bubble in pipeline

dimanche 29 septembre 2013

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A horizontal pipeline with a flowing liquid contains a small bubble of gas. How do the dimensions of this bubble change when it reaches a narrower point of the pipeline? Can you find some applications of this phenomena? What problems could it cause? Assume that the flow is laminar.

2. The attempt at a solution

It isothermal process: T = constant, vp = constants.

In the tapered section:

Liquid stream will have a higher rate, but a lower pressure.

Owing to the lower pressure of the bubble increases.

This is everything what I know.

If x = radius of the bubble at the start, can I somehow express the radiusof the bubble in the tapered section?

Can you find some applications of this phenomena? What problems could it cause?

Hmmm... Bubbles may be undesirable in heating. Then the heat not gets everywhere. Maybe some bubble may serve as an insulator. I don't know more... Do you know something?

Thanks very much and sorry for my bad English :-)