Topic outline

  • Air Pollution Control: Wet Scrubbers

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    A wet scrubber is an air pollution control device that removes PM and acid gases from waste gas streams of stationary point sources. The pollutants are removed primarily through the impaction, diffusion, interception and/or absorption of the pollutant onto droplets of liquid. The liquid containing the pollutant is then collected for disposal. There are numerous types of wet scrubbers which remove both acid gas and particulate matter (PM).

    This course addresses the design and cost of wet scrubbers for control of PM10 and PM2.5. (PM10 as particle matter having a nominal aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometer (μm) or less.
    (PM2.5 is defined as PM less than or equal to 2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter. In general, “coarse PM” refers to PM10 while “fine” PM refers to PM2.5.)

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Wet Scrubber Systems
    • Process Description
    • Capture Mechanisms
    • Scrubber Types
    • Spray, Cyclonic Spray, and Tray Towers
    • Dynamic, Venturi, and Orifice Scrubbers
    • Other Designs
    • Configuration and Operation of Venturi Scrubbers
    • Liquid Storage and Delivery System
    • Liquid Injection System
    • Collection Chamber and Mist Eliminator
    • Waste Liquid Collection and Disposal
    • Auxiliary Equipment
    • Design Parameters, and System Performance
    • Liquid-to-Gas Ratio
    • Velocity and Pressure Drop
    • Particle Size Distribution and Loading
    • Waste Gas Flow Rate, Temperature, and Humidity
    • Residence Time
    • Droplet Size
    • System Design
    • PM Distribution and Loading
    • Collection Efficiency
    • Waste Gas Properties
    • Psychrometric Chart

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Environmental, Mechanical, Construction, Civil, Electrical, and other engineers whose job description requires a general knowledge of air quality control of airborne particulate matter.
    Publication Source: Environmental Protection Agency

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1