Abstract:
Urbanization and industrialization emit particulate matter (PM) into
atmosphere. PM is a distinguished pollutant that forms smog under
temperature inversion which creates environmental and health issues.
Wet scrubbers and spray towers were used to counter smog, but both
were not as efficient because of their reduced efficiency in capturing
PM. Smog free tower (SFT) is an environmental friendly fabricated
system made from galvanized iron sheet with a height and diameter of
42 and 15 inches, respectively. SFT uses PM2.5 filters made up of
activated carbon, polyester fiber and polypropylene fiber to capture
PM (PM2.5 and PM10) from self-generated smog (SGS) produced by the
combustion of coal in the presence of cooking oil. SFT, a positive
approach aims at cleaner production as a direct response to need of
hour for mitigation of PM. Cleaner production involves reducing the
environmental impact of industrial processes and urban activities, and
SFT offers technological solution to capture PM by using efficient
filters. In this study three factors i.e. contact time (40min, 50min and
60min), contact diameter (10inches and 15inches) and position of filter
tray in the SFT (1st position at 7.5 inches, 2nd position at 25 inches and
3rd position at 31 inches) are evaluated to examine the performance of
SFT. Results revealed that, PM2.5 and PM10 are effectively captured
when the contact time is 50min with the removal efficiency of 97.8%
and 98.4% respectively. However, 15 inches is an effective diameter
provided adequate surface for the interaction of particulate matter with
filter. In the case of the filter tray's position in the tower, the removal
efficiency increases by following the trend of 1st position > 3rd position
> 2nd position. Removal efficiency is dropped at 2nd position of SFT
because of resistance to flow for SGS, happened due to increased
distance of filter from the bottom suction fan and the inlet compressor.
SFT stands as an indicator of cleaner city life, effectively cleansing an
area of 113 m2, and 1Lac liters of air per day with energy consumption of 18.2 KJ.
