The influence of gas density and liquid properties on bubble breakup

On the basis of a literature review of bubble breakup experiments, it is demonstrated that both liquid viscosity and surface tension have an influence on bubble stability, and thus, bubble breakup, for small as well as large bubbles. Possible influences of the gas properties on bubble breakup have until recently, on the basis of a few experiments and mainly theoretical considerations, been expected not to occur. In this paper it is demonstrated and explained that the gas density does, however, have an influence on bubble breakup especially for large bubbles (which is of significance for all gas—liquid (gas—liquid—solid) reactors at high pressure). Furthermore, the (scarce) literature experimental data concerning bubble breakup with different gases are reinterpreted and are found to be consistent with the present results.