Flow visualization and modelling of scrubbing liquid flow patterns inside a centrifugal wet scrubber for improved design

•Experimental and CFD study of a centrifugal wet scrubber.•Test rig scale model for measurements and flow visualization.•Eulerian-Eulerian modelling of air and water flow patterns.•Improved understanding of the flow processes in centrifugal wet scrubbers.•Design enhancements proposed.

This paper presents an experimental and computational study of flow aspects in a commonly used centrifugal wet scrubber design. While manufacturers advertise up to 99.9% collection efficiency for dust particles >10 µm in diameter, operators complain of compromised efficiency at low loads and droplet carryover at high loads. Similar problems are also faced by flue gas desulphurization towers. The industry requires satisfactory scrubber performance at varying factory conditions. Different scrubber flow parameters and dimensions were studied to discover the cause of the reported problems. Together with the CFD findings, the project delivered an improved understanding of the scrubbing liquid flow pattern which is crucial for high performance and was used as a basis to carry out design improvements.

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