Aqueous Potassium Carbonate Droplets Injection in Superheated Steam Flow: Computational Modelling and Experimental Investigation

Abstract

The paper examines the feasibility to scrub particles and acid components from superheated steam without significant loss in superheat, by using aqueous potassium carbonate solution with high boiling point elevation as a scrubbing medium. This work presents a discrete phase model using Euler-Lagrangian approach for simulating the behavior of aqueous potassium carbonate droplets in superheated steam flow. The model takes into account the effect of salt concentration on the boiling point elevation, thermal conductivity and density of the solution. The simulation results from the model were validated experimentally. Results from the simulations were in accordance with experimental results, where an increase in boiling point elevation with increase in injected salt solution concentration was observed. Application of this method could reduce exergy loss as compared to traditional wet scrubbing techniques for superheated geothermal steam used for power production.