1. n. []

A multiphase flow regime in pipes in which one fluid moves as small dispersed bubbles through a continuous fluid. The relative velocity of the bubbles depends mainly on the difference in density between the two fluids. Bubble flow normally occurs at low flow rate and low holdup of the bubbly fluid. As the velocity of the continuous fluid increases, the bubbles are dispersed into smaller, more widely separated bubbles. This is known as a dispersed or finely dispersed bubble flow, or sometimes dispersed flow.

Synonyms: bubble flow

See related terms: flow structure,  plug flow,  slug flow