Solution of bubble number density with breakage and coalescence in a bubble column by Least-Squares Method.

A steady-state model has been built for an air-water bubble column. The bubble number density constitutive equation has been formulated through integrating the bubble transport equation. Proper kernels for bubble breakage and coalescence rate have been chosen. The momentum balance of the gas phase is included in the model which leads to a set of non-linear differential equations. The model has been successfully solved by using the Least-Squares Method (LSM) with high accuracy and fast convergence. The successive iteration has been applied to the linearised equation set. The model shows excellent agreements with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]