SIMULATION OF SO2 ABSORPTION IN A VENTURI SCRUBBER

In this study, a three-dimensional mathematical model, based on a nonuniform droplet concentration distribution, has been developed to simulate gas absorption in a venturi scrubber. The mass transfer process was illustrated by assuming the liquid phase as a combination of droplets and film. The flow, just as the annular two-phase flow, includes a flow of liquid film layer on the walls and a flow of gas and liquid drops in the core. Peclet number was determined using experimental data reported by Viswanathan et al. (1984 Viswanathan , S. , Gnyp , A. W. , and St. Pierre , C. C. ( 1984 ). Examination of gas-liquid flow in a venturi scrubber , Ind. Eng. Chem. Fundam. , 23 , 303 – 308 . [Google Scholar]) for distribution of droplets across the cross section of the scrubber. The mathematical model for gas absorption was justified by comparing the theoretical predictions with the experimental data reported by Johnstone et al. (1954 Johnstone , H. F. , Feild , R. B. , and Tassler , M. C. (1954). Gas absorption and aerosol collection in a venturi atomizer, Ind. Eng. Chem. , 46, 1601–1608.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) and the Office of Air Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Wen and Fan, 1975 Wen , C. Y. , and Fan , L. T. ( 1975 ). Models for Flow Systems and Chemical Reactors , 390 – 420 , Marcel Dekker , New York . [Google Scholar]), for SO₂ removal by alkaline solution and H₂O.