A HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL FOR BUBBLE PARTICLE ATTACHMENT

The process of bubble-particle attachment has been modeled by simulating the trajectory of a small particle as it approaches a bubble. The particle trajectory has been determined using a dynamic force balance between the force pressing the particle against the bubble and the force resisting the viscous film thinning. From the simulated trajectories, the closest approach distance between the particle and the bubble has been determined. The model assumes that bubble-particle adhesion occurs when the approach distance becomes smaller than the critical thickness at which the disjoining liquid film ruptures spontaneously. The model predictions have been verified experimentally using different sizes of bubbles and particles. © 1992.