Generation and characterization of submicron size bubbles

Abstract

A baffled high intensity agitation (BHIA) cell was used to generate submicron size bubbles of an average diameter around 500nm by hydrodynamic cavitation. The generation of submicron size bubbles by BHIA cell was found to be largely dependent on the agitation speed of impellers. The duration of agitation and temperature showed only a marginal effect on generation of submicron size bubbles. Surface properties such as zeta-potential and stability of submicron size bubbles were found to be highly dependent on the chemistry of solutions in which the bubbles are generated. The presence of surfactant and frother in water was found to be beneficial for generating a larger number of submicron size bubbles that are more stable, having a life time of up to 24h.