Jas. Goncalves et al., Evaluation of the models available for the prediction of pressure drop in venturi scrubbers, J HAZARD M, 81(1-2), 2001, pp. 123-140
The major running cost derived from the operation of venturi scrubbers is p
ressure drop. In the present study, the predictions of different models ale
compared to experimental data from venturi scrubbers of different sizes (t
hroat diameter from 1.9 to 16 cm), geometries, operating variables and liqu
id injection arrangements. As a result, it is concluded that most of the mo
dels must be used with caution. Much attention must be paid to the validity
of the assumptions employed in the mathematical models. The equations prop
osed by Calvert [Scrubbing, Air Pollution, 3rd Edition, Vol. IV, Academic P
ress, New York, 1982], Yung et al. [JAPCA 27 (1977) 348] or Hesketh [Atomiz
ation and cloud behaviour in wet scrubbers, in: Proceedings of the US-USSR
Symposium Control Fine Particulate Emissions 1974, San Francisco, 15-18 Jan
uary 1974] produce good results only in very specific situations. The model
proposed by Poll [Ind. Eng. Chem. Fundam. 12 (1973) 40] is simple, easy to
compute and agrees reasonably well with the experimental data. Unfortunate
ly, it cannot predict the effect of different liquid injection, arrangement
s. The model by Azzopardi and coworkers [Filtr. Sep. 21 (1984) 196; Trans.
IchemE. 69B (1991)237; Chem Eng. J. 67 (1997) 9] was the only one to give g
ood predictions for all the range of variables studied. On the other hand,
this model is not simple and requires from the engineer an additional effor
t in terms of computation. In order to apply this model to the rectangular
geometry, the concept of hydraulic equivalent diameter was used. (C) 2001 E
lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.