Home / Blog / Venturi Scrubber Pressure Drop: Key Aspects, Typical Values, and Calculation

Venturi Scrubber Pressure Drop: Key Aspects, Typical Values, and Calculation

Key Aspects

In the context of hydrodynamics and operation, the Venturi scrubber differential pressure refers to the difference in the pressure of a liquid or gas measured at two distinct points in the system: the inlet and the outlet of the device. This parameter is crucial for analyzing the velocity and intensity of the flow through the equipment.

For Venturi scrubbers, the pressure drop (PD) is a key parameter as it facilitates the dispersion of liquid (usually water) into fine droplets, creating a larger contact area between the gas and the liquid. This is essential for the efficient capture of particles and gaseous impurities.

The greater the pressure drop, the more pronounced its impact on solid particles, promoting their deposition.

Venturi TORNADO-FB packed bed scrubber

Influencing Factors

Increased flow velocity leads to a rise in the PD.
A narrower throat creates a greater pressure drop compared to a wider one.
Viscosity, density, the presence of contaminants, and temperature can alter flow resistance.
The presence of a variable throat allows for control of the pressure drop under different operating conditions.
The greater the liquid phase supplied, the higher the pressure drop.

Efficiency Indicator

The pressure drop is often used as an indicator of the current state of a scrubber:

Low values may indicate malfunctions, such as blockages.
Excessively high values suggest overloading or design deficiencies.

Why Is Pressure Drop Important?

Cleaning Efficiency:

A higher Venturi scrubber efficiency pressure drop enables more effective capture of fine particles by enhancing the interaction between phases.

Energy Consumption:

Increasing the pressure drop leads to higher energy consumption by pumps and fans, impacting operational costs.

Process Optimization:

Maintaining an optimal PD enables balancing cleaning efficiency with energy and financial expenditures.
If additional information or Venturi scrubber pressure drop calculations are required for your system, please provide the relevant details.

Venturi Scrubber with a Cyclonic Separator

Performance: 100 — 175 000 cfm

Venturi TORNADO-FB fluidized Bed Scrubber With a Venturi Tube

Performance: 600 — 30 000 cfm

Typical Values

The Venturi scrubber pressure drop depends on its design, gas velocity, and the required cleaning efficiency. Typical ranges include:
Low (500–2000 Pa):

Suitable for coarse gas cleaning from large particles (>10 µm).
Lower efficiency in capturing fine particles.

Medium (2000–5000 Pa):

Optimal for removing medium-sized particles (2–10 µm).
Moderate energy costs with sufficient cleaning efficiency.

High (5000–20,000 Pa):

Used for highly efficient capture of fine particles (<2 µm).
Accompanied by significant energy consumption.

Very High (>20,000 Pa):

Applied for specialized tasks requiring maximum cleaning efficiency, including removal of gaseous contaminants.
Commonly used in industrial facilities with toxic emissions.

Calculation of the Main Formula

The general relationship for the Venturi scrubber design pressure drop (ΔP) through the throat is:
ΔP = (P_g× V_g²/2) × ξ

Where:
P_g — Gas density, kg/m³
V_g — Gas velocity in the throat, m/s
ξ — Total resistance coefficient

Considerations for Accurate Calculation

All parameters must be considered simultaneously to ensure precision.
Empirical coefficients (ξ) often require experimental or manufacturer-specific data.
Iterative adjustments may be needed to align calculations with real-world operating conditions.

Proper setup and fine-tuning of the equipment based on these calculations ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency.

Practical Recommendations

To maintain optimal pressure drop values for maximum performance, here are some tips from our engineers:
Regular Monitoring and Control

Install sensors for continuous pressure drop measurement.
Analyze data to detect deviations from normal levels.

Flow Rate Optimization

Ensure that gas and liquid flow rates match the design specifications.
Use flow regulators to maintain stable operating conditions.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Perform regular cleaning to remove deposits in the throat or diffuser.
Clean nozzles to ensure uniform liquid dispersion.

Throat Condition Checks

Monitor for wear or damage in the throat, as this can affect pressure drop.
For Venturi scrubbers with variable throat pressure drop systems, check for proper adjustment.

Working Liquid Quality Control

Use filters to prevent clogging in the system.
Ensure the liquid composition meets requirements for effective particle capture.

Auxiliary Systems Inspection

Verify the proper functioning of pumps and compressors supplying liquid and gas.
Check for reliable connections and absence of leaks.

Common Issues and Solutions

Preventive Measures

Perform scheduled maintenance regularly.
Implement automated control and alarm systems for monitoring.
Train staff to respond promptly to deviations.

These actions help minimize operational risks, enhance scrubber efficiency, and extend its service life.

Join the Conversation!
Share your thoughts on this article, rate it, or spread the word by sharing it with others.
Your feedback is appreciated!

We always perform precise calculations and offer expert assistance in selecting the optimal dust collection or gas cleaning systems, typically completing this process within 1 to 2 days

Head of Engineering,
Vladimir Nikulin

CALCULATION AND SELECTION

After filling out this form, you will obtain the cost of the equipment and time frame over which it will be delivered