The role of the liquid film on the mass transfer in Venturi-based scrubbers

The mass transfer in a jet-Venturi scrubber has been studied experimentally. Data have been obtained for the absorption of sulphur dioxide into aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions. The effect of the throat length and diameter has been studied. Two types of atomizers have also been tested. The experimental values have been compared with the predictions of a model based on an instantaneous reaction in the liquid phase. The split of the liquid phase into drops and film has been introduced by using an annular flow/boundary layer model. The results showed that the liquid film plays an important role in the overall mass transfer process. © 2004 Institution of Chemical Engineers.