On Transformation of a Taylor Bubble to an Asymmetric Sectorial Wrap in an Annuli

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry research 2017-12, Vol.56 (48), p.14384-14395
• Main Authors: Rohilla, Lokesh, Das, Arup Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0888-5885; 1520-5045
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.7b03663

Genesis of an asymmetric sectorial wrap of air from a Taylor bubble upon facing concentric annular obstruction in a stagnant kerosene column is investigated. Careful observations are reported from processed images taken using high speed camera and with finite volume based simulations. The interfacial reconstruction of a Taylor bubble is completed through six distinct stages, namely, plateau formation, doughnut shape bypass of obstruction followed by nucleation, preferential rise, retraction of the lagging lobe and subsequent thread formation, consumption of thread including bubble segment stage, and finally the manifestation of the annular bubble before rising as steady annular sectorial wrap. Analysis of experimental observations related to interfacial rise and kinematic estimation from numerical study is presented in support of claims related to different transformation stages. A close similarity has also been reported between the stages involved in the interfacial reconstruction process and classical Rayleigh–Taylor instability.