Topics about “microscopic bubbles” are appearing more and more often in television commercials and online news. Have you ever seen both the terms “nanobubbles” and “ultrafine bubbles” and wondered how they differ?
In fact, Japanese industry and public institutions now follow a rule of calling these extremely fine bubbles “ultrafine bubbles”, not “nanobubbles”. This article explains the key difference between these two seemingly identical terms and why standardizing the name was so important.
Why the Name Changed from “Nanobubbles” to “Ultrafine Bubbles”
In short, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted the term as the official international standard term.
When the technology first began to spread, bubbles smaller than 1 micrometer, too small to see, were widely known by the more approachable name “nanobubbles”. However, as the technology spread around the world, a major problem emerged: the size and definition of the bubbles varied from person to person and from company to company.
When a term spreads ahead of any clear standard, consumers can become confused, and products whose performance has not been adequately verified may reach the market. Japan therefore took the lead in international standardization to establish a common, correct definition and measurement method for use worldwide.
Bubble Names by Size Under ISO Standards
As a result of international standardization, ISO standards established the following clear names according to bubble size.
| Name | Bubble diameter | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Microbubbles | 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm | Make water look cloudy |
| Ultrafine bubbles | Less than 1 μm | Extremely small bubbles that are transparent and invisible to the naked eye |
| Fine bubbles | A collective term covering both of the above | The overall name for all microscopic bubbles |
With the creation of this international standard, using the official, standards-based term “ultrafine bubbles” rather than the informal term “nanobubbles” has become a common rule in academia and industry worldwide.
Why International (ISO) Standards Matter
It may seem like nothing more than a change of name, but this standardization plays a very important role in ensuring the reliability of the technology.
With clearly defined measurement standards and terminology, companies can now prove the performance of their products with objective figures and data. Users also benefit greatly, as it has become easier to choose reliable products that have been properly evaluated by third-party organizations.
| Stakeholder | Benefits of international standards |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers and suppliers | Can prove product performance with objective figures and data |
| Product users | Can more easily choose reliable products evaluated by third-party organizations |
By defining this name, the standard laid the foundation for an outstanding technology from Japan to take root in infrastructure and industry around the world as an established international standard technology, rather than ending up as a passing trend.
Summary: Understanding the Technology Correctly Builds a Sustainable Future
Correctly understanding the definition of a term is the first step toward fully realizing the true value and potential of the technology behind it.
Ultrafine bubbles, tiny invisible bubbles less than 1 micrometer in size, are a proven technology defined by international standards. They are steadily driving innovation across many areas of society, including environmentally friendly cleaning, higher agricultural productivity and hygiene management in healthcare and nursing care settings.
Shibata Co., Ltd. develops products based on accurate technical standards and scientific evidence, and through reliable, high-quality ultrafine bubble technology, will continue to contribute to a safe, secure and sustainable society.
About the Author
Nakamura, Fine Bubble Division, Shibata Co., Ltd.