A correctly designed wet scrubber can achieve high removal efficiencies for gases, odours and industrial air pollutants, although the exact performance depends on the contaminant, scrubbing chemistry and operating conditions.
Exeon’s scrubX™ wet scrubber systems are designed to provide a minimum removal efficiency of approximately 96% based on expected site inputs. Where the system is correctly designed for the target contaminant and suitable operating conditions are maintained, removal efficiencies of 99% or higher may also be achievable.
These figures should not be treated as universal for every application. Wet scrubber performance needs to be assessed against the actual airflow, contaminant concentration, chemistry and treatment requirements of the site.
What Determines Wet Scrubber Removal Efficiency?
Several factors influence how effectively a wet scrubber removes pollutants from contaminated air.
These include:
- Type of pollutant being treated
- Inlet contaminant concentration
- Airflow rate
- Scrubbing liquid chemistry
- Liquid flow rate and distribution
- Contact time between the gas and liquid
- Temperature and humidity
- Condition of the packing media
- Chemical concentration and pH
- Required outlet concentration
The scrubber must create sufficient contact between the contaminated air and treatment liquid for the pollutant to transfer into the liquid phase and be absorbed, neutralised or chemically reacted.
Exeon’s scrubX™ uses a packed tower design to provide a large contact surface between the two streams, helping support efficient treatment.
Does the Pollutant Affect Removal Efficiency?
Yes. Different pollutants have different chemical properties, meaning some are more readily treated through wet scrubbing than others.
Gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and acidic compounds can achieve high removal rates when an appropriate scrubbing solution and system configuration are used.
The incoming concentration is also important. A system treating a relatively stable contaminant load may operate differently from one experiencing sudden process peaks or significant changes in emissions.
This is why Exeon designs its industrial odour and emission control systems around site-specific process information rather than assuming one removal efficiency will apply to every air stream.
How Does scrubX™ Maintain Treatment Performance?
Maintaining the correct scrubbing chemistry is essential for consistent pollutant removal.
The scrubX™ treatment liquid is continuously recirculated through the system, while automated monitoring and chemical dosing help maintain the required treatment conditions. This allows reagent to be added when necessary rather than relying on a fixed chemical concentration.
A mist eliminator also removes entrained liquid droplets from the cleaned air before discharge.
Regular inspection and maintenance of pumps, dosing equipment, packing media and controls helps ensure the system continues operating under its intended conditions.
How Is Wet Scrubber Performance Confirmed?
Performance can be confirmed by measuring contaminant concentrations at the inlet and outlet of the treatment system. The results can then be compared with the required removal efficiency or discharge criteria.
Accurate site information at the design stage is therefore particularly important. Exeon can assess airflow, expected contaminant concentrations and treatment requirements before configuring the appropriate scrubber.
Where an additional treatment stage is needed, scrubX™ can also be combined with hi-flo™ activated carbon filtration for final polishing of residual emissions.
Exeon provides a wider range of industrial air filtration technologies, allowing wet scrubbing, activated carbon and biological treatment to be selected or combined according to the application.
For suitable applications, a correctly specified scrubX™ system can therefore deliver 96% minimum expected removal efficiency, with 99%+ performance achievable under appropriate conditions.
Contact Exeon today to arrange a site consultation or request a tailored proposal. Our technical team will assess your airflow volumes and contaminant profile to design a system that delivers consistent emission control.