Napcen Nws 30 Nitric Acid Scrubber

A nitric acid scrubber is a piece of equipment used in industrial settings to remove or neutralize nitric acid (HNO3) from gas streams, particularly in air pollution
control and safety applications. Nitric acid is a corrosive and highly reactive chemical, and its fumes can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Therefore, it’s essential to control and treat emissions containing nitric acid in various industrial processes.
 A nitric acid scrubber working process:
1.Gas Inlet: The gas stream containing nitric acid enters the scrubber system. This gas stream might be exhaust from processes like metal pickling, chemical manufacturing, or laboratory work.
2.Scrubbing Solution: Inside the scrubber, there is a solution, often referred to as a “scrubbing solution” or “absorbent.” This solution is typically a base, such as sodium hydroxide (Na OH) or calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), which can neutralize nitric acid.
3.Contact Zone: The gas stream is passed through the scrubbing solution. In this contact zone, the nitric acid reacts with the base in the solution to form a less harmful compound, typically a nitrate salt.
For example Nitric acid (HNO3) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium nitrate (NaNO3):
HNO3 + Na OH -> NaNO3 + H2O
4.Neutralization: The nitric acid is neutralized as it reacts with the base, effectively removing it from the gas stream.
5.Exit and Disposal: The treated gas stream exits the scrubber, and the resulting nitrate salt is usually dissolved in the scrubbing solution. This solution can then be processed further or disposed of safely, depending on regulatory requirements.