Vapor from sulfuric acid is a primary pollutant produced during the process of zinc manufacturing. Sulfuric acid vapors are not vapors, but fine mist or aerosol in a working atmosphere; that can be explained by their low vapor pressure and hygroscopic properties. The mist mainly originates from the electrolyte that consists of a solution of zinc sulfate and sulfuric acid. The bubbles that form on the surface of the solution release an acid mist after bursting.
Sulfuric acid is not only detrimental to zinc production but is also dangerous to human health. Sulfuric acid irritates the mucous epithelium of the respiratory system, causes irritation and inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, and abundant production of mucous in the bronchial tree. Exposure to sulfuric acid vapors is associated with an increased risk of laryngeal cancer. Therefore, pollution control during zinc production is essential to reduce sulfuric acid vapor concentrations.
It is widely accepted that wet air scrubbing is one of the most effective ways of removing pollutants from the air. Most wet air scrubbers can work with both vapors and particulate matter. Scroiler™ – a new type of wet air scrubber – is already used in sulfuric acid vapor absorption at the zinc production plant in Kazakhstan. Scroiler™ has proven to be more effective than other types of wet air scrubbers, namely a venturi scrubber, with air treatment quality being 10% higher than that of the competitors.
To remove sulfuric acid vapor, both water and NaOH or KOH may be used:
- Water may be used when the level of sulphuric mist present in the air is low. Water is used to effectively scrub the air and remove dangerous sulfuric acid vapor.
- If the volume of acid vapor in the air is high, NaOH or KOH are used instead of water. This allows for a more effective way of neutralizing acid. The ability to reuse the cleaning solution is the most notable aspect of Scroiler™. NaOH or KOH solutions are used over and over until most of the solution becomes alkaline, in which case a fresh solution is added to the scrubber.
The ability to utilize both water and other chemical compounds provides zinc manufacturers with effective way of air pollution control.
Scroiler™ produces the cleaning mist differently from other scrubber systems, which results in running costs that are much lower than for a common wet air scrubber. Scroiler™ is compact, eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and economical.
If you would like to purchase Scroiler™, please contact us at info@optromix.com.