is often calculated using the Ergun equation for dry packing:
Designing an efficient scrubber requires precise mathematical modeling. Engineering teams rely heavily on custom spreadsheet tools for these tasks. 📌 Core Parameters for Scrubber Design
Below is a concise Excel worksheet layout you can copy into a new workbook. It computes key design outputs for a packed-bed wet scrubber using user inputs and standard engineering relationships (mass transfer approach with overall removal based on K·a and contact time). Replace any assumed empirical constants with site-specific data if available.
The choice of scrubbing liquid depends on the solubility of the target gas. For acidic gases like HClcap H cap C l SO2cap S cap O sub 2 , an alkaline solution (such as aqueous NaOHcap N a cap O cap H ) is common. For basic gases like NH3cap N cap H sub 3 , an acidic solution ( H2SO4cap H sub 2 cap S cap O sub 4 ) is used. Calculate the minimum liquid flow rate ( Lmincap L sub m i n end-sub scrubber design calculation excel best
For initial sizing, use an empirical correlation based on packing factor and gas flow rate.
Total Packed Height (Z)=NTU×HTUTotal Packed Height open paren cap Z close paren equals NTU cross HTU
To build the "best" calculation sheet, you must integrate standard engineering correlations: is often calculated using the Ergun equation for
In your Excel spreadsheet, build a . Use data validation drop-down lists ( Data > Data Validation > List ) on your main calculation page so users can select a packing type (e.g., "2-inch Polypropylene Pall Rings"). Use a VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP formula to automatically retrieve the corresponding Packing Factor ( Fpcap F sub p ) into your diameter and pressure drop equations. Step 5: Calculate Tower Height (Packed Bed Depth)
Suggested helper cells:
ρg=P⋅MWavgR⋅Trho sub g equals the fraction with numerator cap P center dot MW sub a v g end-sub and denominator cap R center dot cap T end-fraction is the universal gas constant ( 2. Mass Transfer Equilibrium and NTU/HTU Layout It computes key design outputs for a packed-bed
How to implement quickly:
This is the "magic number" for efficiency. For soluble gases or dust, typical ratios range from 0.5 to 3 liters per (4–20 gallons per 1000 Step 3: Size the Tower (Diameter):
Packing Height = HTU × NTU