Particle removal from water-submerged tubes with a spark-generated bubble

Abstract

Some experiments involving the removal of particles from a hole in a (solid) plate are presented in this work. The particles are removed using oscillating bubbles, which are generated with an electric spark. The plate and the bubble are submerged in water. At least one side of the plate is surrounded by water as well. In some cases, one side of the plate (the side that is not exposed to the bubble) is exposed to air (air-backed plate). The experimental technique to generate oscillating bubble is briefly described. A relative simple low voltage system is used here, by short-circuiting a charged capacitor under water. The results show that it is indeed possible to remove particles from holes using this technique. Some typical examples will be given in this article, together with a brief explanation of the physics involved, which are different for water-backed and air-backed plates. © 2010 SPIE.