Particulates - Venturi Scrubbers

Control of particulate pollutants from stationary sources

Figure: Venturi scrubber components

Venturi scrubbers use a liquid stream to remove solid particles. In the venturi scrubber, gas laden with particulate matter passes through a short tube with flared ends and a constricted middle. This constriction causes the gas stream to speed up when the pressure is increased. A water spray is directed into the gas stream either prior to or at the constriction in the tube. The difference in velocity and pressure resulting from the constriction causes the particles and water to mix and combine. The reduced velocity at the expanded section of the throat allows the droplets of water containing the particles to drop out of the gas stream. Venturi scrubbers are effective in removing small particles, with removal efficiencies of up to 99 percent. One drawback of this device, however, is the production of wastewater.