A combined CFD modeling with population balance equation to predict pressure drop in venturi scrubbers

Abstract

A venturi scrubber is one of the most important devices for air pollution control. Although there are different models for predicting the pressure drop in venturi scrubbers, most of them have some defects and cannot predict the pressure drop correctly. In this study, for the first time, an Eulerian–Eulerian computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is combined with a population balance equation to predict the pressure drop in venturi scrubbers. This simulation takes into account a multiple size group model for droplet dispersion and droplet size distribution, which is based on a population balance equation. Flow field has been calculated by solving the time averaged continuity and Navier–Stokes equations along with the standard k–ε turbulence model. The equations included drag, turbulent dispersion, and buoyancy forces. The calculated pressure drop with and without considering the population balance equation was compared with the experimental data to evaluate the accuracy of the CFD modeling. The size distribution of droplets in the venturi scrubber was studied at different points for different liquid to gas ratios and throat gas velocities. The results show that the maximum break-up of droplets happens at the liquid injection point. Finally, the effects of nozzle diameter and nozzle arrangement on pressure drop in venturi scrubbers were investigated.