Mass transfer and deodorization efficiency in a countercurrent spray tower for low superficial gas velocities

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize mass transfer and deodorization efficiency in a countercurrent spray tower for low superficial gas velocities. The influence of operating parameters ( U G = 0.005 to 0.025 m s −1 , U L = 6.1 × 10 −5 to 2.4 × 10 −4 m s −1 ) on the liquid retention ( ε L ), the drop diameter ( d g ), the interfacial area ( a ) and the overall liquid and gas phase mass transfer coefficients ( K L a , K G a ) were estimated. The spray efficiency of some malodorous compounds was also estimated. A negative influence of the superficial gas velocity was demonstrated, during the spraying of water or chemical neutralizing scrubbing solutions. There was also an increase with the liquid flow rate. Abatements obtained were very good with respect to ammonia (>90%), and acceptable for the other compounds.