Wet Scrubbers

Wet Scrubbers are one class of air pollution control equipment used to remove contaminants from a process air/gas stream prior to its discharge into the atmosphere—a process required in a majority of industrial applications. Wet scrubbers using water or other scrubbing liquids are primarily used in the removal of gaseous and fine solid particulate matter.

Centrifugal fans, which offer a more cost-effective option than multi-stage units or compressors, provide the pressure required to push or pull the air/gas stream through the piping or ductwork, and the scrubbing device. High pressures are usually required—often over 30" of water—and when density corrections are incorporated, the "equivalent pressure" (pressure corrected to .075 Ib/ft3 density) is often over 50" of water.

A combination of the water or scrubbing liquid with the contaminants themselves often results in a corrosive air/gas stream. This requires the equipment—including the fans—to have either a corrosion-resistant coating or be made with corrosion-resistant materials, such as: stainless steel, Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel, fiberglass or titanium.

Shaft sealing devices are frequently required to prevent leakage since the contaminants in the air/gas stream may either be a "nuisance," corrosive, poisonous or explosive. The nature and degree of the sealing required may vary from simple ceramic felt seals to sophisticated mechanical sealing devices, and may also call for special fan housing construction and testing.

Illinois Blower fans offer many designs with pre-engineered optional features that meet the requirements of this common and often demanding application. For example, a CGS Dust and Gas Absorption System is being utilized on a Sludge Dryer Exhaust at a palletizing facility in Maryland. The System includes a Multiventuri Type Quencher & Condenser, conventional Venturi Scrubber and a Gas Absorber.