Water Droplet Analysis in an Exhaust Gas Scrubber｜AcuSolve x EDEM

【 Background 】

       A wet scrubber removes water-soluble pollutants and fine particulates from exhaust gases by spraying water droplets. It is widely used in industries such as electronics, semiconductors, PCB manufacturing, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, during the scrubbing process, water droplets may be carried downstream toward the outlet. Factors such as exhaust flow rate, nozzle positioning, duct geometry, droplet size, and spray velocity all influence this behavior.

【 Results 】

       This project utilized Altair AcuSolve coupled with EDEM particle simulation to identify the problematic zones through flow-field visualization. After adjusting the nozzle position and spray-hole size, the long-standing water-accumulation issue—unsolved even after six months and dozens of design modifications—was finally resolved.
 

【 Technical Features 】

• Using EDEM particle methods along with droplet force models allows the prediction of water-droplet trajectories without computing surface tension or free-surface effects, significantly reducing simulation time.

• Supports simultaneous simulation of droplets with multiple diameters.