Optimization of effecting parameters for flue gas desulfurization in a self-priming venturi scrubber using response surface methodology

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a highly poisonous and corrosive gas, is regarded as a hazardous air pollutant with significant effects on human health. Hence, reduction of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas from the atmosphere is very essential. In the present work, self-priming venturi scrubber is employed to extract H₂S gas from the air. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) has been selected to investigate maximizing the H₂S removal efficiency by optimizing the process variables. Experiments were carried out by altering the throat gas velocity, outer cylinder liquid level and inlet concentration of H₂S. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed that the parameters had a significant effect on the efficiency of H₂S removal. A quadratic equation has been developed that accurately predicts the percentage of removal efficiency. The appropriateness of the generated model has been verified by the value of higher R² resulting from the regression analysis. According to the observations, the velocity of throat gas has the highest effect on the H₂S removal efficiency, whereas inlet H₂S concentration has the least effect.