Air Pollution

What is Air Pollution?

Contamination of the
air by noxious gases
and minute particles
of solid and liquid
matter (particulates)
in concentrations
that endanger health
Lower atmosphere
extends to about
13km above the
surface of the earth
Causes and Sources
Major Causes
High rate of population growth
Urbanisation
Rapid industrialisation
Transportation
Sources
Natural Sources
Man Made Sources

Composition of Atmospheric Air
Clean dry air contains by volume
Nitrogen ~ 78.1%
Oxygen ~ 20.9%
Other gases including CO
2
, Helium,
Argon, Neon, Krypton, Nitrous Oxide
etc ~ 1%

Categories of Air Pollution
Personal exposure of an individual to
dust, fumes, and gases
Occupational exposure of an individual
to aerosols, vapours, and gases in harmful
concentrations in their working or occupational
environment
Community pollution from a variety of
sources and factors which cause adverse
social, economic, and health effects on mans
total environment
Natural Sources
Pollutants include
Oxides of nitrogen from electrical storms
Hydrogen flouride and hydrogen chloride
from volcanic disturbances
Sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide etc from
volcanoes or from the action of sulphide
bacteria
Ozone formed photo chemically or from
electrical discharges
Carbon monoxide from atmospheric
oxidation of methane and formaldehyde

Natural Sources
Dust, aerosols, and suspended particulate
matter (SPM) from natural sources
consisting of
salt particles from sea water
airborne particles from soil and vegetation
dust of meteoric origin
bacterial spores, and pollen
dust, ash, and gases from volcanic action
dust from dust storms
smoke of forest fires
mineral particles from erosion of rocks
SPM and Aerosols
SPM
consists of all atmospheric particles, either
solid or liquid, dispersed in a gaseous
medium
Aerosols
refer to the dispersion of solid or liquid
particles of microscopic size in a gaseous
medium such as smoke, fog, mist etc
(generally solid and liquid particles in the
size range 100 microns down to 0.01
microns or less)
Types of Aerosols
Dust solid particles larger than colloidal particles
that are capable of temporary suspension in air or other
gases (size range ~ 1 to 200 microns)
Smoke finely divided particles resulting from
incomplete combustion or other chemical processes
predominantly carbon particles (~<1micron)
Mist Liquid droplets formed by condensation or
released from industrial operations
Fog
Fumes

Natural Sources
Radioactive natural sources consist
of radioactive minerals in the
earths crust (derived from the
uranium series, thorium series,
and the actinium series) and those
generated by the action of cosmic
rays from the outer space on the
gaseous constituents of the
atmosphere (radon and thoron)
Natural Sources
Atmospheric Reactions
Natural chemical reactions taking place in the lower
atmosphere convert gases or vapours into solids and
liquid products by oxidation, condenstion, and
polymerisation mechanisms
In the upper atmosphere, photochemical reactions
may break down complex molecules by absorption of
high energy UV solar radiation and resultant
oxidation and other reactions
Carbon dioxide gas is released by all forms of life
during respiration
Man Made Sources
Products of combustion of fuel in houses
Exhaust gases from automobiles
Industrial activities eg. Metal smelting,
refining, iron and steel manufacture, oil
refining, chemical and petrochemical
operations, manufacture of pulp and paper
An estimate of dust fall in the most
contaminated areas - ~ 50 to 100tons/sq.km/
month
Man Made Sources
Sulphur Dioxide
Thermal Power stations are the main source
- ~ 40% of the total emission
Annual contribution from combustion of coal
and petroleum products - >20 M tons/yr
Nitrogen Oxides
Combustion of fuels
Major contributor- automobiles
Others include thermal power stations,
industries, households etc
Man Made Sources
Carbon Monoxide
Exhaust of automobiles and coal burning
Incomplete combustion of carbanaceous fuels
~ 500 M tons/yr
Hydrocarbons
from automobile exhausts, smoke of incinerators,
from oil refineries etc
Photochemical Oxidants
Aldehydes
from the combustion of fuel

Classification of Pollutants
Primary pollutants
Emitted directly from identifiable sources
Pollutants from natural or anthropogenic sources in the
atmosphere
Includes particulate matter, suplhur oxides and sulphur
compounds, nitrogen oxides, CO, compounds of
halogens, radioactive compounds, photochemical
oxidants, hydrocarbons etc
Secondary pollutants
Formed as a result of the interaction between two or
more primary pollutants or by reactions with normal
atmospheric constituents generally chemicals very
harmful
Sulphuric acid, ozone, photochemical smog, peroxy
acetyl nitrate

Classification of Pollutants
Stationary Sources (industrial
installations), and Mobile Sources
(automobiles)
Point sources (large stationary sources),
Line sources (mobile sources with definite
route), and Area sources (small
stationary sources like residential buildings
and mobile sources with indefinite route)

Sources of Outdoor Air
Pollution
Combustion of gasoline and
other hydrocarbon fuels in
cars, trucks, and airplanes
Burning of fossil fuels (oil,
coal, and dinosaur bones)
Insecticides
Herbicides
Everyday radioactive fallouts
Dust from fertilizers
Mining operations
Livestock feedlots
Smog
Synchronym of smoke and fog
Types
Photochemical
Air stagnation, abundant sunlight, high concentrations of
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere
Occurs in metros
First observed in LA in the 1940s
Caused by the interaction of some hydrocarbons and
oxidants under the influence of sunlight giving rise to the
dangerous peroxy acteyl nitrate
Coal induced
From burning coal smoke, flyash, suplhur compounds
Occurs in cold climate when calm meteorological
conditions prevail
Whats in Smog
particulates
(especially lead)
hydrocarbons
nitrous oxides
potassium
carbon monoxide
peroxy acetyl nitrate
(PAN)
other toxic chemicals

Ill-effects of Smog
Photochemical Smog
Coughing and soar throat
Irritation of eyes
Kills leaf tissues
Reduces visibility
Degrades rubber, cellulose etc
Coal-induced Smog
Prolonged exposure may cause high mortality rate
among elderly people and those having heart and
lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, asthma,
broncho-pneumonia etc
Smog in London on 8
th
December, 1952 more than
4000 people died due to suffocation

Sources of Indoor Air
Pollution
Efficient insulation
Bacteria
Molds and mildews
Viruses
animal dander and cat saliva
plants
house dust
Mites
Cockroaches
pollen
Effects on the Environment
Acid rain
Ozone layer depletion
Global warming
In human population
respiratory problems,
allergies, and a risk
for cancer

Acid rain
contains high levels of
sulfuric or nitric acids
contaminates drinking
water and vegetation
damages aquatic life
erodes buildings
Alters the chemical
equilibrium of some soils
Status of Particulate Emission
Effects of Air Pollution
Effect on Vegetation
SO
2
severely damages sensitive vegetation
Effect on Human Health
In moderate climates and low altitudes,
excess mortality has been noted among
people with pulmonary and cardiac
problems when SO
2
and SPM concentrations
are high
Also affects visibility in warmer climates
Effects of Air Pollution
CO combines with haemoglobin of
blood, when inhaled, and impairs
transfer of oxygen to tissues - ~20%
carboxyhaemoglobin may cause
headache and lassitude and impair
performance high levels also affect
the cardiovascular system
NO
2
respiratory system diseases
Photochemical oxidants asthma,
irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
Effects of Air Pollution
Effects on Physical Properties of the
Atmosphere
First indication Decrease in Visibility
Also, observations of visibility in polluted areas show
strong directional variations due to scattering and
absorption of light by particles suspended in air, visibility
is lower in the direction of the sun
Other meteorological factors such as inversion, RH, wind
speed and height also affect visibility
Visibility depends on
transmission of light through the atmosphere
ability of the eye to distinguish an object (based on
contrast)
Reduced visibility is related to
Size
Concentration
physical characteristics of the particulate matter in air
Effects of Air Pollution
Affects solar radiation in urban areas, thereby
affecting the urban atmosphere and weather
Solar radiation may be reduced by ~ 30%
City may be 5-10% more cloudy, 100% more
foggy in winter
Fog remains for much longer duration
Frequency of occurrence of fog increase
Affects atmospheric constituents
Steady increase in atmospheric CO
2
Increase in lead concentration
Effects of Air Pollution
Effects on Materials
Mechanisms by which pollutants
deteriorate materials include
Abrasion
Deposition and removal
Direct chemical attack
Indirect chemical attack
Corrosion
Effects of Air Pollution
Meteorological Parameters
Influencing Air Pollution
Dispersion
Primary Parameters
Wind Direction and Speed
Temperature
Atmospheric Stability
Mixing Height
Secondary Parameters
Precipitation
Humidity
Solar Radiation
Visibility

Temperature Inversion
Effective dispersion of pollutants in the
atmosphere depends primarily on
the degree of stability of the atmosphere
depends on the rate of change of ambient
temperature with altitude
In well mixed dry air in the troposphere upto about
10km
Vertical temperature gradient or normal
environmental lapse rate is -6.5
o
/ 1000m

R is the gas constant
for air
n ~ 1.23
R
g
n
n
m
C
dZ
dT 1
1000
5 . 6
0

=
Temperature Inversion
Above the troposphere is
the stratosphere. The
lower part of it has
constant temperature
(n=1) while in the upper
region temperature rises
with altitude
Lapse Rate
Adiabatic
The lapse rate of a parcel of dry air as it
moves upwards in a hydrostatically stable
environment and expands slowly to the
lower environmental pressure without heat
exchange
This is given by


m
C
dZ
dT
1000
86 . 9
0

=
Lapse Rate
Super adiabatic
The prevailing lapse rate or ambient lapse rate or
environmental lapse rate is greater than the dry
adiabatic lapse rate
The rising parcel of air, cooling at adiabatic rate, will
be warmer than and less dense than the surrounding
environment
On a clear summer day, as a result of rapid heating
of the air near the surface of the earth, it becomes
more buoyant and moves upward resulting in
instability
Marked vertical mixing and rapid dispersal of
pollutants
Lapse Rate
Sub adiabatic or Negative
Environmental lapse rate is less than the dry
adiabatic lapse rate
A rising parcel of air becomes cooler and more dense
than the surroundings and tends to fall back to its
original position
The atmospheric condition is stable
A dense cold stratum of air at ground level gets
covered by light warmer air at higher level
Inversion phenomenon vertical air movement
stops and pollution is concentrated beneath the
inversion layer, vertical mixing of pollutants being
restrained occurs in winter and autumn
Inversion
Radiation inversion
Occurs at night, resulting from the normal dirunal
cooling cycle
After sunset, ground looses heat by radiation and cools
the air in contact with it, setting up a temperature
inversion
More common in winter
Inversion is destroyed next morning
Subsidence inversion
The most common type occurring at modest altitudes
and often remains for several days
Associated with subtropical anticyclones (high pressure
area surrounded by a low pressure area)
Inversion
Air is warmed by compression as it descends in a
high pressure system and achieves a temperature
higher than that of the air below
Inversion occurs if temperature increase is sufficient
Air circulating around the area descends slowly
acting as a lid to prevent upward movement of the
contaminants
Inversion height ranges upto ~ 1600m
Extreme pollution reported when this is around
200m
Double inversion
Occurs when the above two occur simultaneously
Plume Behaviour
Plume Path taken by continuous discharge of
gaseous effluents emitted from a stack or
chimney
Shape of the plume and the concentration
distribution of gaseous plumes depends on
localised air stability

Plumes
Looping Plume A common type of plume
behaviour that occurs under super-adiabatic
lapse rate conditions with light to moderate
wind speed on a hot summer afternoon when
large scale thermal eddies are present
Wavy behaviour as it occurs in a highly
unstable atmosphere
High turbulence helps in rapid dispersion of
the plume; however high concentrations may
occur close to the stack if the plume touches
the ground
Plumes
Coning Plume occurs on a cloudy day
or nights with strong winds when the lapse
rate is near neutral
Plume shape is vertically symmetrical about
the plume line
The plume reaches the ground at greater
distance than with looping
Plumes
Fanning Plume occurs under extreme
inversion conditions in the presence of light
wind
Most of the vertical dispersion is suppressed
by extremely stable condition and the flume
fans out in the horizontal direction
Strong concentrations are exhibited at plume
height, downwind of the stack
Often observed in the early morning at all
seasons and at a height
Plumes
Lofting Plume Occurs when there exists
a strong super adiabatic lapse rate above a
surface inversion.
Downward motion and mixing is prevented by
surface inversion
Upward mixing will be quite turbulent and
rapid
Emission will not reach the ground surface
This is one of the major goals of tall stack
operation
Plumes
Fumigating Plume A bad case of
atmospheric dispersion
Conditions for this are just the inverse of that for a
lofting plume
It occurs when an inversion layer exists at a short
distance above the top of the stack and super-adiabatic
conditions prevail below it
The pollutant cannot escape above the top of the stack
and they are brought down rapidly near ground due to
turbulence in the region above the ground and below
the inversion
This condition is generally of short duration ( ~ 30
minutes)
It is favoured by clean skies and light winds
More common in summer
Plumes
Trapping Plume bad condition for
disperion
The plume is caught in between two inversion
layers
The plume can neither go up nor down
Diffusion of the effluent will be severely
restricted to the unstable layer between the
two stable regions
Air Pollution Control Methods
and Equipment
Proper planning of industrial areas (eg.
Zoning)
Dilution of source discharge using tall
stacks
Source correction methods like
Changes in raw materials
Process changes
Modification or replacement of equipment
Using controlling equipments to reduce
pollutant discharge at the source
Industrial Zoning
Air pollution control - lack of proper planning
during urbanisation and industrialisation is a major problem
Exclusive Zoning System allows only
compatible uses within each zone, excluding all other uses
(eg. a separate zone is set aside for industries residential
and industrial areas in a city are not located too close to
one another green belt in between them etc)
Zoning for Industries
Based on functional requirement inter industry
linkages, railway sidings etc
Based on performance characteristics traffic
congestion; hazardous nature; industrial nuisance such
as dust, noise, smoke, odour, heat, fire etc. Relatively
neat industries are kept away from other industries
Industrial Zoning
Factors to be considered
Type of industry or factory
Factory size
No. of workers
Distance over which nuisance produced would be
severe
Classification
Group I small industries which can be located in
the fringes of towns or cities
Group II cottage and small scale industries
indulging in artistic or creative production may be
located within the town/city
Group III industries with high pollution potential

Industrial Zonation in
India
Varies from city to city
Delhi 6 zones with no provision for heavy
and large industries in the urban areas
Bombay 4 zones small repairing and light
manufacturing units (permitted even in
residential areas), service industrial zone,
special industrial zone, and general industrial
zone
Bangalore Light, medium, and heavy
Dilution of Source Discharge
Using Tall Stacks
Atmosphere too has self cleansing properties
Pollutants need to be discharged judiciously
into the environment so that effective
dispersion takes place
Pollutants shall be taken to high altitudes by
means of tall stacks so that their
concentration is reduced by dispersion and
dilution
Height of the stack is so fixed that the
maximum concentration of the pollutant at
ground level (varies inversely with the square
of the stack height) is within permissible limits
Stack Design
For a continuous single emission source, based on
Ficks Law, the concentration of the pollutant for
turbulent transport of gas or aerosols (< 20 microns)
is given by




If the ground level concentration is required only in
the downwind horizontal direction (y=0)

( ) ( )
(

+ =
|
.
|

\
| +

|
.
|

\
|
|
.
|

\
|

2 2
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
, , ,
2
Z Z
y
H z H z
y
z y
H z y x
e e e
u
Q
C
o o
o
o o t
2
2
1
, 0 , 0 ,
2
|
.
|

\
|

=
Z
H
z y
H x
e
u
Q
C
o
o o t
Stack Design
C = concentration of pollutant (g/cu.m)
Q = Pollutant emission rate (g/s)
u = mean wind speed (m/s) at height h
H = effective height of stack
x, y = downwind and crosswind horizontal distances
(m)
z = level of computation of concentration (m)
are plume standard deviation in crosswind
and vertical direction respectively (m)
y y
and o o
Stack Design
Graphical profile of ground level
concentration
Maximum ground level
concentration (~ at a distance 5 to
10 times the stack height) should
be substantially below the
requirement of ambient air quality
Otherwise, stack height has to be
increased


( )
x with t cons is provided
H
when
H e u
Q
C
y
z
z
y
z
H x
tan ,
2
2
2
, , 0 , 0 , max
o
o
o
o
o
t
=
=
Stack Design
Objectives of Stack
To prevent reentry of smoke into the
industry/ factory building
To provide natural draft for combustion
To disperse the pollutant into the
atmosphere
Ratio of stack exit velocity to wind velocity >
1.5 to allow effluent to break cleanly from the
stack and prevent downwash
Height of the stack ~ 2.5 times the height of
the surrounding building
Stack Height Indian Practice
For chimney emitting particulate
matter
H=74 (Q
p
)
0.27
H = height of chimney
Q
p
=particulate matter emission (t/h)
For chimney emitting SO
2
H=14(Q
s
)
033
Q
s
= SO
2
emission (kg/h)

Stack Height Indian Practice
Values obtained using the above equations shall
be subject to the following minimum values
Chimneys for industries in general (except TPS) -
30m
For TPS upto 500 MW capacity - 220m
For TPS >500 MW capacity - 275m
For boilers generating steam @less than 2t/h- 9m
For boilers generating steam @ >30t/h- 30m
For boilers of intermediate capacity- 9 to 30m
For DG sets, minimum stack height shall be 1.5 to
3.5m more than the height of the building and shall be
worked out as
h=h +0.2 (capacity in KVA)
Where h= height of building
Briggs Formula
IS: 8829-1978
For hot effluents with heat release of
the order of 10
6
cal/s or more

( )
( )
( )
( ) m rise plume h
s m speed wind u
m stack of height h
s cal in release heat Q
u
Q
h h
H
H
= A
=
=
=
+ = A
/
/
09 . 0 4 . 12 84 . 0
4
1
Briggs Formula
For not very hot releases

( )
( ) m diameter exit stack d
s m velocity af f lux V
u
d V
h
=
=
= A
/
3
0
0
Data For Stack Design
Gas temperature and pressure range
Rate of emission
Type of emission such as dust, fume, mist, gas etc
Concentration of pollutant
Discharge velocity of stack
Composition of gas
Particle size distribution
Vertical temperature profile
Mean mixing depth
Stability class
Direction and velocity of wind
Relationship of stack to adjoining structures
Draft required at the flue opening to the stack
Control by source correction
Change in raw materials
eg. Low sulphur fuel in place of high sulphur fuel
Removal of non essential ingredients (for the process)
which may be contributing to pollution
Process modification
eg. Use of exhaust hoods and ducts over some types of
industrial ovens recovery of solvents that could have
become pollutants
VOC recovery
Equipment modification or replacement
Replacement of old equipment by new equipment
Proper maintenance of equipment
INTRODUCTION TO
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
Air Pollution Control Equipment
While selecting the device for a specific
problem, look at
Carrier gas characteristics pressure, dew
point, density, viscosity, temperature etc
Operational factors head room, floor space,
corrosion service requirement etc
Process factors allowable pressure drop,
gas flow rate, collection efficiency
requirement, allowable pressure drop etc
Particulate characteristics shape, density,
stickiness, corrosiveness, size, toxicity,
electrical conductivity etc
IMPORTANT PROPERTIES
PARTICULATE CONTROL
Size
Volatility
Shape/texture
Concentration
Gas flow


Gaseous Pollutants
Adsorption
Absorption
Condensation
Combustion

Dust collection devices
Divided into three categories
based on collection efficiency,
capacity, and operation mode
Internal Separators
Wet collection devices
Electrostatic precipitators
Internal Separators
Manufactured in various sizes and
shapes
Common types
Louver collector
Fabric filter
Gravity settling chamber
Cyclone
Louver Separator
Principle - Sudden
change in the direction of gas
stream higher inertia of
dust particles cannot
suddenly change direction
dust is separated out
Consists of several blades set
at angles to the flow path of
the gas stream which forces
a quick change in the
direction of the gas stream
Dust particles separated out
and collected in the bed of
the collectors bottom


Particulates


Gas Inflow Gas Inflow
Gas Outflow
Particulates
Filter Bags
Fabric Filters
Fabric Filters
Mechanisms of collection inertial impaction,
interception, diffusion, sedimentation, and
electrostatic separation
When dusty gas passes over the fabric surface,
streamlines of the gas diverge, whereas dust
particles are attached to the fabric due to inertia
Particles following the gas stream may be
intercepted by the fabric
Particles undergoing Brownian motion diffuse to the
fabric
Sedimentation occurs at low velocities and when
particle sizes are large
Dust collection due to electrostatic charges have also
been noticed
Fabric Filters
An important parameter in design air to
cloth ratio
Low ratio bag filters 7 to 25
High ratio bag filters 25 to 50
Dust laden gas enters through the bottom of
the hopper heavy particles settle due to
gravity particles are deposited on the inner
side of the fabric when gas passes through
them cleaning by passing compressed air in
the opposite direction
Fabric Nylon, Teflon, Nomex, Dacron, Wool,
Glass etc
Fabric Filters
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
- High collection efficiency
- Operation for variety of dust types
- Modular in design
- Operates over wide range of flow rates
- Reasonably low pressure drop
Disadvantages:
- Large floor areas
- Fabrics harmed by high temps, corrosive chemicals
- Cant operate in moist environment
- Potential for fire or explosion
Gravity Settling Chambers
Gravity Settling Chambers
An enclosed chamber wherein the velocity of
the dust laden gas is considerably reduced
particles settle by gravity
Horizontal gas velocity may be kept as low as
possible to allow streamlined flow
Gas velocities ~ 0.30 to 3 m/s
Particles coarser than 40 microns settle in this
range


Settling chambers
Fast Flow
Slow Flow
Particulates
GAS
GAS
Particulates
Cyclone
Works on the principle of separating the particles from
the gas by transforming the inlet gas velocity into a
double vortex
The gas entering the cyclone spirals down the inner
surface and then spirals up at the central portion of the
cyclone
Dust particles tend to concentrate on the surface of the
cyclone wall due to inertia and are led to the receiver
Efficiency increases with
Inlet velocity of the dust laden gas when there is no
agglomeration
Diameter of the dust particle
Density of the dust particles
Dust concentration in the gas
Smoothness of the inner wall of the cyclone

Cyclone


Particulates
Cyclone Separators
Gas Inflow
Gas Outflow
Particulates
CYCLONE
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
- Less expensive
- No moving parts
- Withstand harsh conditions
- Can operate in a wide range of conditions
Disadvantages:
- Only moderately efficient
- High operating costs due to pressure drop
Wet Collection Devices
Removes dust particles from gas by wetting
particles with a liquid droplet diffusion or
condensation or impinging the wetted or
unwetted particles on a collecting surface and
then cleaning them by a flush of liquid
Common wet collection devices
Cyclonic scrubbers
Spray chambers
Venturi scrubbers
Packed towers
Cyclonic Scrubbers
Also called wet cyclones
Generally, particulate matter is seperated
using centrifugal force and impingement of
water at the entrance
The moisture elimination section consists of
zig-zag plates
Water requirement ~ 2 to 50 l/ 40l of gas
Gas flow rate ~ 2000 l/min
Removal particles of size 5 microns and
above


Particulates
Water
Wastewater & Particulates
Gas Inflow Gas Outflow
Scrubber
WET SCRUBBERS
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
- Handle flammable and explosive dust
- Gas absorption and dust collection
- Handle mists
- Cooling of hot gases
- Handle corrosive gases and dust
Disadvantages:
- High corrosion potential
- Liquid waste stream
- Freezing protection needed
- No recycling of particulate
- High energy costs
Venturi Scrubbers
Can clean about 4000 l
of gas/min
Consists of a venturi
throat through which
carrier gas pushes at a
velocity of 3400 to
12600 m/min
The scrubbing liquid,
usually water is added in
the direction of flow of
gas at the throat at the
rate of ~ 0.3-1.5 l/ l of
gas
Efficiency can be as high
as 99%

Spray Chambers
A simple gravity
settling chamber
with sprays of
liquid
Fine water spray
washes the gas
and dust settles
as sludge in the
sludge tank
Packed Towers
For cleaning air and gases
Dust laden gas is passed upward through the
bed of the collecting material
Liquid flows down through the bed, keeping it
clean, and preventing re-entrainment of the
deposited particles
Collecting surface area should be large
Materials used in the collecting surface should
have low density, resistant to corrosion, and
chemically inert
Pressure drop remains constant
Sludge shall be properly disposed of
Electrostatic Precipitator
Can be applied to a great variety of problems with
efficiencies as high as 99.99%
Capacities upto about 2,00,000 l/min
Temperatures upto 600 deg C
Pressure drop is very low ~ 6 to 10 mm of water
Dirty gas is allowed to pass through narrow, vertical gas
passages formed by parallel rows of grounded collecting
electrodes
Electrically insulated high voltage wires are spaced
precisely on the centre lines of each passage thereby
causing dirt gas to pass between the high voltage wires
and the grounded plates
Electrostatic Precipitator
Operational principle
Ionisation of gas
Dust charging dust particles get negatively charged
because the negatively charged ions collide with
them
Precipitation of dust negatively charged dust
particles are driven by electrical forces to the
positively charged grounded plate and held to them
goes on accumulating to form a thick layer
As the thickness of the dust layer increases more
than 6mm, electrical attraction becomes weak
efficiency of the ESP comes down a sharp rap
causes the dust layer to shear away agglomerates
are collected in hoppers
Electrostatic Precipitator


Particulates
Particulates
Electric Plates
Gas Inflow
Gas Outflow
Electrostatic Precipitators
ESPs
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
- High efficiencies for small particles
- Large gas volumes with low pressure drops
- Dry collection of valuable materials
- Wet collection of fumes or mists
- Low operating costs
Disadvantages:
- High capital costs
- No control of gaseous emissions
- Inflexible to changing operating conditions
- Large space requirements
- Resistivity problems
EFFICIENCY
PARTICULATE CONTROLS
EFFICIENCY (%)
CONTROL 5 m 2 m 1 m
CYCLONE (MED EFF) 30 15 10
CYCLONE (HIGH EFF ) 75 50 30
ESP 99 95 85
BAGHOUSE 99.8 99.5 99
SCRUBBER 99.7 99 97
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
GASES AND VAPORS
SO
X
, NO
X
, VOCs, HAPs, CO
VOC methods - function of inlet VOC
concentration
- Thermal incineration
- Catalytic incineration
- Carbon adsorption w/ incineration
- Condensation
- Absorption
SO
x
CONTROL METHODS
Desulfurization (Coal cleaning)
Low sulfur fuel
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD)
- dry or wet processes
(activated carbon adsorption/
Water absorption)
- Regenerative processes
(REINLUFT PROCESS)
Control of sulphur oxides (SO
x
)

Flue gas
desulphurization
Flue gas
desulphurization
facilities, cause
SO
x
in flue gas to
react with lime
and thereby
removes it (the
wet limestone-
gypsum process)

NO
x
CONTROL METHODS
Thermal NO
x
vs. fuel NO
x

combustion modifications
- low NO
x
burners
- flue gas recirculation
- staged combustion
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
Selective Noncatalytic Reduction
(SNCR)
Control of nitrogen oxides (NO
x
)
Flue gas denitrification
facilities
Flue gas denitrification
facilities inject ammonia
into flue gas containing
NO
x
, promote a chemical
reaction through the
effects of a catalyst, and
degrade NO
x
into N
2
and
H
2
O (ammonia-based
selective catalytic
reduction)
SYSTEM DESIGN FACTORS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
Most important step is accurate source characterization!!
Parameters
- Pollutant concentrations
- Flow rate
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Moisture, oxygen and heat content
- Corrosiveness
- Explosivity
- Particle size distribution
- Molecular weight
- Vapor pressure
- Solubility
- Adsorptive properties
- Reactivity
ADDITIONAL DESIGN FACTORS

Site specific
- Operation schedule of source
- Utilities
- Space constraints
- Workforce skill levels
- Disposal costs and options
Waste minimization practices
Cost considerations
- Capital costs
- Annual costs
- Disposal costs
- Installation costs
- Testing and permitting costs
MOBILE EMISSIONS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
Pollutants
- Metals
- Hydrocarbons
- NOx
- SOx
- Particulates
Variety of methods
- Clean fuels
- Engine design
- Catalytic converters
- Reduction of miles traveled
- I&M programs