title: Optimization of bubble column performance for nanoparticle collection.
abstract: Fibrous media embody the most effective and widely used method of separating ultrafine particles from a carrier fluid. The main problem associated with them is filter clogging, which induces an increasingly marked pressure drop with time and thus imposes regular media cleaning or replacement. This context has prompted the idea of investigating bubble columns, which operate at constant pressure drop, as alternatives to fibrous filters. This study examines the influence of different operating conditions, such as liquid height, air flow rate, bubble size and presence of granular beds on ultrafine particle collection. Experimental results show that bubble columns are characterised by high collection efficiency, when they feature a large liquid height and small diameter bubbling orifices, while their efficiencies remain lower than those of fibrous filters. Gas velocity does not greatly influence collection efficiency, but the inclusion of a granular bed, composed of beads, increases the bubble residence time in the column, thereby increasing the column collection efficiency.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, UMR 7274, Nancy F-54000, France; CNRS, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, UMR 7274, Nancy F-54000, France; Institut National de Recherche et Sécurité (INRS), Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54519, France.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cadavid-Rodriguez
authors.affiliation: Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, UMR 7274, Nancy F-54000, France; CNRS, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, UMR 7274, Nancy F-54000, France. Electronic address: augustin.charvet@univ-lorraine.fr.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Charvet
authors.affiliation: Institut National de Recherche et Sécurité (INRS), Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54519, France.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bemer
authors.affiliation: Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, UMR 7274, Nancy F-54000, France; CNRS, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, UMR 7274, Nancy F-54000, France.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants
keywords: Bubble column; Collection efficiency; Nanoparticles; Submerged granular bed