The report gives results of bench-scale experiments on the ways in which energy consumption, liquid-to-gas ratio (L/G), and water vapor condensation affect the collection efficiency of a conventional, cocurrent-contact, orifice-type particulate scrubber. The test aerosol consisted of spherical particles of ammonium fluorescein with a mass-median diameter of about 0.6 micron. Scrubber collection efficiency was determined and correlated as a function of the effective friction loss across the scrubber. Without condensation or evaporation effects, scrubber efficiency was dependent only upon effective friction loss, with no independent influences of gas velocity, L/G, or contactor orifice size, except possibly in the range of very low gas velocities, L/G, and pressure drops. Large amounts of water evaporation reduced collection efficiencies; but scrubbing hot humid gas with cold water (to produce condensation) significantly increased collection efficiency. The most favorable results were obtained by presaturating the hot humid gas stream before contacting it with cold water.

"EPA-650/2-74/108." EPA contract no. 68-02-1079, ROAP no. 21ADJ-005, program element no. 1AB012. EPA project officer: Leslie E. Sparks. Pages 115 and 116 lacking in paper copy; found in microfiche version (PB 237 749). Includes bibliographical references (pages 99-101).