Gas Scrubbing Nozzles

Gas scrubbing applications clean out the excess gas and other pollutants from exhaust gas streams that are generated from combustion processes. By removing these pollutants, it prevents them from entering the environment and causing health problems for the public. To perform this application, gas scrubbing nozzles are used by spraying liquids and other fluids into the exhaust stream. Learn more about this process, the two types of scrubbers that are commonly used, and how Lechler offers the spray nozzle solutions to fit your operations.

Gas Scrubber Spray Nozzles

Spray nozzles are a vital piece of equipment for gas scrubbers. These nozzles spray liquids either directly into the process stream (open scrubbers) or onto packing materials (packed scrubbers). The purpose is to lower the temperatures of the gas streams that create excess gas while also interacting with the pollutants and chemicals in the stream.

These pollutants become attached to the water droplets and become heavy to the point where they drop out of the gas stream and fall to the ground. Pollutants that are commonly removed include sulfur oxides (SO2), nitrous oxides (NO2), and chemical acids. For other applications, the spray nozzles may remove disinfectants, odors, or particulates that are unwanted in operations.

Types of Nozzles Used for Scrubbers

The types of nozzles used for scrubbers will depend on the type of scrubbing equipment used in the processing facility. Open scrubbers and packed scrubbers are the two most common methods.

1. Open Scrubbers

Open scrubbers involve using chambers that provide a direction for the gas stream to travel. Spray nozzles face directly into the gas stream as they emit water droplets that are sized based on the process application and the types of pollutants that are present. As the gas surrounds the water droplets, the pollutants interact with the water and adhere to it. The pollutants become heavy as gravity causes the contaminants to fall down into a collection chamber. Meanwhile, the filtered gas stream that has been cleaned of the pollutants continues to travel into other processes or is expelled through the exhaust flue.

2. Packed Scrubbers

Packed scrubbers are chambers that have packing material suspended in the middle of the tower. A gas stream is forced through the packed bed distribution materials as gas scrubbing nozzles eject fluids onto the packing materials. The fluid creates a film over the packing materials as the gas has to pass through and interact with the materials. The cleaned gas stream rises up through the materials and proceeds towards downstream processes as the pollutants fall from the packing material and through a drain at the bottom of the scrubber.

Gas Scrubbing Applications

1. Pollution Control

Boiler and combustion applications can produce excess pollutants due to higher temperatures. Gas scrubbers can be used to both cool down equipment to limit the amount of generated gas while also removing the pollutants from that gas stream.

2. Chemical Processing

During chemical processing, acids can be generated and are present in off-gasses. These acids can damage equipment as gas scrubbers are used to remove these acids.

3. Petrochemical Processing

During petrochemical processing, chemical reactions can cause petrochemicals and gas residues to remain in waste streams as spray nozzles are used to remove the pollutants.

Gas Scrubbing Industries

1. Marine Scrubbing

Marine scrubbing is used with naval, commercial, and yacht vessels to clean pollutants from exhaust gasses that are generated from combustion engines.

2. Odor Control

Bad odors can be present in gas streams that can impact the air quality. Both open and packed scrubbers are used for these applications.

3. Wash Water Injection

Wash water is injected into piping components to remove corrosive materials that can degrade equipment and other systems.

4. Venturi Scrubbing

This wet scrubbing process involves providing direct contract with a cleaning agent and the gas to remove particulates. It is used in chemical, petrochemical, and cement industries.

5. Flue Gas Desulphurization

Boilers, furnaces, and other combustion equipment can create SO2 and SO3 sulfur oxides in flue gasses as it is removed with spray nozzles in absorption towers.

Why Choose Lechler for Your Spray Nozzles

Lechler offers hollow cone, full cone, fan, misting, and air atomizing nozzles that can be used for all types of gas scrubbing and fluid injection applications. Our nozzles are engineered to integrate into your existing processes as they are easy to install, conserve water, and provide greater droplet size and distribution control for your operations. Contact us today to learn more.