On the flow phenomena generated by liquid plunging jets: effect of jet velocity*

Plunging liquid jets have proven to be an effective means of entraining and dispersing gas into a liquid pool. They are preferred in industrial applications due to their ability to mix fluids and distribute gas without the need for an agitator, making them suitable for a range of products and processes. The effect of jet velocity on bubble velocity and bubble size distribution of a plunging liquid jet is studied. A range of jet velocities is investigated while keeping other parameters constant. The research focuses on investigating the impact of jet velocity on three key aspects: the total amount of entrained gas; the size of gas bubbles affected and dispersed by the jet; and the depth of penetration of the jet, with particular emphasis on understanding the distribution of bubble sizes. To achieve these objectives, a three-dimensional simulation approach employing a full Eulerian method coupled with a Large-Scale Interface capturing method and Population Balance modelling is applied. Modelling aspects, including meshing, turbulence model etc., will be discussed. The obtained results will be validated through experimental data of plunging jet experiments from literature.