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The mixing of immiscible liquid layers by gas bubbling

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6625567
A mechanistic model of the mixing of two layers of immiscible fluids by gas bubbling is presented. The model is based upon the conceptual framework of a bubble lifting a droplet of heavy fluid into the light fluid and releasing it when the bubble breaks at the upper surface. The model predicts the degree of entrainment for any rate of gas flow. The rate of heat transfer between the two layers is also predicted. Comparison of the model predictions and experimental data is found to be good. A comparison with experiments of an existing correlation by Calderbank for emulsification by aereation is also presented. Applying the model to molten core-concrete interactions indicates that a three-layered concept, heavy oxide/metallic/light oxide, is unstable. A more likely situation would be a completely entrained system or a partially entrained two layer, oxide metallic, system depending upon the gas velocity. 13 refs., 12 figs., 2 tabs.
Research Organization:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA). Div. of Reactor Systems Safety; Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6625567
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-5219; SAND-88-7118; ON: TI89003233
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English