Key Features
- Structured Packing Media: The tower is filled with plastic or FRP packing that creates a large surface area for gas–liquid interaction.
- FRP Column: The tower shell is fiberglass-reinforced, ensuring resistance to the corrosive scrubbing solution and flue gases.
- Recirculation Design: Typically includes a sump and pump to re-circulate scrubbing liquid over the packing.
- Modular Sections: FRP tower sections bolt together, allowing flexibility in height to meet required contact time.
Benefits
- High Removal Efficiency: Packed beds are highly efficient at removing soluble acid gases (e.g. HCl, SO₂) and neutralizing caustic fumes.
- Stable Operation: FRP smooth walls and designed packing prevent channeling or flooding, ensuring consistent performance.
- Lightweight Installation: FRP column sections are easier to transport and erect than steel towers; minimal scaffold or crane work is needed.
- Adaptable Flow Rates: By adding or removing packing sections, the scrubber can handle a wide range of gas flow rates (CFM) while maintaining low pressure drop.
Applications
Widely used in chemical processing, fertilizer plants, acid mist control in metal finishing, and wastewater treatment odor control. Packed FRP scrubbers often serve as the heart of a pollution control train, feeding clean gas to an exhaust stack or mist eliminator. They are also used in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing to scrub off volatile compounds, and in laboratory fume hood exhaust systems where space is limited.
Technical Specifications
Design parameters include packing height (typically several feet), tower diameter (based on gas flow), and liquid-to-gas ratios. Engineers often specify design pressure drop (e.g. inches of water) for the packed section. FRP towers can be engineered for vacuum or slight positive pressure; standard FRP supports up to ~1 psig unless otherwise reinforced.
Unique Selling Points
FRP packed-bed scrubbers combine the high-scrubbing capability of traditional packed towers with the long life of composite materials. Unlike glass towers that break or steel towers that corrode, an FRP scrubber offers years of trouble-free service. The ability to custom-engineer tall or wide packings in FRP means this solution can scale to very high flow processes without failure. A key USP is the quick turnaround: prefabricated FRP sections bolt together on site, drastically reducing installation time and labor.