The design of the wet scrubber depends on the target contaminants. Because air pollutants vary in many ways, including size, shape and charge, they are captured differently.

Wet scrubber height

Wet scrubber height dimensions can vary depending on target contaminants and efficiency goals. This factor affects the time the gas stream is in contact with the solvent liquid, resulting in more efficient particle absorption. Depending on the application in question, packed bed wet scrubbers can be between 50% and 95% efficient. These scrubber types are very resistant to inorganic fumes, gases and odors.

Type of washing liquid

Another variable is the composition of the solvent. Acidic contaminants require caustic scrubbing fluids, and corrosive contaminants require acidic scrubbing fluids. The charge of a solvent affects the contaminants it attracts and binds. Depending on the pollutants produced by the facility, different solvents will prove to be the most effective.

Liquid flow rate

Liquid flow rate, also known as liquid-to-gas ratio, is the ratio of solvent liquid to gas after treatment. Higher liquid flow rates increase efficiency because the volume of droplets in a given cross-section is greater. More solvent means more contaminants are captured, at least in part. Wet scrubbers with high liquid flow rates may be required if the facility produces relatively high levels of air pollutants.

Target gas velocity

The target gas velocity is an important factor. The rate at which the contaminated gas passes through the wet scrubber system affects the efficiency of contaminant collection. Higher levels of inertia result in more collisions and impacts, which can lead to trapping of contaminants. Depending on the particle in question, different velocities are required. Higher speeds require more force and therefore more energy, so high-speed wet scrubbers can be more expensive to purchase and operate.