Wet Scrubber for Chemical Industry May 21, 2025 sazenviro Post in Uncategorized In chemical manufacturing, air pollutants such as HCl, SO₂, NH₃, and volatile organic compounds are frequently emitted during synthesis, reaction, or storage. A wet scrubber system for chemical plants is the most effective method to neutralize these contaminants. Whether it’s a chemical fume treatment system for acid mists or an industrial gas absorber for chemicals, the wet scrubbing process ensures reliable and compliant air pollution control. 2. What is a Wet Scrubber in Chemical Plants?Contents1 2. What is a Wet Scrubber in Chemical Plants?2 3. Working Mechanism3 4. Types of Wet Scrubbers Used in Chemical Plants4 5. System Components5 6. Design Parameters6 7. Applications in the Chemical Industry7 8. Advantages8 9. Limitations9 10. Maintenance & Operation10 11. Compliance & Safety11 12. Conclusion A wet scrubber is a gas-cleaning device that brings a contaminated airstream in contact with a liquid (usually water or a chemical solution), allowing soluble pollutants and particulates to be absorbed or neutralized. In acid gas scrubbing equipment, the scrubbing liquid is typically alkaline (like NaOH) to react with acidic gases. 3. Working Mechanism Contaminated gas enters the scrubber unit. It passes through a contact zone (spray chamber or packed bed). Acidic or basic gases dissolve into the scrubbing liquid. The treated gas passes through mist eliminators. The scrubbing liquid is either recycled or discharged after treatment. 4. Types of Wet Scrubbers Used in Chemical Plants Type Key Application Packed Bed Scrubber SO₂, HCl, HF, Cl₂ Venturi Scrubber Fine particulate-laden gases Spray Tower General gas absorption, emergency scrubbing Impingement Plate Scrubber Sticky and high-mist emissions High-Energy Ejector Venturi High resistance acid vapor applications These are the primary forms of chemical fume treatment systems used across industries. 5. System Components Scrubbing Tower (PP/FRP or SS construction) Recirculation Pump Nozzles or Spray Headers Packing Media (PP rings, ceramic) Chemical Dosing Unit Mist Eliminators 6. Design Parameters Parameter Typical Range Removal Efficiency (Acid Gases) 95–99.9% Gas Flow Rate 500 – 150,000 m³/hr Liquid-to-Gas Ratio 4–20 L/m³ Pressure Drop 80–200 mm W.C. Media Bed Height (Packed Bed) 0.6 – 1.5 meters Scrubbing pH Range 7.0 – 9.5 (for acid gas) Air Filtration System for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Cleanrooms Thermal Oxidizer System Hazardous Gas Emission Control Catalytic Oxidizer System for Hazardous Air Pollutants Ammonia Stripper System for Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Air Emission Reduction Scrubber System for Acid Mist and Corrosive Gas Removal in Chemical Plants Centralized Fume Extraction System for Multi-Station Industrial Operations Electrostatic Oil Mist Collectors Cartridge Dust Collectors for Fine Particulate Filtration Venturi Scrubber System for Industrial Emissions Fume Extraction System for Laser Cutting and Plasma Operations Industrial Blower for Fume Extraction Wet Scrubber System for VOC Removal in Paint and Coating Industries 7. Applications in the Chemical Industry Chlorine Production: Cl₂, HCl gas removal Fertilizer Plants: NH₃, NO₂ control Pharmaceutical API Plants: Acid fume capture during synthesis Pesticide Formulation Units: VOC and acid mist control Battery Acid Manufacturing: SO₂ and H₂SO₄ mist scrubbing 8. Advantages High removal efficiency of both gases and particulates Works for water-soluble and reactive gases Recirculation design lowers water consumption Modular, scalable, and retrofittable Reliable wet scrubber system for chemical plants 9. Limitations Generates wastewater requiring treatment Requires proper material selection for corrosive environments Scaling, fouling, and clogging risks High pressure drop in multi-stage units 10. Maintenance & Operation Monitor recirculation pump flow and head Check pH of scrubbing solution regularly Clean packing media every 6–12 months Inspect mist eliminators for carryover 11. Compliance & Safety These systems help comply with: EPA NESHAP for chemical manufacturing CPCB norms for HCl and Cl₂ EU VOC and acid gas emission limits Gulf country chemical plant air discharge rules 12. Conclusion A properly designed wet scrubber system for chemical plants is vital for ensuring worker safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. From acid neutralization to VOC capture, these systems remain indispensable in any chemical fume treatment system or industrial gas absorber for chemicals.