1.

0 SUMMARY:

In wet scrubbing processes, liquid or solid particles are removed from a gas stream by
transferring them to a liquid. The liquid most commonly used is water. A wet scrubber's
particulate collection efficiency is directly related to the amount of energy expended in
contacting the gas stream with the scrubber liquid. Most wet scrubbing systems operate with
high particulate collection efficiencies. Based on Table 1, it shows that the average collection
efficiency for all 4 containers is 46.4%, with container No. 2 having the largest collection
efficiency which is 47.2%. On the other hand, the container with the lowest collection
efficiency is container No. 3 which is 45.5% though it is close to the average and does not
differ much from the highest efficiency. Based on the mass recovered, the collection efficiency
was able to be determined which was 46.4 %. Thus, the objective was achieved based on the
results obtained which is to determine the value of venturi collection efficiency through
calculation using the Collection Efficiency Equation. To prevent physical errors (caused by
experiments) from occurring, experimenters have to focus and be patient for the readings to
stabilize before recording any data. Also, work together to record data, and not just be
dependent on just a team member. Next, in order to prevent recording the wrong data, team
members should reconfirm with each other on the results to acquire the readings which best fit.
2.0 OBJECTIVES:

 To study the effect of liquid-to-gas (L/G) ratio upon pressure drop across the venturi.
 To determine the value of venturi collection efficiency through calculation using the
Collection Efficiency Equation.
3.0 INTRODUCTION & THEORY:

In wet scrubbing processes, liquid or solid particles are removed from a gas stream by
transferring them to a liquid. The liquid most commonly used is water. A wet scrubber's
particulate collection efficiency is directly related to the amount of energy expended in
contacting the gas stream with the scrubber liquid. Most wet scrubbing systems operate with
high particulate collection efficiencies.

There are three energy usage levels for wet scrubbers. A low energy wet scrubber utilizes
pressure drops less than 5 inches of water column and are capable of efficiently removing
particles greater than about 5-10 micrometers in diameter. A medium energy scrubber has a
pressure drop from 5 to 25 inches of water column and is capable of removing micrometer-
sized particles, but is not very efficient on sub-micrometer particles. A high energy scrubber
expends the most energy and has a pressure drop of 25 to over 100 inches of water column,
which is necessary to remove sub-micrometer particles (United States Environmental
Protection Agency, 2018).

A spray tower scrubber is a low energy scrubber and is the simplest wet scrubber used
for particulate control. It consists of an open vessel with one or more sets of spray nozzles to
distribute the scrubbing liquid. Typically, the gas stream enters at the bottom and passes
upward through the sprays. The particles are collected when they impact the droplets. This is
referred to as counter-current operation. Spray towers can also be operated in a cross-current
arrangement. In cross-current scrubbers, the gas flow is horizontal and the liquid sprays flow
downward. Cross-current spray towers are not usually as efficient as counter-current units
(United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2018).

The most common high energy wet scrubber is the venturi, although it can also be
operated as a medium energy scrubber. In a fixed-throat venturi, the gas stream enters a
converging section where it is accelerated toward the throat section. In the throat section, the
high-velocity gas stream strikes liquid streams that are injected at right angles to the gas flow,
shattering the liquid into small drops. The particles are collected when they impact the slower
moving drops. Following the throat section, the gas stream passes through a diverging section
that reduces the velocity (Mussatti, 2002).
 All wet scrubber designs incorporate mist eliminators or entrainment separators to remove
entrained droplets. The process of contacting the gas and liquid streams results in entrained
droplets, which contain the contaminants or particulate matter. The most common mist
eliminators are chevrons, mesh pads, and cyclones. Chevrons are simply zig-zag baffles that
cause the gas stream to turn several times as it passes through the mist eliminator. The liquid
droplets are collected on the blades of the chevron and drain back into the scrubber. Mesh pads
are made from interlaced fibers that serve as the collection area. A cyclone is typically used for
the small droplets generated in a venturi scrubber. The gas stream exiting the venturi enters the
bottom of a vertical cylinder tangentially. The droplets are removed by centrifugal force as the
gas stream spirals upward to the outlet (Mikropul Nederman, 2018).

Wet scrubbing systems are susceptible to several operating problems. The most common
of these include inadequate liquid flow, liquid re-entrainment, poor gas-liquid contact,
corrosion, and plugged nozzles, beds, or mist eliminators.
4.0 DATA & RESULT:

Weight of sample loaded, W (g) = 100 g

Total volume slurry collected, V (L) = 10 L

Table 1.0 Data collected from experiment

Container Number
1 2 3 4
Volume of slurry to filter, Vs (L) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Weight of filter, Wf (g) 0.86 0.85 0.85 0.84
Weight of sample collected, Ws (g) 1.16 1.18 1.13 1.17
Weight of filter + dry sample, Wf+s (g) 2.02 2.03 1.98 2.01
Concentration of sample, Ws/ Vs (g/L) 4.64 4.72 4.52 4.68
Total weight of sample in V, (g) 46.4 47.2 45.2 46.8
Collection efficiency, η (%) 46.4 47.2 45.2 46.8
Average collection efficiency 46.4

To collect the required data, 1 L of sample was filtered into 4 different containers by using
filter paper. Then, all the filter paper was dry by using oven and weight again to identify the
weight of sample that has been collected.

𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦,𝜂 (100%)

Average collection efficiency = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠
5.0 ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION:

An air scrubber is a device that is used to remove particles, gases, or chemicals from the
air within a given area. While most filtration systems of this type are designed to handle only
one of these types of pollutants, there are a few industrial cleaners that will handle two and
even all three contaminants.

Most scrubbers are configured to complete at least six cycles of operation each hour,
helping to keep the air in the space free of any type of contamination. Like most air filtration
systems, an air scrubber makes use of purification filters that help to remove contaminants as
the air within the space is circulated through the system. Several times each hour, the scrubber
draws the contaminated air from the space while simultaneously pumping in fresh air that
is free of gases, chemicals, or airborne particles.

Many designs call for the inclusion of high efficiency particle air commonly known as
HEPA filters. These filters can capture a considerable number of contaminants, making them
more efficient than many other types of filters.

The total volume of slurry collected was 10 L while the weight of sample loaded was
100 g. The slurry was then divided into 4 containers with 250 mL of slurry equally. Each
container had its own filter paper, and each were already weighted and recorded. The slurry
was then filtered and at the end of the filtration process, the sample collected was dried in the
oven for about 1 hour at 100 °C. Once dried, the sample can be collected, and the collection
efficiency can be calculated.

Based on Table 1, it shows that the average collection efficiency for all 4 containers is
46.4%, with container No. 2 having the largest collection efficiency which is 47.2%. On the
other hand, the container with the lowest collection efficiency is container No. 3 which is 45.5%
though it is close to the average and does not differ much from the highest efficiency.

It should be noted that despite the same sizes and the same type, the weight of the filter
varies by ± 0.01 g due to the dust attached to the filter prior weighting. The sample collected
on the filter does not differ much from each other with 1.13 g being the least sample collected
in container No. 3 while the most sample collected in container No. 2 with 1.18 g.
 The size and complexity of an air system will depend on the size of the space that the unit
will service, as well as the range and type of contaminants that must be removed from the
area. Some air scrubbing systems can be installed with ease, while others may require some
alterations to the building to assure maximum efficiency. A qualified builder can evaluate the
area where the air scrubber will be installed and make recommendation on the size and type
of equipment necessary to keep the air clean on a continuous basis.
6.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION:

• CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the venturi collection efficiency was able to be determined in this

experiment. Each of the components/devices/tools used in the experiment has its own details
by which have its own function in ways of conducting the experiment and most definitely aid
the process throughout the experimentations. The data and information recorded from the
experimentations were used to determine the venturi collection efficiency (%) of the Venturi
Wet Scrubber, to see how efficient it is in trapping particulate matter and recover it from the
slurry. Based on the mass recovered, the collection efficiency was able to be determined which
was 46.4 %. Thus, the objective was achieved based on the results obtained which is to
determine the value of venturi collection efficiency through calculation using the Collection
Efficiency Equation.

• RECOMMENDATIONS

To prevent physical errors (caused by experiments) from occurring, experimenters have

to focus and be patient for the readings to stabilize before recording any data. Also, work
together to record data, and not just be dependent on just a team member. Next, in order to
prevent recording the wrong data, team members should reconfirm with each other on the
results to acquire the readings which best fit.

Early precautions are important so that the experiment can be carried out smoothly without
any unwanted errors. Make sure to read the lab manual before proceeding with the experiment
to get a brief idea on how to conduct the experiment. This step is really important so that the
experimenters know what to do in the lab rather than waiting for the technicians to guide them
through until the end and to prevent any amateur hour. Furthermore, prioritizing the
instrument’s condition is really important as it will affect the results. Asking the technician to
check on the instrument before starting the experiment is strongly recommended. Repeating
the experiment several times to get the average value is also an excellent step so that the results
obtained will reach maximum precision and accuracy.
7.0 REFERANCES:

Mikropul Nederman. (2018). WET SCRUBBERS. Retrieved from Mikropul Nederman:

https://www.mikropul.com/uploads/pdf/wet_scrubbers.pdf

Mussatti, D. C. (2002). EPA AIR POLLUTION CONTROL COST MANUAL Sixth Edition.
North Carolina: United States Environmental Protection Agency.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2018, January 3). Monitoring by Control
Technique - Wet Scrubber For Particulate Matter. Retrieved from United States
Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-monitoring-
knowledge-base/monitoring-control-technique-wet-scrubber-particulate-matter
8.0 APPENDICES:

Venturi Wet Scrubber