How a Tank Vent Wet Scrubber Works. Cleaning Fumes Released From Chemical Storage Tanks

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💧 How a Tank Vent Wet Scrubber Works
Cleaning Fumes Released From Chemical Storage Tanks

Every chemical storage tank — acids, caustics, solvents, ammonia, wastewater, organics — breathes.
When the tank is filled, emptied, heated, mixed, or simply experiences temperature changes, the internal pressure increases and the tank pushes air and chemical fumes out through the vent.

Without treatment, this means:

corrosive acid fumes

toxic gases

strong odors

VOC emissions

safety hazards

equipment corrosion

regulatory violations

A Tank Vent Wet Scrubber prevents all of this by cleaning the air before it leaves the tank.

⭐ Step-by-Step: How the Scrubber Works
1️⃣ Tank “Breathes” → Vapors Flow to the Scrubber

As the liquid level rises or temperature increases:

pressure inside the tank increases

vapors are displaced

the tank forces this air into the scrubber inlet

Tank vent emissions are usually low airflow but highly concentrated.

2️⃣ Vapors Enter the Scrubbing Zone

Inside the scrubber, the contaminated air passes through either:

A) Spray Chamber

Fine droplets of scrubbing liquid are sprayed through the vapor stream.

The liquid may be:

water

caustic (for acidic vapors)

acid solution (for ammonia)

oxidizers (for odors, sulfur compounds, VOCs)

OR

B) Packed-Bed Section

The vapor flows upward through a packed media bed:

Pall rings

saddles

random or structured packing

Scrubbing liquid flows downward over the media, creating a huge surface area for gas absorption and neutralization.

3️⃣ Chemical Absorption or Neutralization

Inside the scrubber, harmful gases dissolve or react with the scrubbing liquid.

Examples:

HCl + NaOH → saltwater

NH₃ + H₂SO₄ → ammonium sulfate

H₂S + oxidizer → sulfur or sulfate compounds

This transforms toxic fumes into safe compounds.

4️⃣ Mist Eliminator

Before the air exits, it passes through a mist eliminator:

chevron blades

or a mesh pad

This removes water droplets so the final air is clean and dry.

5️⃣ Liquid Recirculation System

The scrubbing liquid collects in a sump and is continuously reused.

A recirculation system maintains:

proper pH

correct ORP

proper water level

chemical dosing

solids removal if needed

The result is stable, automated operation with minimal operator involvement.

🏭 Where Tank Vent Wet Scrubbers Are Used
Application Common Vapors
Chemical tanks acids, caustics, ammonia, solvents
Wastewater tanks H₂S, ammonia, organic odors
Food & beverage fermentation gases, odors
Oil & fuel storage VOCs, hydrocarbon fumes
Fertilizer storage urea vapors, ammonia
Batch reactors process fumes and byproducts

Any tank that releases vapors needs a scrubber to prevent emissions.

🎯 Key Advantages

Prevents toxic fumes from escaping

Neutralizes odors and corrosive gases

Protects employees and equipment

Keeps facilities compliant with EPA and local regulations

Works automatically during tank breathing cycles

Compact design with minimal maintenance

Ideal for corrosive or hazardous chemicals