Dissolved Gas Flotation Bubble Size & Rise Velocity Calculator

Model microbubble nucleation diameters (30–80 µm), bubble-oil collision attachment, and accelerated flotation rise rates in produced water DGF/DAF vessels.

Saturation & Flotation Fluid Properties

Saturator Vessel Pressure P_sat (bar g):

Flotation Basin Pressure (bar abs):

Mean Oil Droplet Diameter d_oil (µm):

Water Temperature T (°C):

Recycle Ratio R (% of raw water):

Gas Type:

Water Viscosity (cP or mPa·s):

Water Density (kg/m³):

Bubble Dynamics & Rise Velocity

Mean Microbubble Diameter d_b:

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Aggregate Rise Velocity v_rise:

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Stokes Oil Rise (Without Gas):

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Flotation Velocity Boost Factor:

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Air-to-Solids/Oil Ratio (A/S):

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Surface Overflow Rate SOR:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why use Dissolved Gas Flotation (DGF) with nitrogen or fuel gas instead of air offshore?

Air contains oxygen, which introduces an explosion risk when contacting volatile crude hydrocarbons, promotes rapid aerobic bacterial proliferation (SRBs), and causes severe pipeline and vessel corrosion. Offshore installations strictly use inert nitrogen or fuel gas.

What is the optimal bubble diameter in a DGF unit?

The optimal microbubble diameter is between 30 and 60 µm. Bubbles larger than 100 µm rise too turbulently and shear oil droplets apart, while bubbles smaller than 10 µm have negligible buoyant lift.