Theoretical model for drop and bubble breakup in turbulent dispersions

Abstract

Abstract A theoretical model for the prediction of drop and bubble (fluid‐particle) breakup rates in turbulent dispersions was developed. The model is based on the theories of isotropic turbulence and probability and contains no unknown or adjustable parameters. Unlike previous work, this model predicts the breakage rate for original particles of a given size at a given combination of the daughter particle sizes and thus does not need a predefined daughter particle size distribution. The daughter particle size distribution is a result and can be calculated directly from the model. Predicted breakage fractions using the model for the air–water system in a high‐intensity pipeline flow agree very well with the available 1991 experimental results of Hesketh et al. Comparisons of the developed model for specific particle breakage rate with earlier models show it to give breakage‐rate values bracketed by other models. The spread in predictions is high, and improved experimental studies are recommended for verification.