Venturi scrubber and method of using the same

Abstract

An air pollution control system incorporating a venturi scrubber and a method of cleansing a particulate-laden, contaminated gas flow are disclosed. Spray nozzles are used to introduce optimized droplets of a scrubbing liquid into the venturi to maximize particle collection efficiency. Due to the very small size of the spray droplets they absorb gases in quantities in excess of the amount predicted by Henry's law. After passing through the venturi the spray droplets are reconsolidated and flow to an enclosed container. Due to the applicability of Henry's law to the relatively large reconsolidated volume of scrubbing liquid, the liquid is naturally effervescent. Bubbles formed in the liquid volume cause suspended particles in the liquid to rise to the surface where they form an easily collected surface scum. The effervescent gases, at least some of which may be noxious, are then incinerated or otherwise treated. In a further aspect, the present invention discloses automatic control systems which adjust the venturi as the properties of the effluent gases change. For example, in one embodiment, the spray volume and/or droplet size is adjusted as the particle concentration changes. In another embodiment, the spray volume is increased as the volume of effluent gas decreases.