Investigation of a wet dust scrubber with a pneumatic nozzle: Dust collection based on turbulent diffusion

Abstract

AbstractThe “nozzle scrubber” is a wet scrubber in which the scrubbing water is dispersed in dust laden gas stream by means of one or more pneumatic nozzle. This scrubber is distinguished by an excellent collection efficiency for submicron dust at an unusually low energy and water consumption. So far, the physical effects affecting the separation cannot be explained by a well‐defined theory. Therefore, it is sensible to investigate the collection efficiency with regard to the mechanisms of inertial impaction, turbulent diffusion and coalescence induced by turbulence. The experimental equipment is of a very simple design. A light scattering device was used to measure the particle distributions. In addition, electron micrographs were analyzed to obtain information about the submicron particles. The influence of operating parameters on grade efficiency has been demonstrated by their systematic variation. The contribution of turbulent diffusion to the collection efficiency has been confirmed; nevertheless, grade efficiencies were also measured when inertial impaction prevailed.