Air Stripper Installation

A major chemical plant in India recently discovered elevated levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)—including TCE, PCE, DCE, and vinyl chloride—in its process water. These contaminants posed significant environmental and health concerns, prompting the plant management to prioritize an effective treatment solution. The immediate goal was to install an Air Stripper capable of reducing the high VOC concentrations to meet stringent Indian regulatory standards and the company’s sustainability objectives.

Additionally, the plant is situated near a suburban neighborhood, making noise control a critical factor. Past experiences with noisier stripping systems at other sites had created tensions with local communities, a situation this plant was eager to avoid. Therefore, in addition to achieving high contaminant removal rates, the Air Stripper needed a design that would effectively minimize noise emissions.


Key Challenges

  1. High Levels of Contamination
    • Influent water contained VOCs at levels as high as 3,500 µg/L TCE, among other contaminants.
    • The system required a 99.97% removal efficiency to reduce TCE levels from 3,500 µg/L to a target of 1 µg/L or lower.
  2. Noise Sensitivity
    • Proximity to a suburban area in India necessitated a focus on low-noise operation to prevent community disturbances.
    • The plant management demanded a reliable solution that would ensure quieter operation than previous stripping systems.
  3. Flow and Throughput Requirements
    • The treatment plant processes up to 1,200 GPM (gallons per minute) of water.
    • Sufficient airflow to facilitate effective mass transfer of VOCs without generating excessive noise was essential.

Solution by SAZ ENVIRO

SAZ ENVIRO developed and supplied a custom-engineered Air Stripper tailored to the plant’s stringent requirements. The design involved:

  1. Durable Construction
    • Fabricated from 304L stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance and extended service life.
    • Tower dimensions of 12 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. in height accommodate the required throughput and allow efficient VOC removal.
  2. Advanced Packing and Internal Components
    • Equipped with 35 ft. of polypropylene packing media to maximize the contact surface area, ensuring efficient transfer of contaminants from the water to the air.
    • A mist eliminator prevents droplets and moisture from escaping with the exhaust air.
    • Integrated fan assembly and air filters help maintain optimal airflow while preventing particulates from entering or leaving the system.
    • Airflow monitoring instruments ensure consistent operation and allow for quick adjustments to meet fluctuating process demands.
  3. High Performance and Throughput
    • Handles flow rates of up to 1,200 GPM, effectively meeting the plant’s processing needs.
    • Delivers a maximum airflow of approximately 9,700 CFM, providing sufficient stripping capacity to achieve the desired contaminant removal.
  4. Low-Noise Air Discharge
    • Designed with a unique air discharge arrangement to significantly reduce the decibel level generated by airflow exiting the tower.
    • Incorporation of noise-dampening materials and optimized flow paths ensure minimal disturbance to nearby residential areas.

Project Outcomes

  1. Exceptional VOC Removal
    • The Air Stripper consistently achieved the target of reducing TCE from 3,500 µg/L to 1 µg/L, meeting the required 99.97% removal efficiency.
    • The overall system performance complied fully with local and national water quality standards, safeguarding public health.
  2. Noise Reduction and Community Approval
    • Thanks to the low-noise design, community complaints have been notably absent.
    • The improved discharge arrangement allowed the plant to seamlessly integrate the stripper operations without disrupting the neighborhood.
  3. Potential for Expansion
    • The success of the newly installed Air Stripper has led the plant to explore retrofitting other existing units with SAZ ENVIRO’s noise-mitigation features, reflecting a broader commitment to both environmental stewardship and community well-being.
  4. Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability
    • With the contaminants significantly reduced, the plant meets and often exceeds regulatory mandates.
    • Demonstrating corporate responsibility, the project reinforces the plant’s reputation as a socially and environmentally conscious enterprise.

Conclusion

The SAZ ENVIRO Air Stripper installation at this chemical plant in India exemplifies how a meticulously engineered solution can satisfy tight environmental regulations, protect community interests, and deliver outstanding contaminant removal. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge stripping technology, noise abatement strategies, and robust materials, SAZ ENVIRO continues to offer a model for modern, sustainable water treatment in industrial settings.

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