This article was downloaded by: [79.168.20.

145]
On: 02 June 2014, At: 09:29
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House,
37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association

Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information:
http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/uawm20

Mathematical Modeling of SO2 Absorption in a Venturi

Scrubber
a a a
M.R. Talaie , J. Fathikalajahi & M. Taheri
a
Shiraz University, School of Engineering , Department of Chemical Engineering , Shiraz ,
Iran
Published online: 01 Mar 2012.

To cite this article: M.R. Talaie , J. Fathikalajahi & M. Taheri (1997) Mathematical Modeling of SO2 Absorption in a Venturi
Scrubber, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 47:11, 1211-1215, DOI: 10.1080/10473289.1997.10464066

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10473289.1997.10464066

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE

Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained
in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no
representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the
Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and
are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and
should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for
any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever
or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of
the Content.

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic
reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any
form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://
www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
 TECHNICAL PAPER
Mathematical Modeling of SO2 Absorption in a Venturi Scrubber
M.R. Talaie, J. Fathikalajahi, M. Taheri
Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University, School of Engineering, Shiraz, Iran
ABSTRACT
A three-dimensional mathematical model was used to
predict the removal efficiency of a venturi scrubber for
SO2 absorption into a water and alkaline solution. In or-
der to obtain better results, nonuniform droplet concen-
tration distribution was considered. The results of the
model with nonuniform droplet concentration distribu-
tion are compared with several sets of experimental data,
Downloaded by [79.168.20.145] at 09:29 02 June 2014
as well as with prediction data of a mathematical model
with uniform droplet concentration distribution. With-
out exception, all comparisons indicated that including
nonuniformity of droplet concentration distribution in
the model will significantly improve the agreement be-
tween the experimental data and predicted values.
INTRODUCTION
The venturi scrubber is a popular device used to remove,
with high efficiency, gaseous or particulate pollutants from
a gas stream. In such a device a liquid jet is atomized into
fine droplets against a high-velocity gas stream. Droplets
are accelerated in gasflow direction due to the drag force
from the gas stream and are dispersed across the scrubber,
due to eddy diffusion. Many investigators1,2 have shown
that droplets are dispersed nonuniformly throughout the
scrubber. Fathikalajahi et al.3 have shown that droplet
concentration distribution depends on the key parameters
of a venturi scrubber, including liquid-to-gas flow rate,
gas throat velocity, and nozzle diameter. The extent of
droplet dispersion will affect the rate of absorption in such
a manner that the maximum absorption rate is achieved
when droplets are dispersed quite uniformly throughout
the scrubber. In a typical venturi scrubber, due to the high
IMPLICATIONS
SO2 absorption in high-energy scrubbers plays an impor-
tant role in air pollution control. This paper presents a model
for determining the absorption efficiency, based on a non-
uniform droplet concentration distribution. The results of
simulation agree well with the experimental data reported
in the literature. This model can be applied to the design
and scale-up of atomizing scrubbers with water injected
from a multi-nozzle system.
Volume 47 November 1997
Talaie,
ISSN 1047-3289 Fathikalajahi,
J. Air and 47:1211-1215
& Waste Manage. Assoc. Taheri
Copyright 1997 Air & Waste Management Association
relative velocity between the gas stream and droplets, the
mass transfer rate between gas stream and droplets is very
large. This is why this type of scrubber can be used effec-
tively to remove even low-concentration gaseous pollut-
ants such as SO2 from a gas stream. A large amount of
experimental data has been reported for SO2 absorption
into water or alkaline solutions in venturi scrubbers.
Johnstone4 performed an experiment in which 0.6 N so-
dium hydroxide was used to remove SO2 from an air
stream. Taheri and Hains1 studied the performance of a
venturi scrubber for SO2 absorption. Also, the effect of an
alkaline solution on SO2 removal has been investigated
by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air
Programs (reported by Wen and Fan5).
Some investigators6-9 have attempted to simulate the
operation of a venturi scrubber for gas absorption. Uchida
and Wen 10 have developed a mathematical model to simu-
late the gas absorption in a venturi scrubber based on an
assumption of uniform droplet concentration distribution.
In this study, considering a nonuniform distribution
concentration of droplets throughout the scrubber zone,
a three-dimensional mathematical model was used to pre-
dict the SO2 removal efficiency of a scrubber.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL
To obtain a suitable mathematical model for simulation of
a venturi scrubber, it is necessary to have information on
the mechanics of operation, as well as the gas-absorption
rate in the scrubbing zone. The liquid jet from the nozzle
penetrates the scrubber and is then atomized into fine drop-
lets. As soon as droplets are formed they are dispersed by
convection and diffusion. It was assumed that droplets have
an average diameter that can be calculated by equations
developed by Boll11 or Nukiyama and Tanasawa,12 depend-
ing on the conditions of liquid injection. The distribution
of droplet concentration, Cd, is evaluated by a three-dimen-
sional dispersion model.3 The main equation of that model,
which expresses material balance for droplets in each in-
crement of the scrubbing zone, is:
∂ (V d x Cd )  ∂2 C d ∂2 Cd 
= E d  +  +S (1)
∂x  ∂ y2 ∂ z2 
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association 1211
 Talaie, Fathikalajahi, and Taheri

In the above equation, it is assumed that droplets are gen- 2. At the liquid surface, the concentration of the dissolved
erated at a point source. The location of this point source gas is Cls, in equilibrium with the concentration of SO2
is determined by the penetration length of the liquid jet. in the gas interface, Cgs:
Eddy diffusion of droplets, Ed, is related to eddy diffusion
of gas, Eg, by means of a force balance. The source strength, Cg s = f eq (C ls) (6)
S (number of droplets generated per unit volume per unit
time), is equal to the droplet flowrate through each nozzle The equilibrium between gas and liquid phases is il-
per unit volume. In fact, this source strength is used in- lustrated in Appendix A.
stead of the liquid stream provided by each nozzle. Fur-
ther details on evaluating the parameters needed for solv- 3. The laminar-jet model is applicable to evaluating the
ing eq 1 are given by Fathikalajahi et al.3 Distribution of mass transfer rate in the liquid phase. In this model,
droplet concentration throughout the scrubber is deter- the flow of droplets is considered as a laminar jet, for
mined by solving the above equation. In the next step, which the mass transfer rate in the liquid phase can
the gas absorption rate and pollutant concentration dis- be calculated by the following equation:15
tribution should be evaluated.
The following dispersion model was used to obtain Dl
the pollutant concentration distribution in the gas phase: N A = C ls (7)
πt
Downloaded by [79.168.20.145] at 09:29 02 June 2014

(
∂ V gx C g )=  ∂2 C g
E g  +
∂2 Cg 
 - N A π Dd 2 Cd (2)
At equilibrium, the mass transfer rates in gas and liq-

 ∂ y2  uid phases are equal. Thus, after time, t, by knowing

∂x ∂ z2 
gas concentration, Cg, the mass transfer rate, NA, can
In the above equation, NA is the rate of mass transfer into be evaluated by simultaneous solution of eqs 4–7.
moving droplets and is related to the pollutant concen-
tration in the liquid phase. To find the pollutant concen- The validity of using a simple laminar-jet model is con-
tration distribution in the liquid phase, material balance firmed by comparing the results of that model to the
in a differential control volume in liquid phase was writ- model by Baboolal et al.,13 and experimental data of
ten as follows: Walcek et. al.16 Figure 1 shows this comparison and re-
π ∂ (V d C d Cl ) veals that, indeed, a laminar-jet model is an appropriate
Dd 3 = π Dd 2 Cd N A (3) tool in this situation.
6 ∂x Furthermore, when pollutant gas undergoes a very
To solve the above equations, one needs to obtain the fast chemical reaction, as is the case in absorption of SO2
mass transfer rate of SO2 into moving drops (NA). by a strongly alkaline solution, the surface concentration
There have been many investigations into the SO2 in the gas phase can be considered to be zero. Thus, NA
absorption of a moving drop. Among them, Baboolal et can be simply evaluated by the following equation:
al.13 have developed the most comprehensive absorption
model for predicting the mass transfer rate of SO2 into N A = Kg Cg (8)
falling drops. In their model, the complete Navier-Stockes
equation and mass-transfer equation have been solved,
and comparison between experimental data and the re-
sults confirms the validity of their model. However, due
to its complexity, this model cannot be applied here.
To find a simple model for evaluating the mass trans-
fer rate, the following assumptions were made:

1. The mass transfer rate in the gas phase can be evalu-

ated by the following equation:

(
N A = K g Cg - C gs ) (4)

where Kg is given by the following correlation:14

= 2 + 0.6 (N 0.5
Re N Sc )
K g Dd 0.33
N Sh = (5) Figure 1. Comparison of experimental data for absorption rates of
Dg SO2 into moving water droplets with Baboolal and laminar-jet model.

1212 Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association Volume 47 November 1997

Figure 2. Prediction of cumulative mass transfer rates along the
scrubber by uniform and nonuniform droplet distributions and
comparsion with the Johnstone et al. experimental data.
To solve eqs 1, 2, and 3, an upwind control-volume method
was used. This method is applicable to convection and dif-
Downloaded by [79.168.20.145] at 09:29 02 June 2014
fusion equations when the Peclet number is greater than
2.17 For high Peclet numbers, the common numerical error
of false diffusion can be neglected and, in spite of the sim-
plicity of the upwind scheme, the numerical results are valid.
RESULTS
To check the accuracy of the mathematical model for gas
absorption, data given by Johnstone et al.4 and Wen and
Fan5 for SO2 removal by water and alkaline solutions were
compared with the model prediction.
Figures 2 and 3 show the variation of cumulative mass
transfer rates along the scrubber for different values of the
liquid rate for the Johnstone experimental data. In that ex-
periment a strongly alkaline solution was used to absorb
the SO2 from a gas stream. Thus, eq 8 was used to evaluate
the mass transfer rate. These figures also show the calcu-
lated values of cumulative mass transfer rates for both the
models, based on uniform and nonuniform droplet con-
centration distribution. As is evident from both figures, the
Figure 4. Comparsion of predicted values of liquid-phase
concentrations along the scrubber with the experimental data of OAP.
Volume 47 November 1997
Talaie, Fathikalajahi, and Taheri
Figure 3. Prediction of cumulative mass-transfer rate along the
scrubber by uniform and nonuniform droplet distributions and
comparison with the Jonstone et al. experimental data.
model of this work predicts experimental data much more
closely than when uniform droplet concentration distribution
is assumed. The disagreement between experimental data and
predicted value is noticeable at the entrance section of the scrub-
ber, and in both cases the model overpredicts the experimen-
tal data of Johnstone. Liquid injection in the venturi scrubber
used by Johnstone et al. is perpendicular to gas stream direc-
tion. This disagreement can be attributed to the fact that at
this section, when the liquid jet direction is perpendicular to
gas flow, and before the liquid is atomized, it penetrates into
the gas stream, both in radial and axial directions.18-20 The axial
penetration is especially high for high throat velocity. Thus, at
the first zone, droplets have not been formed yet. However, in
the present model it is assumed that the liquid jet penetrates
the gas stream only in a vertical direction and that droplets are
formed at the entrance. Hence, the present model overpredicts
the mass transfer rate at the first scrubbing zone.
The results of the simulation of SO2 absorption in an
Office of Air Programs (OAP) experiment is shown in Fig-
ures 4 and 5. These figures show that the model
underpredicts the concentration of SO2 at the first zone.
Figure 5. Comparsion of predicted liquid-phase concentrations of
SO2 along the scrubber with the OAP experimental data.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association 1213
 Talaie, Fathikalajahi, and Taheri

In the venturi scrubber used in the OAP experiment,5 liq- Subscripts

uid was injected in the direction of the gas stream, and water d = droplets
was used to absorb SO2. This disagreement may be due to the g = gas phase
assumption that the liquid droplets are generated in a point l = liquid phase
source. However, considering a point source instead of a disk s = interphase
source lowers the dispersion of droplets and, hence, reduces x = x direction
the mass transfer rate. The results obtained by nonuniform y = y direction
droplet concentration distribution agrees more closely with z = z direction
experimental data than the results predicted by assuming uni- 0 = throat section
form droplet concentration distribution.
Appendix A
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The absorption of SO2 in water is not a physical solution.
A three-dimensional mathematical model was used to simu- When it dissolves in water, the following chemical reac-
late gas absorption in a venturi scrubber. The experimental tions occur: 16
data were compared with a prediction based on uniform
droplet concentration distribution and droplet concentra- SO2 (g)+ H 2 O ⇔ SO2 .H 2 O (A-1)
tion distribution obtained on the basis of a diffusion model.
The results indicate a considerable improvement in the pre- SO2 . H2 O ⇔ HSO 3- + H+ (A-2)
Downloaded by [79.168.20.145] at 09:29 02 June 2014

diction when, instead of a uniform droplet concentration

distribution, a nonuniform droplet concentration distribu- HSO 3- ⇔ SO3 -2 + H+ (A-3)
tion is included in the model.
H 2 O ⇔ H+ + OH - (A-4)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT To find the SO2 concentration in water, knowing the par-
This research was supported by Shiraz University Re- tial pressure of SO2 in the gas phase, the chemical equilib-
search Council. rium relation and charge balance should be applied. For
chemical equilibrium of reactions A-1 through A-4, the
Nomenclature equilibrium constants are reported as:16
Cd = droplet concentration (No./m3)
Cg = gas-phase pollutant concentration (g mole/m3)
[ SO2 ]l 3145
Cl = liquid phase pollutant concentration (g mole/m3) KH= = 7.1x10 -4 e T / RT L
mol/lit.atm (A-5)
[ SO2 ]g s
Dd = mean diameter of droplets (m)
Dg = gas diffusivity (m2/s)
[ HSO3 - ][ H+ ] 2022
Dl = liquid diffusivity (m2/s) K1 = = 1.9x10 -5 e T L (A-6)
mol / lit
Ed = eddy diffusivity of droplets (m2/s) [ SO2 ]l
Eg = eddy diffusivity of gas (m2/s)
[ S O3 -2 ][ H+ ] 1671
Kg = mass transfer coefficient (m/s) K2 = = 2.4x10 -10 e T mole / Llit (A-7)
-
NA = overall Mass transfer rate ( g mole/m3.s ) [ HSO 3 ]
NRe = Reynold number (rgVgDd/m) (dimensionless)
Nsc = Schmidt number (n/Dg) (dimensionless)
Nsh = Sherwood number (KgDd/Dg) (dimensionless)
S = source strength (No./m3.s)
t = time (s)
T = temperature (°K)
Vg = gas velocity (m/s)
Vd = droplets velocity (m/s)
x = length (m)
y = height (m)
z = width (m)

Greek symbols
π = 3.14 (dimensionless)
ν = kinematic viscosity (m2/s )
Figure A-1. Equilibrium curve of SO2 in water.
µ = viscosity (kg/m.s )

1214 Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association Volume 47 November 1997
 Talaie, Fathikalajahi, and Taheri

11. Boll, R.; Flais, L.R.; Maurer, P.W.; Thompson, L.V. “Mean drop size in
K w = [ H+ ][ OH - ] = 1.0x10 -14 (mol / Llit)2 (A-8) a full scale venturi scrubber via transmissometer,” J. Air Pollution Con-
trol Assoc. 1974, 24, 934.
12. Nukiyama, S.; Tanasawa, Y. “An experimental on the atomization of
and writing charge balance yields: liquid by means of an air stream,” Trans. Soc. Mech. Eng. (Japan) 1938,
4, 86.
13. Baboolal, L. R.; Pruppacher, H.R.; Topalian, J.H. “A sensitivity study
[ O H- ] - [ O H]
- - -2 + +
initial + [ HSO3 ]+ 2 [ S O3 ] = [ H ] - [H ] initial
(A-9) of a theoretical model of SO2 scavenging by water drops in air,” J.
Atmos. Sci. 1980, 38, 865-870.
14. McCabe, L.; Smiyh, J.C.; Hariot, P. Unit Operation of Chemical Engi-
The SO2 liquid-phase concentration can be evaluated by neering, 5th ed.; McGraw-Hill: New York, 1993, 670.
15. Bird, R.B.; Stewart, W.E.; Lightfoot, E.N. Transport phenomena; Wiley:
knowing the SO2 gas-phase concentration and simulta- New York, 1960.
16. Walcek, C.J.; Mitra, S.K.; Hoplian, J.H.; Pruppacher, H.R. “An experi-
neous solution of equation A-5 through A-9. The results mental test of a theoretical model to determine the rate at which
of this solution are shown in Figure A-1 for determined freely falling water drops scavenge SO2 in air,” J. Atmos. Sci. 1981, 38,
871-876.
conditions. 17. Patanakar, S.V. Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow; Hemisphere
Publishing: New York,1980, Chapter 5.
18. Viswanathan, S.; St. Pierre, C.C.; Gnyp, A.W. “Jet penetration mea-
REFERENCES surements in a venturi scrubber,” Can. J. of Chem. Eng. 1983, 61, 504-
1. Taheri, M.; Haines, G.F. “Optimization of factors affecting scrubbers 508.
performance,” J. Air Pollution Control Assoc. 1969, 6, 247-431. 19. Adelberg, M. “Breakup rate and penetration of a liquid jet in a gas
2. Viswanathan, S; Gnyp, A.W.; St. Pierre, C.C. “Examination of gas liq- stream,” AIAA J. 1967, 5, 1408-1415.
uid flow in a venturi scrubber,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Fundm. 1984, 23, 20. Schetz, J.A.; Padhye, A. “Penetration and breakup of liquids in sub-
303-308. sonic air-stream,” AIAA J. 1977, 15, 1385-1390.
3. Fathikalajahi, J.; Taheri, M.; Talaie, M.R. “Theoretical study of liquid
droplets dispersion in a venturi scrubber,” J. Air & Waste Manage. Assoc.
1995, 45, 181-185.
Downloaded by [79.168.20.145] at 09:29 02 June 2014

4. Johnstone, H. F.; Field, T.B.; Tassler, M.C. Ind. Eng. Chem. 1954, 8,
1601.
5. Wen, C.Y.; Fan, L.T. Models for Flow Systems and Chemical Reactors;
Marcel Dekker: New York, 1975, p 390-420. About the Authors
6. Beg, S.A.; Taheri, M. “Gas absorption studies in a butterfly valve scrub-
ber,” Atmos. Environ. 1974, 947-955.
Dr. J. Fathikalajahi (corresponding author) and Dr. M. Taheri
7. Kuznetsov, M. D.; Oratovskii, V.I. “Rate of chemisorption in a ven- are professors in the Chemical Engineering Department of
turi-type apparatus,” Int. Chem. Eng. 1962, 2, 185-188. Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. M.R. Talaie is a Ph.D. student
8. Boyadzhiev, K. “On the optimal flow rate of liquids during chemi-
sorption in a venturi tube,” Int. Chem. Eng. 1964, 4, 22-26. in the Chemical Engineering Department of Shiraz Univer-
9. Volgin, B.P.; Gofman, T.F. “Absorption of sulphur dioxide by ammo- sity. Correspondence should be sent to Dr. Fathikalajahi, Pro-
nium sulphite-bisulphite solution in a venturi scrubber,” Int. Chem. fessor, Chemical Engineering Department, School of Engi-
Eng. 1968, 8, 113-118.
10. Uchida, S.; Wen, C.Y. “Gas absorption by alkaline solutions in a ven- neering, P.O. Box 71345-1797, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
turi scrubber,” Industrial Engineering Chemistry Process Develop. 1973,
12, 437-443.

Volume 47 November 1997 Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association 1215