Dust Collection and Valves Blog

Wet Scrubbers Can Help Prevent Some Fires and Explosions | Aerodyne

Posted by Tom Hobson on Jan 28, 2022 10:45:00 AM

Wet scrubbers are used in dust collection for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons is to help prevent fires and explosions.

Wetting Particles Using Wet Scrubber

Since wet scrubbers use water to help with dust removal their environments usually have a very high humidity. In this environment dust particles become wet and this can often prevent them from catching fire and/or exploding. Material such as wood has a much different fire danger when it is wet compared to dry.

As we see on the news, when there is a draught there are more forest fires around the country. This also applies to wet scrubbers. Spraying water on a solid can often prevent an explosion or fire. This is done by wetting the particles thereby making it harder for them to combust but also by wetting down any spark or fire that could cause an explosion.

Material Used vs. Wet Scrubber

If you are using a wet scrubber there are some thing you should keep in mind. Some material, such as alkali metals, will react with water and potentially explode. Other metals like magnesium can also cause fires and explode with water. Keep in mind that controls need to monitor the water in the wet scrubber system, because if it loses water, an explosive situation could quickly develop. 

So when looking at an explosive application, wet scrubbing can often provide dust removal for you, but not always. There are certain disadvantages of wet scrubbing that should be reviewed before determining if it is the right solution for you.


To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.



To improve efficiency and safety, there is no substitute for an on-site inspection by an experienced expert. Click below to start with a free 20-minute phone consultation by clicking the button.

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Topics: dust collector, wet scrubber, explosive dust

Chemical and Fume Removal is Wet Scrubbing’s Cup of Tea | Aerodyne

Posted by Tom Hobson on Oct 27, 2021 1:08:17 PM

The main reason to use wet scrubbing for particulate removal is that you need wet scrubbing for chemical or fume removal. Wet scrubbers such as a packed tower are great for removing chemicals (contaminant) in the air, such as acids, bases, etc.

The Functions of Wet Scrubber

The wet scrubber sprays water droplets from nozzles which make contact with the water-soluble contaminant. Then based on the vapor pressure, the contaminant enters the water solution and leaves the air. Often times, the water has chemicals which react with the contaminant and forms a salt. This allows more of the contaminant to be collected.   In packed towers, the packing is used to break up water droplets into smaller and smaller particles, thereby increasing the water’s surface area and increasing the rate of removal of the contaminant.

The falling water droplets also come in contact with particulates. That water encloses the particulate as it makes contact, increasing the size and weight of the particulate. This makes it more likely that the combined droplet will fall to the sump and leave the airstream.

What is Blowdown?

The particulate then needs to be removed from the sump or else it can settle and eventually decrease the water in the system, which could cause operational issues. Abrasive material can wear out the instrumentation, piping, nozzles, and pumps. The wastewater created from the wet scrubber is called the blowdown. This blowdown liquid is removed from the sump either by diverting some from the recycle line or an overflow line to keep salts and particulate at a safe concentration. The particulate in the blowdown stream needs to be treated by a plant or municipal wastewater treatment plant so that it can be reused or disposed of. High amounts of solids in the blowdown stream can increase the price of treatment and cause maintenance issues on the equipment used for treatment. Many municipal plants will limit the water it allows to be treated.


To learn more about which dust collector, please contact our experts at 440-543-7400 or visit our website: www.dustcollectorhq.com.



To improve efficiency and safety, there is no substitute for an on-site inspection by an experienced expert. Click below to start with a free 20-minute phone consultation by clicking the button.

Free Consultation

Read More

Topics: dust collector, wet scrubber, GPC Cyclone, arirflow, blowdown liquid

Choosing a Collector: When to Use a Baghouse, Cartridge Collector, a Cyclone or a Wet Scrubber

Posted by Tom Hobson on Sep 26, 2016 9:39:13 AM

Choosing the right dust collection solution requires careful evaluation of the specific application.

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Topics: cyclone, dust, dust collector, baghouse, cartridge, wet scrubber

Choosing a Collector: When to Use a Baghouse, Cartridge Collector, a Cyclone or a Wet Scrubber

Posted by Tom Hobson on Sep 14, 2016 8:30:00 AM

Choosing the right dust collection solution requires careful evaluation of the specific application.

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Topics: cyclone, dust, dust collector, guide, baghouse, cartridge, wet scrubber

Aerodyne Environmental: Home of the Horizontal Cyclone and  Vacu-Valve® Airlock Valve

Inspired To Be Different.

At Aerodyne, we choose to take a different approach to collecting dust and handling materials. Our cyclones are unique in design to address common issues such as problematic dusts and space constraints. Our airlocks are chosen to fit your specific application instead of hastily installing traditional equipment options. We believe that when we see things differently, we can solve problems effectively. That's why so many people turn to us for help in solving their tough dust problems.

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