The polluted air, laden with acidic fumes, is drawn into the scrubber from an industrial process through an inlet duct.

Inside the scrubber, the polluted air comes into contact with a liquid scrubbing solution. This solution is often water-based and may contain various chemicals or additives depending on the specific pollutants to be removed. The scrubbing solution can neutralize or chemically react with the acidic gases.

As the acidic fumes come into contact with the scrubbing solution, chemical reactions occur, leading to the removal of the acid gases from the air. For example, in the case of sulfur dioxide (SO2) removal, the reaction might produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is then dissolved in the liquid solution.

The cleaned air, now largely free of acid gases and other pollutants, exits the scrubber through an outlet duct and is released into the atmosphere or further treated if necessary.

The liquid scrubbing solution, now containing absorbed pollutants, needs to be treated or regenerated for continuous use. Depending on the specific system, this can involve chemical reactions, pH adjustment, or additional treatment steps to recover or neutralize the absorbed pollutants.

Acid fume scrubbers are commonly used in various industries, including chemical manufacturing, metal smelting, power generation (especially in coal-fired power plants), and semiconductor manufacturing, among others. The choice of scrubbing solution and scrubber design depends on the specific contaminants to be removed and the efficiency required.

There are various types of scrubbers, including packed bed scrubbers, spray tower scrubbers, and venturi scrubbers, each with its own advantages and applications. The selection of the appropriate type of scrubber depends on factors such as gas flow rate, pollutant concentration, and space constraints.

In summary, acid fume scrubbers play a crucial role in reducing air pollution by removing acidic gases and other harmful chemical fumes from industrial processes, making the emissions more environmentally friendly and safer for human health.