Study on the removal of fine particles from gas steam using water in a rotating packed bed combined with a charged device

Abstract

The work herein describes a novel technique, a rotating packed bed (RPB) combined with a charged device, to remove fine particles from gas steam. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of different operating conditions, including the packing type, packing thickness, rotation speed, gas–liquid volumetric ratio, initial fine particle concentration, and voltage, on the removal efficiency of fine particles from a gas stream. Results show that total removal efficiencies of fine particles and particles with a size of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) can reach up to 99 and 96%, respectively, under the operating conditions of packing thickness of 60 mm, rotation speed of 1000 rpm, gas–liquid volumetric flow ratio of 400, voltage of 40 kV, and use of a fine metal gauze packing. In addition, a correlation to predict PM2.5 removal efficiency was established, and results show that the predicted values of outlet PM2.5 concentrations are in agreement with experimental data, with deviations of ±20%. This work demonstrates that the removal process of fine particles has a low pressure drop and higher removal efficiency of fine particles. Consequently, it provides a fast and efficient alternative approach for removal of fine particles from gas steam.