Ejectors are gas-liquid contactors that are reported to provide higher mass transfer rates than conventional contactors. Detailed experiments were performed and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling studies were undertaken to understand the hydrodynamic characteristics of the ejector geometry. The CFD model provides a basis for quantifying the effects of operating conditions on the ejector performance. CFD studies shows that there is an optimum ratio of nozzle area to throat area (area ratio), at which the liquid entrainment rate is the highest. This can lead to substantial economic benefit in the industrial practice. The liquid entrainment rate correlates with pressure difference between the water surface in the suction chamber and the throat exit for a wide variety of ejector geometries and operating conditions. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.