A Numerical Investigation on the Optimization of Uneven Flow in a Marine De-SOx Scrubber

Abstract

According to regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the sulfur content of vessels must not exceed 0.5% outside the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) starting from 2020. The marine exhaust gas desulfurization (De-SOx) system is the most feasible technology to meet the increasing regulations, but there is always a large swirl at the bottom of the scrubber causing uneven flow past the sprays. Solving this problem by adjusting the spray is a feasible method. The exhaust gas at 485 K and injection liquid at 305 K are simulated to optimize the flow field in a De-SOx scrubber. The results indicated that the flue gas was easily concentrated in the left side area of the scrubber and this part of hot gas could escape from the scrubber. By controlling the nozzles distribution and the nozzles angle, it was possible to reduce the droplets to hit the wall and improve the utilization rate of the washing liquid. The nozzles were arranged up and down in different positions, which reduced the escape amount of exhaust gas in the strong offset area. The new arrangement of nozzles made the flow field distribution inside the scrubber more uniform and increased the gas–liquid reaction time Although the pressure drop under outermost nozzles 45° injection was smaller than the vertical injection, the flow field under 45° injection became more complex and the outlet gas velocity became larger.