AIR SCRUBBER

1.0

OBJECTIVE

1.1 To understand the system and the working principle of air scrubber system 1.2 To study the relationship between water and pollutant flow rate changes and their effect on pressure drop of air scrubber 1.3 To demonstrate and stimulate / generate dust pollution and measure the dust pollution index (NTU) 1.4 To study the effect of water flow rate on separation efficiency

2.0

INTRODUCTION

Air scrubbers are a reliable method to remove airborne gaseous contaminants from any indoor area. Many manufacturing plants, businesses, workshops and even homes use air scrubbers. There are two processes which an air scrubber can utilize to clean the air of gaseous contaminants. The first process commonly used with an air scrubber is called adsorption. Adsorption is a process in which one substance is drawn to and stuck on the surface of another. The words adsorbent and adsorbate relate to the act of capturing molecules. The adsorption process can be done easily when a material uses attractive force to overcome the kinetic energy of a gas molecule.

A more clear example of how adsorption works is the way cigarette smoke is absorbed quickly into a car's interior lining. It's really incredible how the gas molecules of the cigarette can leave the air and go into the car's interior lining. When you enter a vehicle of a smoker you always can tell immediately that they smoke because of the gas molecules held fast in the vehicle's interior lining. Air scrubbers adsorption process works much in the same way as the cigarette smoke in the car does. Instead of interior lining adsorption uses granular activated carbons (GAC's) or sorbents such as activated aluminas to attract gas molecules. An air scrubber also uses the a resistance to airflow, the adsorbent bed depth, temperature, gas velocity, and the characteristics of the contaminants which need to be cleaned out of the air to more effectively rid the air of gaseous contaminants. The adsorption process is one of methods an air scrubber utilizes to clean the air of pollutants.

Another process an air scrubber can use to remove airborne gaseous contaminants from the air is called chemisorption. Chemisorption consists of adsortpion and irreversible chemical

reactions. Most adsorbent materials do not eliminate all gases equally. It can be ineffective at time if you are seeking complete removal of pollutants. Chemisorption improves on the adsorbent process by incorporating various chemicals into the equation. During the chemisorption process certain chemicals are mixed with the less-adsorbable gases which reacts by forming a new more stable chemical compound. These new chemical compounds are bound to the application as organic or inorganic salts. This new compound is sometimes released back into the air as CO or water vapor. Chemisorption is the result of various chemical reactions on the surface of the adsorbent.

It is a two stage process. The adsorbates are physically adsorbed onto the adsorbent. Then they chemically react to the adsorbent and a chemical impregnant is added into the mix. The most common chemical impregnant used during this method of an air srubber is potassium permanganate. The chemisorption process of an air scrubber can effectively help clean the air of gaseous contaminants such as toxic gases, corrosive gases, irritant gases, odorous gases, and (ETS) environmental tobacco smoke. The air scrubber process you select to use it totally up to you and your air cleaning requirements.

THE VENTURI SCRUBBER

One of the main types of wet scrubber is venturi scrubber. Generally, venturi scrubber accelerates the contaminated gas stream to improve atomization and contact between the gas and scrubbing liquid. It can efficiently remove both gaseous and particulate contaminant, of the particle size ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 m. Thus, it is very effective in removal submicron particulates associated with fumes and smokes.

Venturi scrubber is divided into 3 section, which is converging section, throat, and diverging section. In particulate emission control, the contaminated gas stream is fed to the converging section. The gas is force to accelerate when it flows thru the throat section, as the duct narrows and its area decreases (obeying Bernoulli equation). In the venturi throat, both velocity and turbulence gas increases. A scrubbing liquid spray is injected in the throat. The scrubbing liquid is then atomized, forming small particles or fine droplets, by the high gas velocity and turbulences. The liquid droplets formed collide with particulates in the gas stream and their interaction is increased.

The inlet stream exits through diverging section, where the mixtures decelerates and slow down. Further impacts and interactions cause droplets to agglomerate. The particulates with scrubbing liquid will be separated by entrainment, which normally is left to fall to the bottom

for later removal. While clean gas stream is directed upwards through cyclonic separator to be release to the atmosphere.

4.0

PROCEDURE

Pre-procedure 1. The LS-32106 Air Scrubber Apparatus was placed on a level floor. 2. The Apparatus was connected to the 3 phase 440 VAC 50 Hz power supply. 3. A water hose from the water supply was connected to the inlet port of the water tank. The water tank was filled with clean water. The outlet port of the water tank was made sure to be fully closed. 4. The plastic collecting tank was ensured to be placed in right below the separating chamber. A hose from the plastic collecting tank was connected to the laboratory drain. 5. The air blower inlet valve was ensured to be fully opened. 6. The feed tank inlet valve and feed tank outlet valve was ensured to be fully closed. 7. The water pump by-pass valve was ensured to be fully opened. 8. The dust feeding tank was filled with the desired sample test of the product. 9. The main power supply and the power supply to the apparatus were switched ON. The MCB/ELCB of the apparatus was ensured to be switched ON.

Effect of water and air flow changes in air scrubber 1. The air blower was switched OFF by pressing the STOP button at the frequency inverter. 2. The water pump was switched OFF by pressing the water pump OFF button. 3. The pollution index (NTU) of the water in the tank was measured by using a turbidity meter. 4. The feed tank outlet valve and feed tank inlet valve was made sure to be fully opened. 5. The air blower inlet valve was closed slowly to the half. 6. The air blower was switched ON by pressing a RUN button at the frequency inverter. The speed of air was adjusted to 2 Hz by pressing the and button. 7. The top of the separating chamber was kept in view. Any pollution air escape from the top of the chamber was observed. 8. The water pump was switched ON by pressing the water pump ON button. 9. The water pump by-pass valve was closed slowly. The water flow meter was kept in view. The by-pass valve was stopped closing when the flow rate reached 5 LPM. 10. The pollution index (NTU) of the air at the water drained out from the water separation chamber was measured by using a turbidity meter. 11. This measurement was stated to the table provided. This step was repeated for the speed of the air of 4, 6, 8 and 10 Hz. 12. The graph of the initial pollution index (NTU) against speed of air (Hz) for all different cases was plotted. The finding was stated and discussed.

5.0

RESULT

Before experiment:

Water in Water Tank

Pollution Index, (NTU) 5.99

Dust Pollution Measurement Pollution Index (NTU) of water drain out from separation chamber.

Speed, (Hz) 2 4 6 8 10 Turbidity, (NTU)

Water Flow Rate, (5 LPM) PM1 PM2.5 PM7 PM10 TSP 0.017 0.027 0.031 0.042 0.090 0.017 0.021 0.069 0.105 0.170 0.001 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.030 0.076 0.076 0.076 0.079 0.019 0.035 0.036 0.036 0.056 13.53

Water Flow Rate, (10 LPM) PM1 PM2.5 PM7 PM10 TSP 0.016 0.045 0.151 0.172 0.200 0.016 0.024 0.024 0.024 0.024 0.013 0.016 0.017 0.017 0.017 0.009 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.015 0.008 0.009 0.009 0.009 0.009 15.6

*Error-Flow meter is not accurate during experiment.

6.0

DISCUSSION

1. From the experiment, two tables were constructed based from the data and parameters measured. It is noticed that at higher flow rate (10 LPM), the measured PM values decreases as compared to at 5 LPM. 2. It is also noticed that in both flow rates, the slower the speed of dust emitted, the higher the PM values obtained, in any size (the highest reading would be at the speed of 2 Hz & flow rate of 10 LPM, where the PM10 reads at 0.172 ) 3. The PM reader also being set to read at various points of time, and was not consistent throughout the experiment. The device takes 120 seconds (2 minutes) to analyze and issue out its readings. 4. However, at 10 LPM the turbidity is higher (15.6 NTU) as compared to flow rate 5 LPM (13.53 NTU). 5. Based from the graph plotted, it is found that the readings obtained from the 5 LPM flow rate (Figure 5.1) shows lower amount of PM mass as compared to the one in 10 LPM flow rate. 6. The readings in Figure 5.2 also show slight differences with each other for 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz, 8 Hz and 10 Hz of dust emission speed. In contrast with Figure 5.1, where the readings are mostly consistent but displays an array of values, different to one another. 7. The flow meter was also found to be not very accurate. Each time the device is switched off and on, the flow meter experiences slight difference in reading. 8. The dust emitted is harmful to the lungs, therefore the experiment was conducted with facemasks on. Previously the experiment was demonstrated to see how the water and dust flows in the apparatus, and the chamber containing the materials was leaking and dust was dispersed throughout the laboratory.

7.0

CONCLUSION

The objective of the experiment was to understand the system and the working principle of air scrubber system, to study the relationship between water and pollutant flow rate changes and their effect on pressure drop of air scrubber, to demonstrate and stimulate / generate dust pollution and measure the dust pollution index (NTU) and also to study the effect of water flow rate on separation efficiency. Based from the findings obtained from the experiment, the air scrubber was found to be a relatively simple apparatus. It was meant to demonstrate the relation between the speed of pollutant emitted into the atmosphere and how much of water flow rate required to be optimum enough to trap all the particulate matter released. Hence, the experiment was to detail out and study the relation by running the test in different flow rates and emission speed. The dust pollution index was also able to be measured and the turbidity of water collected after each test was run. In general, air scrubber is normally used in the industry for filtering and limiting the amount of particulate matter released into atmosphere, as a byproduct or result from their activities. With this experiment, we are able to understand how does the air scrubber work and the relevance of measuring the amount of particulate matter released in accordance with the definition in the Environmental Quality Act 1974 regarding the issue.

8.0 QUESTION

1. Explain the working principle of the air scrubber. An air scrubber is a device that is used to remove particles, gases, or chemicals from the air within a given area. While most air filtration systems of this type are designed to handle only one of these types of pollutants, there are a few industrial air cleaners that will handle two and even all three contaminants. Most scrubbers are configured to complete at least six cycles of operation each hour, helping to keep the air in the space free of any type of contamination. Like most air filtration systems, an air scrubber makes use of purification filters that help to remove contaminants as the air within the space is circulated through the system. Several times each hour, the scrubber draws the contaminated air from the space while simultaneously pumping in fresh air that is free of gases, chemicals, or airborne particles. Many designs call for the inclusion of high efficiency particle air filters, commonly known as HEPA filters. These filters are capable of capturing a considerable amount of contaminants, making them more efficient than many other types of filters. In addition, a good quality HEPA filter does not have to be changed as often as other filters, a quality that many consumers find attractive.

The size and complexity of an air scrubber system will depend on the size of the space that the unit will service, as well as the range and type of contaminants that must be removed from the area. Some air scrubbing systems can be installed with ease, while others may require some alterations to the building in order to assure maximum efficiency. A qualified builder can evaluate the area where the air scrubber will be installed, and make recommendations on the size and type of equipment necessary to keep the air clean on a continuous basis.

2. List down the application of air scrubber system and where can it be found in the industry.

Air scrubber as an essential part of workplace safety equipment is to remove gases from the air within a space. This can be especially helpful in laboratories and other facilities where fumes are common. The effective fumes control of the right scrubber significantly reduces exposure to gases that over time could have a detrimental impact on the health of anyone working in the area. In any facility where airborne contaminants are common, the use of an air scrubber is one of the best ways to protect the health of the employees. For example, workers in a textile plant are constantly exposed to airborne particles that come from the fibers used to weave different types of materials. The right air scrubber will make particle control much more effective than simply providing employees with face masks, and decrease the potential for the bronchial condition known as white lung.

3. List down five (5) each for advantages and disadvantages of using Venturi Scrubber units.

Venturi Scrubber Units:

Advantage Can handle flammable and explosive dust With little risk Can handle mist Relatively low maintenance Simple in design and easy to install Collection efficiency can be varied Provide cooling for hot gases Corrosive gases and dust can be neutralized. -

Disadvantage Effluent liquid can create water pollution problem Waste product collected wet High potential for corrosion problems Protection against freezing required Off gas may require reheating to avoid visible plume Disposal of waste sludge may be very expensive.

4. Discuss the finding from the graph obtained.

Based from the graph plotted, it is found that the readings obtained from the 5 LPM flow rate (Figure 5.1) shows lower amount of PM mass as compared to the one in 10 LPM flow rate. The readings in Figure 5.2 also show slight differences with each other for 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz, 8 Hz and 10 Hz of dust emission speed. In contrast with Figure 5.1, where the readings are mostly consistent but displays an array of values, different to one another. The flow meter was also found to be not very accurate. Each time the device is switched off and on, the flow meter experiences slight difference in reading. The difference is due to the evident fact that the smaller the water particles dispersed, the larger the surface area hence more particulate matter is able to be absorbed into the droplets. However the difference may be influenced with various factors, such as water flow rate and speed of emission (in this experiment), wind speed, temperature and more if it was to be dispersed in the atmosphere.