Unit 4 Control of Gaseous Contaminants

Bio Filters
Adsorption (or) Absorption
Adsorption (or) Absorption

Adsorption (or) Absorption

 Absorption

Effective method to reduce the level of gaseous pollutant from

industrial effluent gases

Effluent gases are passed through the absorbers which contain

liquid absorbents that remove the one (or) more of the gaseous
pollutants in the gas stream
 Efficiency of Absorption Process depend on

Scrubbing agent

• High gas solubility

• Non corrosiveness
• Low vapour
pressure
• Easy regeneration
and recovery
• Chemical stability
• Low cost
 Amount of surface contact between gas & liquid
 Contact Time
 Concentration of absorbing medium
 Speed of the reaction between the absorbent and gases
Pollutant Absorbent used
SO2 NaOH, Na2SO3, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, MgO, CaO
NOx (NH4)2SO4, (NH4)2CO3, Ca(OH)2, Mg(OH)2
H 2S NaOH, KOH
HCl H2O, NH3, Cu(OH)2
Cl2 NaOH, Na2SO3, H2O, Na2SO3
PH3 NaOH, H2O
 Principles of Absorption

Initiate contact between the gas and liquid Phase

Created by

Dispersion of liquid into Gas phase

Both gas and liquid are passed in counter flow : To achieve intimate contact between
the gaseous pollutant and solvent drops

Inside the tower, the pollutant from the gas phase transferred into liquid phase

Clean gas escape through outlet

 Types of Absorption Tower

1. Spray Tower
2. Plate Tower
3. Packed Tower

Spray Tower
The absorbing liquid is introduced through
nozzles which spray the droplets to move
downwards of rectangular chamber.

The gas stream containing the pollutant is

introduced at the bottom of the chamber which
move upwards and colloid with the liquid
droplets thereby transfer the pollutant from the
gas phase to liquid phase
 Efficiency of Spray Tower

ɳ = (1-ɳd)n
ɳd = individual Droplet efficiency
N= no of collected droplets, encountered by a group of particles

Water as spray liquid

ɳd =

Ms= Mass flow rate of spray liquid

Vd = Tangential velocity of liquid
Vp= particle velocity
d= average droplet size
q=volume flow rate of gas
Asc= cross sectional area of Tower
 Plate Tower

 Absorbing liquid is introduced from the top of the

chamber from one stage to another which
present a stepwise contact between the two
phases.

 Each tray the polluted gas flows in the

opposite direction of the falling scrubbing
liquid through small holes of the tray where it
forms bubbles during which absorption takes
place efficiently.
 Absorbing liquid after adsorption is finally
collected at the bottom of the tower in the
form of slurry
Packed Towers

Consists of a wide variety of packing

materials are used ranging from specially
designed ceramic packing to crushed rock
and liquid in distributed over the packing
which provides high interfacial surface
area and liquid flows down in the form of
thin films.

This system provides a continuous contact

between the gaseous phase and the
absorbing liquid phase act as a very
efficient absorption device.
 Vapour Liquid Separator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Nbhqxp5YKZE

In vapour liquid separator pollutant in the liquid phase get separated by

keeping temperature higher and pressure are lower than the absorber.

Pollutant get desorbed from liquid absorbent. Hence clean liquid again
used as a absorber
Adsorption

It involves passing a stream of

effluent gas through a porous
solid material contained in a
adsorption bed

Surface of the porous solid

material attracts and holds the
gas by either physical (or)
Chemical adsorption.
 Activated
Carbon

Aluminosilicates
Efficiency depends on 1.Physical and chemical
characteristics of the adsorbent
2. Concentration and nature of
gas to he adsorbed.
 Effective removal of gaseous pollutants by Adsorbents

 Contact of gaseous pollutants with solid adsorbent.

 Separation of adsorbed gaseous pollutants from the solid adsorbent

by desorption (or) replacement of adsorbent

 Recovery of gases for final disposal

 Adsorbers

Fixed , moving (or)

fluidized beds type

Polluted gas is passed through the first vessel until the adsorbent get
saturated and the clean gas is escape at the bottom of the column.

After Sometime

Value of Inlet Concentration = Outlet Concentration it represent the

time to regenerate the column. (Break Through Point)
It can be regenerated by passing steam directly
 Single Stage Two Stage Regenerative
Regenerative System System
Fixed Bed Adsorber : Common types for removal of gas
pollutant using adsorption

Polluted Gas
If the adsorbent which slowly rotates
about its axis is called Moving bed
adsorber

Clean gas

Consists of an adsorbent bed (Granulated Activated Carbon) through which

the polluted gas is passed from the top, which then travels downwards and
leaves through the bottom.
Single bed adsorber may be operated to the breakthrough point and then
must be regenerated
 Applications

Emissions from chemical pharmaceutical, Plastics , rubber and many

more manufacturing processes can also be controlled by adsorption
 Problems based on Adsorption
An adsorption bed of thickness 0.80m and cross section of 5m 2 is operating with
following experimental conditions. The operating parameters for bed as follows.
Gas Flow rate (q) = 1.6kg/S
Gas temp = 30°C
Gas Pressure = 101.325 Kpa
Pg = 1.184 kg/m3
Bed density =Pb = 140kg/m3
Inlet pollutant content = 0.0040kg/m3
Langmuir parameters a=18, b=124
Width of adsorption zone = 0.03m. Calculate break through time for adsorption bed

Break Through Point is called as Concentration of pollutant in the inlet gas=

Concentration of Pollutant in the outlet gas
Tb = Z-δ
______
Vf
Z = Height (or) Thickness of bed in meter
δ = width of the bed
Vf = Velocity of adsorption isotherm zone
Vf = q (1+bCp)
_____
aPbPg A
 Vf = q (1+bCp)
______
aPbPg A
Given Data:
Q= 1.6kg/s
a=18
b=124
Cp= 0.0040kg/m3
Pg= 1.184kg/m3
Pb= 140kg/m3
A = 5m2 (Cross Section Area)
Vf = 1.6* (1+ 124 * 0.0040)
___________________ Tb = Z-δ
18 * 140* 1.184* 5
______
Vf
Vf=1.6044X10-4m/s
Z= thickness =0.8m
δ =width = 0.03
Tb= 0.8-0.03
______
1.6044X10-4
Tb= 4799.30/s
In hours
Tb= 4799.30/3600 = 1.33 hr
 Combustion (or) Incineration

Used to control the emissions of organic compounds coming from

industries.
 Convert organic vapour into non toxic form
In addition it support removal of
 Destruction of odours
 Toxic substances
 Reactive materials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Qeg-
fq5dg
 Fundamental Aspects of Combustion Process

Polluted gas + Fuel + Oxidizer Ignition Products of Combustion ( CO 2, H2O)

Excess of air is an important factor to increase the efficiency of

combustion.
Otherwise lack of air causes incomplete combustion
 To avoid incomplete combustion

Temperature : 375-825 ⸰C
Residence Time : 0.2-0.5 sec
Gas Velocity : 4.5-7.5m/sec

 Inadequate mixing of fuel and combustion air

 Insufficient pulverizing of solid fuel
 Sudden cooling of the flame gas through combustion chamber walls
 Too short residence time at high temperature
 Burning in lifted condition, escaping of intermediate products from under
the base of the furnace.
Reason for Incomplete Combustion
 Direct –Flame Incinerator with Heat Exchanger

1.Direct combustor is a device in which air and all the combustible waste gases react
at the burner.
2. The contaminated gas stream containing pollutant is allowed to pass through a
combustion chamber, a certain quantity of natural gas and fresh air to support
combustion.
 Direct Combustion (or) Flaring

Operating Temperature : 1370⸰C (or) Higher

Height required for an elevation is

H = - 20D

H : Height of the flare burner

Q : Energy released in Watts

D: Diameter of the flare

K : Constant
Factors Affecting the efficiency and economy of flame combustion
are
1. Temperature of Combustion
2. Contact time
3. Concentration of oxygen in the gas
4. Turbulence of the gases
Heart of the incinerator
is a nozzle stabilized
flame maintained by a
combination of auxiliary
fuel, waste gas
compounds and
supplemental air added
if necessary

Theory of Operation
1. Incineration (or) thermal oxidation is the process of oxidizing
combustible materials by raising the temperature of the material
above its auto -ignition in the presence of oxygen , and
maintaining it at high temperature for sufficient time to complete
combustion to carbon dioxide and water
Thermal Incineration: when the combustible contaminants exist
in very small concentrations this method is more economical
than flame incineration
CO2, H2O
Residence Time: 0.5-1 sec
Temperature: 650-871⸰C
Destruction Efficiency: 95%

Advantages:
 Does not create residual
waste
 Low maintenance and initial
cost
Disadvantages:
 Need more fuel to support
high temperature combustion

Best way to destroy volatile organic compounds which are exist in

very small concentrations, but serious air pollutants
 Ignition temperature varies for different compounds and is usually
determined empirically
Shorter the residence time, the higher the reactor temperature

Normal
residence
time

Volume of the combustion chamber

______________________________
Volumetric flow rate of the gas.

Most common residence time : more than 1 second with typical temperatures
of 650 to 1100⸰C

Advantage: Destruction Efficiency 98%

Disadvantage : More Expensive
Catalytic Incinerators

315⸰C
 Advantages:
 Complete destruction of the toxic waste
 Efficiency 96%
 Fuel consumption is lower than thermal
incineration.
Disadvantages:
 Not suitable for the waste containing
Sulphur and metal that may poison the
catalyst rapidly

Plate and frame arrangement of

the catalyst is used to bring good
contact of exhaust gas with
catalytic substance.

Large Number of Oxidised Catalyst

Hydro carbon Non toxic Compound

The inlet steam of toxic gases is heated in the recovery unit at low
temperature, then moves on to a catalyst where it is converted into
harmless substances
To maintain the catalyst in the active state, achieve complete
combustion, by maintaining oxygen 1% excess than required.
 Problems Based on Combustion
1. Methane is burned in air with 20 percent excess air and air moisture of 0.0116mol/mol
dry air. Calculate the stoichiometric AFR and Actual AFR
Formula
AFR = Mol.wt of air * No . Of. Moles of air
_____________________________
Mol.wt of fuel * No Of mole of fuel
The combustion of methane as per stoichiometry can be given by the equation
CH4 + zO2+ 3.76N2 xCO2 + yH2O+ 3.76N2
Balancing the above equation we have (x=1, y=2,z=2)
CH4 + 2O2+7.52 N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ 7.52N2 (2X 3.76N2)
Given data:
Mol.wt of air constant = 28.97
No of moles of air = ( 2+7.52) = 9.52
Mol.wt of fuel = methane = 16
No of mole of fuel =1
AFR = 28.97 * 9.52/16 * 1
AFR =17.23 kg/kg of fuel
If 20% Excess of air is used the actual combustion equation is 100%+20%air= 120% =1.2
CH4 + 1.2 *2O2+ 1.2 *7.52 N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ 1.2* 7.52N2
CH4 + 2.4 O2+ 9.024 N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ 9.024N2
No of moles of air = ( 2.4+9.024) = 11.424
AFR = 28.97* 11.424/16 *1 = 20.68
Actual AFR at 20% excess air = 20.68 kg/kg of fuel
2.In a pesticide factory which is emitting methyl mercaptan in the effluent gas. It is proposed
to destroy it by burning in the presence of 200% excess air.Calculate the stoichiometric AFR
and Actual AFR.
AFR = Mol.wt of air * No . Of. Moles of air
_____________________________
Mol.wt of fuel * No Of mole of fuel
The combustion of Methyl Mercaptan as per stoichiometry can be given by the equation
CH4S + zO2+ 3.76N2 xCO2 + yH2O+ SO2 +3.76N2
Balancing the above equation we have (x=1, y=2,z=3)

CH4S + 3O2+ 3*3.76N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ SO2 +3* 3.76N2

CH4S + 3O2+11.28N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ SO2 +11.28N2
Given data
Mol.wt of air constant = 28.97
No of moles of air = ( 3+11.28) = 14.28
Mol.wt of fuel = Methyl Mercaptan (CH4S) = 48
No of mole of fuel =1
AFR = 28.97* 14.28/48 * 1 =8.61 kg/kg of fuel
If 200% Excess of air is used the actual combustion equation is 200%air= 100+200 =300 =3
CH4S + 3 * 3O2+ 3 *11.28N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ SO2 + 3 *11.28N2
CH4S +9O2+ 33.84N2 CO2 + 2H2O+ SO2 + 33.84N2
No .of Moles = (9+33.84)= 42.84
AFR = 28.97* 42.84/48 =25.85
In the presence of 200% excess of air in the AFR = 25.85 kg/kg of fuel
 3. Estimate the air –fuel ratio for formaldehyde if it is burned in 100% excess of air
AFR = Mol.wt of air * No . Of. Moles of air
_____________________________
Mol.wt of fuel * No Of mole of fuel
The combustion of Formaldehyde as per stoichiometry can be given by the
equation
HCHO + zO2+ 3.76N2 xCO2 + yH2O+ 3.76N2
Balancing the above equation we have (x=1, y=1,z=1)
HCHO +O2+ 3.76N2 CO2 + H2O+ 3.76N2

Given data
Mol.wt of air constant = 28.97
No of moles of air = ( 1+3.76) = 4.76
Mol.wt of fuel = Formaldehyde(HCHO) = 30
No of mole of fuel =1
AFR = 28.97* 4.76/30 * 1 = 4.59 kg/Kg of fuel
It is burned with 100% excess = 100+100 =200 =2
HCHO +2 *O2+ 2*3.76N2 CO2 + H2O+ 2*3.76N2
HCHO +2O2+ 7.52N2 CO2 + H2O+ 7.52N2
No of moles of air = ( 2+7.52) = 9.52
AFR = 28.97*9.52/30 =9.19kg/kg of fuel
AFR in excess of 100% air = 9.19kg/kg of fuel
 4. Find AFR if 120% excess air is used for combustion of diethlyketone C 5H10O
AFR = Mol.wt of air * No . Of. Moles of air
_____________________________
Mol.wt of fuel * No Of mole of fuel
The combustion of Diethyl ketone as per stoichiometry can be given by the equation
C5H10O + zO2+ 3.76N2 xCO2 + yH2O+ 3.76N2
Balancing the above equation we have (x=5, y=5,z=7)
C5H10O +7O2+ 7 * 3.76N2 5CO2 + 5H2O+ 7 *3.76N2
C5H10O +7O2+ 26.32N2 5CO2 + 5H2O+ 26.32N2
Given data
Mol.wt of air constant = 28.97
No of moles of air = (7+26.32) = 33.32
Mol.wt of fuel =diethlyketone(C5H10O) = 86
No of mole of fuel =1
AFR = 28.97* 33.32/86 * 1 = 11.22 kg/Kg of fuel
If120% Excess of air is used the actual combustion equation is =120+100 =220 =2.2
C5H10O + 2.2 *7O2+ 2.2* 26.32N2 5CO2 + 5H2O+ 2.2 *26.32N2
C5H10O +15.4 O2+57.904N2 5CO2 + 5H2O+ 57.904N2
No .of Moles = (15.4+57.904)= 73.304
AFR = 28.97* 73.304/86 * 1 =24.69kg/Kg of fuel
5. Find the air –fuel ratio if a) 80% and (b) 150% mixture strengths are used for
combustion of C2H6O in a motor vehicle

AFR = Mol.wt of air * No . Of. Moles of air

_____________________________
Mol.wt of fuel * No Of mole of fuel
The combustion of Dimethyl ether as per stoichiometry can be given by the equation
C2H6O + zO2+ 3.76N2 xCO2 + yH2O+ 3.76N2
Balancing the above equation we have (x=2, y=3,z=3)
C2H6O + 3O2+ 3 * 3.76N2 2CO2 + 3H2O+ 3 *3.76N2
C2H6O + 3O2+11.28N2 2CO2 + 3H2O+ 11.28N2
Given data
Mol.wt of air constant = 28.97
No of moles of air = ( 3+11.28) = 14.28
Mol.wt of fuel = Dimethly ether(C2H6O) =46
No of mole of fuel =1
AFR = 28.98 * 14.28/46= 8.99kg/kg of fuel

a) If 80% mixture strength =100+80 = 180% =1.8

C2H6O +1.8* 3O2+ 1.8*11.28N2 2CO2 + 3H2O+ 11.28N2
C2H6O +5.4O2+ 20.304N2 2CO2 + 3H2O+ 20.304N2
No of moles of air = ( 5.4+20.304) = 25.704
AFR = 28.96*25.704/46=16.18kg/kg of fuel
b) 150% mixture strength =100+150=250=2.5
C2H6O +2.5* 3O2+ 2.5*11.28N2 2CO2 + 3H2O+ 2.5N2
C2H6O +7.5O2+28.2N2 2CO2 + 3H2O+ 28.2N2
No of mole of air = 7.5+28.2 =35.7
Actual AFR = 28.97*35.7/46 =22.48kg/kg of fuel
6. In a polymer manufacturing company acetaldehyde fumes are discharged. Estimate
the stoichiometric air –fuel ratio (AFR) in20 % excess air if these fumes are to be
discharged by combustion.

AFR = Mol.wt of air * No . Of. Moles of air

_____________________________
Mol.wt of fuel * No Of mole of fuel
The combustion of Acetaldehye as per stoichiometry can be given by the equation
CH3CHO + zO2+ 3.76N2 xCO2 + yH2O+ 3.76N2
Balancing the above equation we have (x=4, y=4,z=5)
2 CH3CHO + 5 O2+ 5 *3.76N2   4 CO2 + 4 H2O+ 5 * 3.76N2
2 CH3CHO + 5 O2+ 18.8N2   4 CO2 + 4 H2O+ 18.8N2  
Given data
Mol.wt of air constant = 28.97
No of moles of air = ( 5+18.8) = 23.8
Mol.wt of fuel = Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) =44
No of mole of fuel =2
AFR = 28.98 * 23.8/44*2 = 7.83kg/kg of fuel
in20 % excess air = 100+20 =120 % =1.2
2 CH3CHO + 1.2*5 O2+ 1.2*18.8N2   4 CO2 + 4 H2O+1.2*18.8N2
2 CH3CHO + 6O2+ 22.56N2   4 CO2 + 4 H2O+ 22.56N2
No of moles of air = ( 6+22.56) = 28.56, No of mole of fuel =2
AFR = 28.97* 28.56/44*2 = 9.40kg/kg of fuel
 Biofilter

Biofiltration is a pollution control technique using a

bioreactor containing living material to capture and
biologically degrade pollutants

Organic pollutant + O2 CO2+H2O+ Heat+ Biomass

Microorganism
 The contaminated air is humidified and passed through a packed bed
which is porous and moist. As the pollutant transfers into a thin biofilm,
bacteria present in the packing material continuously consume the
pollutant and convert into non toxic form.

Conditions
• Microorganism used are Mesophilic (Grow in Ordinary Temperature)
• Temperature 15-40⸰C
• Moisture 40-60%
• Gas Contact time 10-30 sec
• Simultaneously the microorganisms biologically consume i.e.
metabolize the pollutants, producing energy, biomass, and metabolic
end products, mainly CO2 and H2O.
• The biofiltration process results in a complete decomposition of the
pollutants without creating hazardous byproducts.
PEAT HEATHER

BARK CHIPS
 Parameters Needed to maintain Biofilters

Moisture Content Microorganisms need a moist environment. Media

has a tendency to dry out because of air flow.
Optimum Moisture 20-60%

Temperature Microorganisms operate best between 30 to 40⸰C

pH For better results must maintain a pH 7.5 where

the microorganism are the most efficient

Nutrient supply For aerobic microorganism, nitrogen, Phosphate

and some trace metals should be maintained in the
ratio 100: 50: 1
Foot print: Area Occupied
Advantages Disadvantages Requirements
 Low operating cost  Breakthrough can  Continuous air flow
 Does not require occur if air flow (or)  Consistent loading
chemicals Concentration is not  Humid and warm air
 Effective removal of consistent steam
compounds  Large area required to
treat contaminates
source
 Requires large
acclimation time for
microbial population
 Revision of Unit -4
Control of Gaseous Pollutants

1. Absorption is a ------Phenomenon
2. Adsorption is reversible process or not
3. One live example for adsorption and absorption
4. How desorption can be achieved
5. In condensation change states of matter from gas to liquid or liquid to gas or solid to
liquid
6. Types of condensers : Differentiate
7. Combustion is used to treat which type of pollutants
8. Types of combustion
9. Which combustion is used to remove small concentration of gaseous pollutants
10. Main role of catalytic incinerators
11. Which chemical toxic the catalyst
12. . Media used in biofilter
13. Optimum moisture content of bio filter
14. Optimum temperature for biofilter
15. Aerobic microorganism, nitrogen, Phosphate should be maintained in the ratio
 Revision of IAT-2

Unit -2 (Meteorology)
Part-A
1. Define wind rose
2. Assumptions made on box model
3. Assumption made on Gaussian model
4. Significance of Dispersion model
5. Lagrangian dispersion model

Part-B
1, Gaussian Dispersion Model
2. Box model
3. Box model Only one problem solved
In an Urban air shed which is a 20km square, 20000 cars with length 20km are on the
road, each being driven 40km between 4pm and 6pm, and each emits CO for
5g/km. On a clear winter evening a radiation inversion is restricting the mixing
height to 30.0m. The wind is bringing in clean air at a steady rate of 2.0m/s alone
the edge of the city. Estimate the CO concentration at 7pm using the above model if
there was no CO in the air at 4pm and the only source of CO is cars. Further also
assume that CO is conservative and that there is complete and instaneous mixing in
the box. Width = 6m, Length =6m ( Same model but parameter may vary)
4. Gaussian Model Problem : Problem 3 & 4 th type
The half-winds are north-northeast (nne), east-
northeast (ene), east-southeast (ese), south-
southeast (sse), south-southwest (ssw), west-
southwest (wsw), west-northwest (wnw) and
north-northwest (nnw).
 Lagrangian dispersion model

•This model mathematically follows pollution plume parcels, as the parcels move in the
atmosphere and they model the motion of the parcels as a random walk process.
• It calculates the air pollution dispersion by computing the statistics of the
trajectories of a large number of the pollution plume parcels.
•A Lagrangian model uses a moving Frame of reference as the parcels move from their
initial location.
•It is said that an observer of a Lagrangian model follows along with the plume.
 Unit-3 (Control of particulate Matter)
Part-A
1. Principle of settling chamber, Advantages and disadvantages
2. Principle of bag house filter, Advantages and disadvantages
3. Principle of Wet scrubbers, Advantages and disadvantages
4. Differentiate Plate and spray tower
5. Write a note on mechanical scrubber
6. Principle of cyclone separators, advantages and disadvantages
7. Principle of Electrostatic Precipitators, advantages and disadvantages

Part-B & Part C

8. Various factors influencing choice of equipment.
9. Baghouse filter (Principle, working, operational problems. Efficiency formula,
advantages and disadvantages , diagram)
10. Settling Chamber filter (Principle, working, operational problems. Efficiency formula,
advantages and disadvantages , diagram)
11. Wet scrubbers with different types filter (Principle, working, operational problems.
Efficiency formula, advantages and disadvantages , diagram)
12. Cyclone Separators (Principle, working, operational problems. Efficiency formula,
advantages and disadvantages , diagram)
13. Electrostatic Precipitators (Principle, working, operational problems. Efficiency
formula, advantages and disadvantages , diagram)
 Unit -3 Problems
1 Bag house filter : No of bags required Problems
2. Cyclones
(i) No Of cyclones required problem
(ii) cut diameter, separation factor, pressure drop
3. Settling Chamber : 3rd Problem Types
4. ESP Problem: 3,4,5