Spray Chambers

Spray chambers are very simple, low-energy wet scrubbers. In these scrubbers, the
particulate-laden gas stream is introduced into a chamber where it comes into contact with liquid
droplets generated by spray nozzles. These scrubbers are also known as pre-formed spray scrubbers,
since the liquid is formed into droplets prior to contact with the gas stream. The size of the droplets
generated by the spray nozzles is controlled to maximize liquid-particle contact and, consequently,
scrubber collection efficiency.
The common types of spray chambers are spray towers and cyclonic chambers. Spray towers
are cylindrical or rectangular chambers that can be installed vertically or horizontally. In vertical spray
towers, the gas stream flows up through the chamber and encounters several sets of spray nozzles
producing liquid droplets. A de-mister at the top of the spray tower removes liquid droplets and
wetted PM from the exiting gas stream. Scrubbing liquid and wetted PM also drain from the bottom of
the tower in the form of a slurry. Horizontal spray chambers operate in the same manner, except for
the fact that the gas flows horizontally through the device. A typical spray tower is shown in
Figure 1

Schematic diagram of  spray tower scrubber

A cyclonic spray chamber is similar to a spray tower with one major difference. The gas
stream is introduced to produce cyclonic motion inside the chamber. This motion contributes to higher
gas velocities, more effective particle and droplet separation, and higher collection efficiency.1
Tangential inlet or turning vanes are common means of inducing cyclonic motion. Figure 2
provides an example of a cyclonic spray chamber.

Schematic Diagram of Cyclic spray chamber scrubber