OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the value of venturi collection efficiency by calculating using the

Collection Efficiency Equation (Refer to Appendices).

SUMMARY

The experiment’s main purpose is to determine the value of venturi collection

efficiency by calculating using the Collection Efficiency Equation (Refer to Appendices).
The variables involved in this experiment are Weight of Sample (g), Weight of Filter (g),
Concentration of Sample (g/L), Volume of Slurry (L), and Collection Efficiency, η (%). The
main purpose is to determine how much particulate matter could be trapped in the venturi wet
scrubber, also to determine the scrubber’s overall efficiency in trapping the particulate matter
(Kaolin). The experiment first began by feeding the feed container with particulate matter
(PM) sample (100g). Next, switch on the air blower and set it to 100-120 m3/hr while
controlling the air flowrate slowly using the air blower speed controller. Then, switch on the
water pump, and set it to 4 L/min. 15 L of slurry is collected into an appropriate vessel. Then,
about 1/3 part (5 L) of the slurry was taken for further processing. From the 5 L slurry, 2 L
was measured and filtered into 4 respective containers. The further processing process
includes filtering, to remove most of the water content, and drying, to remove excess water
and to obtain dry particulate matter weight. Then, multiply the weight result (for 2 L) by 7.5
to obtain the total collected mass for the particulate matter (for 15 L of slurry). From there,
the concentration and venturi collection efficiency (%) can be determined. As for the results,
it was observed that, with 100 g Kaolin as feed, only about 4/5 (80.25 g) of the particulate
matter was able to be retrieved through the venturi wet scrubber. Based on the mass
recovered, the collection efficiency was able to be determined which was 80.25 %. Thus, the
objective was achieved based on the results obtained which is to determine the value of
venturi collection efficiency through calculation using the Collection Efficiency Equation.

1
 INTRODUCTION

Scrubber systems are a diverse group of air pollution control devices that can be used
to remove some particulates and/or gases from industrial exhaust streams. This system
consist of a transparent cylindrical venturi scrubber, a separation chamber, a water
recirculation system, a particulate feeder, an air blower, an outlet dust filter and an air
flowmeter with control valve. The main purpose of this experiment is particulate emission
control by wet venturi scrubber. In this experiment, the objective that must be achieved is the
determination of the value of venturi collection efficiency through calculation, using the
Collection Efficiency Equation. The experiment of control particulate emission by wet
venturi scrubber is started by preparation of particulate matter sample to specific mass. The
particulate matter sample will be fill into the feed container. This feed container will be set up
into the machine after weight of the sample has been determined. Then, air blower will be
introduced to the machine to supply air to the particulate matter sample. The final product of
this experiment is the mixture of water and particulate matter sample that can be called as
slurry which have been mixed in the separation chamber.

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 THEORY

Venturi wet scrubber, also known as venturi scrubber is an air pollution control
method, which can also be referred to as wet scrubbers. Other than that, they are also known
as venturi jet scrubbers, gas-atomizing spray scrubbers and ejector-venturi scrubbers. The
main purpose of using the venturi wet scrubber is to remove air pollutants by inertial and
diffusional interception. Typically, this scrubber have been applied to control particulate
matter emissions from utility, industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers fired with coil,
oil, wood and liquid waste. In specific, it was applied to control emission sources for
production that relates with chemical, mineral product, rock products and asphalt solid waste
incinerators which is to obtain high collection efficiencies for fine particulate matter.

Venturi wet scrubber usually operates by accelerating the waste gas stream to atomize
the scrubbing liquid and to improve gas–liquid contact. There is a section which is called as a
“throat” section which is built into the duct that forces the gas stream to accelerate as the duct
narrows and then expands. The velocity and turbulence of gas stream increase as soon as the
gas stream enters the venture throat. In this experiment, the scrubbing liquid is sprayed into
the gas stream before the gas encounters the venturi throat or in the throat. The scrubbing
liquid enters the stream in form of small droplets by atomized to increase the turbulence in
the throat and droplet–particle interaction. Once the particles have been captured by the
liquid, the wetted particulate matter and excess liquid droplets are separated from the gas
stream by an entrainment section which is usually consists of a cyclonic separator and a mist
eliminator.

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 The venturi wet scrubbers have been typically used due to its capability of handling
flammable and explosive dust with little risks and also can handle mist. It is simple in design
and easy to install with relatively low maintenance. Most importantly is the collection
efficiency of venturi wet scrubber varies, it provides cooling hot gases and neutralizing
corrosive gases and dusts.

Venturi Wet Scrubber

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 RESULTS

Weight of sample loaded, W (g) = 100 g

Total volume of slurry collected, V (L) = 15.00 L

(sample+water)

Total volume of slurry to be filtered, (L) = 4.75 L

1 2 3 4
Volume of slurry to
0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
filter, Vs (L)
Weight of filter, Wf (g) 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3
Weight of filter + dry
4.0 3.9 4.1 3.9
sample, Wf+s
Weight of sample
2.7 2.6 2.8 2.6
collected, Ws
Concentration of
sample in 2 L, Ws/vs 5.4 5.2 5.6 5.2
(g/L)
Total weight of sample
10.7
in 2 L, (g)
Concentration of
sample in 15 L, Ws/vs 5.35
(g/L)
Total weight of sample
80.25
in 15 L, (g)
Collection efficiency,
80.25
, (%)

Table 1-Table of Results

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 DISCUSSION

An experiment to determine the Venturi Collection Efficiency was conducted using

the equipment shown in Figure 1 (Refer to Appendices). The variables involved in this
experiment are Weight of Sample (g), Weight of Filter (g), Concentration of Sample (g/L),
Volume of Slurry (L), and Collection Efficiency, η (%). The main purpose is to determine
how much particulate matter could be trapped in the venturi wet scrubber, also to determine
the scrubber’s overall efficiency in trapping the particulate matter (Kaolin).

The experiment first began by feeding the feed container with particulate matter (PM)
sample (100g). Then, before installing the feed container into the system, the container was
weighed. Next, switch on the air blower and set it to 100-120 m3/hr while controlling the air
flowrate slowly using the air blower speed controller. Then, switch on the water pump, and
set it to 4 L/min. When the sample is used up in the process, switch off the air blower and
water pump. 15 L of slurry is collected into an appropriate vessel. Then, about 1/3 part (5 L)
of the slurry was taken for further processing. From the 5 L slurry, 2 L was measured and
filtered into 4 respective containers. The further processing process includes filtering, to
remove most of the water content, and drying, to remove excess water and to obtain dry
particulate matter weight. Then, multiply the weight result (for 2 L) by 7.5 to obtain the total
collected mass for the particulate matter (for 15 L of slurry). From there, the concentration
and venturi collection efficiency (%) can be determined.

From the 100 g Kaolin fed into the scrubber, only 80.25 g was able to be retrieved.
From the slurry, 15 L was taken. From the 15 L, 2 L was measured and filtered into 4
respective containers, and the total mass recovered can be determined. For 2 L of slurry, 10.7
g of particulate matter was obtained. Hence, for 15 L slurry, 80.25 g of particulate matter was
obtained. It was observed that, with 100 g Kaolin as feed, only 4/5 of the particulate matter
was able to be retrieved through the venturi wet scrubber. Based on the mass recovered, the
collection efficiency was able to be determined which was 80.25 %.

The Venturi Wet Scrubber functions as to remove air pollutants. In specific, it was
applied to control emission sources for production that relates with chemical, mineral
product, rock products and asphalt solid waste incinerators, which is to obtain high collection
efficiencies for fine particulate matter.

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 There are several possibilities that might have contributed to the errors that occurred
during the experiment. Among those errors is physical errors (caused by experimenters). The
experimenters might not have waited for the readings to stabilized first and have recorded
down the wrong readings, which could lead to an abnormal trend of results. Not just that, the
experimenter may not have focused well during the experiment and may have recorded down
readings of the parameter in the field of another parameter. By doing so, the readings will
appear abnormal and unusual. Thus, the ideal expected results could not be achieved. Other
than that, the wires or other equipment involved may be faulty. When this happens, the
process will not be smooth, not to mention that it could disrupt the whole process of the
experiment.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the venturi collection efficiency was able to be determined in this

experiment. Each of the components/devices/tools used in the experiment has its own details
by which have its own function in ways of conducting the experiment and most definitely aid
the process throughout the experimentations. The data and information recorded from the
experimentations were used to determine the venturi collection efficiency (%) of the Venturi
Wet Scrubber, to see how efficient it is in trapping particulate matter and recover it from the
slurry. As for the results, it was observed that, with 100 g Kaolin as feed, only about 4/5
(80.25 g) of the particulate matter was able to be retrieved through the venturi wet scrubber.
Based on the mass recovered, the collection efficiency was able to be determined which was
80.25 %. Thus, the objective was achieved based on the results obtained which is to
determine the value of venturi collection efficiency through calculation using the Collection
Efficiency Equation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To prevent physical errors (caused by experiments) from occurring, experimenters

have to focus and be patient for the readings to stabilize before recording any data. Also,
work together to record data, and not just be dependent on just a team member. Next, in order
to prevent recording the wrong data, team members should reconfirm with each other on the
results to acquire the readings which best fit.

Early precautions are important so that the experiment can be carried out smoothly
without any unwanted errors. Make sure to read the lab manual before proceeding with the
experiment to get a brief idea on how to conduct the experiment. This step is really important
so that the experimenters know what to do in the lab rather than waiting for the technicians to
guide them through until the end and to prevent any amateur hour. Furthermore, prioritizing
the instrument’s condition is really important as it will affect the results. Asking the
technician to check on the instrument before starting the experiment is strongly
recommended. Repeating the experiment several times to get the average value is also an
excellent step so that the results obtained will reach maximum precision and accuracy.

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REFERENCES

[1] Anonymous A (1992-2002). Air Pollution Control Technology, [Online]. Available

from: http://www.epa.gov/ttncatc1/dir1/fventuri.pdf [15th May 2014]

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APPENDICES

Ŋ = Collected Mass × 100%

Mass In

Equation 1-Collection Efficiency Equation

Figure 1-Venturi Wet Scrubber

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 CALCULATIONS

Total Weight Of Sample In 15 L (g)

2.0 L = 10.7 g

15 L = WT g

10.7𝑔
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = × 15 𝐿 = 80.25 𝑔
2.0 𝐿

Concentration

𝑊 (𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) 80.25 𝑔
= = 5.35 𝑔/𝐿
𝑉 (𝑆𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑦) 15 𝐿

Collection Efficiency, η (%)

𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 80.25 𝑔

η= × 100 % = × 100 % = 80.25 %
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝐼𝑛 100 𝑔

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