Bubble plumes and their interaction with the water surface

A small-scale experimental study on bubble plumes is presented with emphasis on the flow interaction and local elevation of the water surface (the fountain). The data measured in the bubble plume is compared with a conventional integral model from the literature, but for scale-up to real accidental releases, an improved model is required. To this end, a new approximate solution including the effects of gas expansion, slip velocity and turbulent momentum transport has been developed. A new integral model allowing the prediction of the height and width of fountains is given. It is in good agreement with known experimental results and applicable to full-scale releases (deep-water blowouts). Fountains, which are higher than the drilling platform have been observed in offshore accidents.