A model for bubble formation from a single submerged orifice is developed using the boundary-integral method. Since the flow field is assumed to be irrotational, potential-flow theory is used to predict the growth of the bubble. The effects of the surface tension and the liquid circulation around the bubble are included in the calculation. Predictions of bubble shape, chamber pressure and the effect of surface tension are presented to compare with reported experimental data. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.