US 5,279,646 A · Venturi scrubber and process

Abstract

A venturi scrubbing system optimized for removing the most optically active sized particles from a gaseous effluent stream is disclosed. Before entering the venturi the effluent stream is subcooled to cause condensation of water vapor and other condensibles, thereby greatly reducing the volume of the effluent stream. In the venturi stage a scrubbing liquid is added in the form of droplets having a median diameter which is optimized to remove the optically active particles. Preferably, the median diameter of the scrubbing liquid droplets is between 10 and 200 microns. A two-fluid nozzle may be used to efficiently form the droplets. After passing through the scrubbing stage, which may also comprise one or more impingement plates, the cleansed effluent may be passed through an afterburner to remove combustible materials such as organic vapors.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A venturi scrubber, comprising:

venturi inlet means for introducing a flow of a contaminated gas containing particles into said venturi;
venturi throat means for causing said contaminated gas flow to accelerate as it passes through said throat means, said venturi throat means having a reduced diameter relative to said venturi inlet means;
means for causing said contaminated gas to flow through said venturi;
and,
nozzle means, positioned upstream of said throat portion, for introducing a spray of liquid droplets into said contaminated gas flow at a rate comprising at least one gallon per minute per 1,000 actual cubic feet per minute of said gas, and velocity which is approximately the same as the velocity of the particles in said contaminated gas flow upstream of said venturi throat, said droplets having a median volume diameter in the range of 10 to 200 microns.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Venturi scrubber and process

Life of this patent

Venturi scrubber and process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26