Managing Emissions with Wet Scrubbers

Emissions of toxic and corrosive exhaust fumes from chemical fume hoods can pose significant threats to the environment and human well-being. Fortunately, contemporary advancements provide us with effective means to curtail the release of harmful fumes into the air. A viable solution involves the utilization of wet fume scrubbers in total exhaust chemical fume hoods. This article delves into the role of wet scrubbers and their part in mitigating exhaust fumes.

What Is A Wet Scrubber?

Wet scrubbers are used for air pollution control when water-soluble chemicals are being manipulated and exhausted into the environment by employing water or other liquids to extract pollutants from the exhaust gases produced during industrial processes. They are adept at capturing a range of particulate matter, including dust, smoke, mist, and fumes, as well as gaseous contaminants such as acid gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Subsequently, they prove particularly effective in managing emissions from chemical fume hood activities.

Wet Scrubbers & Air Pollution Control

The functionality of wet scrubbers revolves around guiding exhaust gases through a chamber filled with water, where they interact with a fine mist of liquid droplets. These droplets adhere to the particles within the gas stream, causing them to settle out. This phenomenon, often referred to as "scrubbing," mirrors a sponge-like action that absorbs pollutants before they can be discharged into the atmosphere. An additional advantage stems from the potential to recycle some of these captured particulates for alternate applications or their proper disposal in line with local regulations.

Once pollutants have been successfully extracted from the airstream through wet scrubbing, proper collection and disposal in accordance with local laws become essential. Nonetheless, this process is considerably simpler compared to addressing emissions that have already entered the environment. It removes the necessity for costly cleanup protocols or fines linked to environmental pollution and health hazards triggered by elevated levels of airborne chemicals or toxins.

Fume Hood Solution: AirMax® with Mistline™ Wet Scrubber

At AirClean Systems, our AirMax® Fume Hood presents a comprehensive remedy for reducing exhaust contaminations from escaping during analytical experiment manipulation that results in the elimination of potential environmental exposure to corrosive acidic fumes. Polluted air passes through the wet scrubber's water-washed contact media prior to release. The water utilized in the scrubbing procedure is collected in a holding tank and recirculated. For further enhancement, an elective pH dosing mechanism can be incorporated to counterbalance acids trapped during scrubbing.

AirMax® Features:

  • Vertical sliding safety glass sash
  • FlowSmooth™ airfoil on sash lip promotes consistent laminar airflow
  • Thermoplastic construction is resistant to gases being scrubbed, flame retardant polypropylene interior
  • Direct-mount to fume hood exhaust — eliminates contaminated ductwork between the fume hood and scrubber
  • Scrubber holding tank with recirculating pump (located inside base cabinet)
  • Optional automatic pH dosing system
  • Washdown baffling system for Perchloric Acid handling
  • AirMax® microprocessor controller
  • Integral vapor-proof LED lighting

Wet scrubbers present a powerful strategy for mitigating detrimental emissions arising from chemical fume hood operations, concurrently safeguarding human health and the ecosystem. By incorporating wet scrubbers into total exhaust chemical fume hoods, compliance with local regulatory thresholds becomes attainable, offering reassurance that proactive steps are taken to preserve the planet.

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