally the shape of the bubble has been reconstructed from acquired data and the proposed model.