Measurement of sliding velocity and induction time of a single micro‐bubble under an inclined collector surface

In this study, interactions between a gas bubble and a flat solid surface were investigated by determining two dynamic parameters, bubble sliding velocity underneath an inclined solid surface and induction time of the gas bubble attaching to the solid surface in aqueous solutions. A single micro‐bubble was allowed to move vertically toward an inclined solid surface. After reaching its terminal velocity, the bubble approaches the inclined solid surface and slides underneath it. Complete trajectory of the bubble movement was monitored and recorded by a high‐speed CCD video imaging system. Various types of gas bubbles (CO₂, air, H₂, and O₂) and solid surfaces such as bitumen‐coated Teflon, hydrophobized and hydrophilic silica were used in sliding velocity and induction time measurements. The effect of water chemistry (industrial process water and de‐ionized water) and surface heterogeneity on bubble sliding velocity and induction time was investigated. The results showed that the sliding velocity of micro‐bubbles under an inclined solid surface is a strong function of water chemistry, gas type, temperature and hydrophobicity of the solid surface. This study provides relevant information on bubble–solid interactions that would assist in the understanding of bubble–solid attachment under diverse conditions.