Formation of an Air Layer on the Water–Repellent Surface for Aeration Power Reduction of a Bioreactor under Microgravity

Abstract

The conditions of the air layer on a solid–liquid surface in a reactor were investigated at 1 G and under microgravity to reduce the aeration power required in a gas–liquid dispersion system under microgravity. Air adhered to the water–repellent surface in a static liquid under microgravity. The adhesion conditions were determined by the Capillary number and the Froude number. Feeding air in a low centrifugal force field under microgravity created the air layer on the water–repellent surface.