A scrubber system, also known as an air scrubber or gas scrubber , is an air pollution control device that is used to remove pollutants from industrial exhaust gases. It works by introducing a scrubbing liquid (typically water or a chemical solution) into the exhaust stream. The liquid comes into contact with the pollutants, and various physical and chemical processes take place to remove or neutralize them.
The basic operation of a scrubber system involves three main steps: absorption, reaction, and separation. During absorption, the pollutants in the gas stream are dissolved or absorbed into the liquid. This occurs as the liquid is sprayed or cascaded over a packing material or through a mist of droplets, creating a large surface area for contact between the gas and liquid.
In the reaction step, chemical reactions may occur between the pollutants and the scrubbing liquid. This can involve neutralization, oxidation, or other chemical processes that transform the pollutants into less harmful substances. The specific reactions depend on the nature of the pollutants and the type of scrubbing liquid used.
After absorption and reaction, the gas and liquid mixture enters the separation stage. Here, the cleaned gas is separated from the liquid. This is typically achieved through devices such as mist eliminators or demisters, which remove any remaining liquid droplets from the gas stream. The cleaned gas is then released into the atmosphere, while the captured pollutants are collected and properly disposed of.
Overall, a scrubber system works by utilizing the physical and chemical properties of the scrubbing liquid to capture and remove pollutants from industrial exhaust gases, helping to reduce air pollution and protect the environment.