Prototype Development of Smog-Free Tower for Sustainable Urban Environment /

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.