Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Water Purification: Stripper

Stripper

Stripping: A Powerful Tool in Environmental & Water Treatment

Stripping is a widely used technique in environmental and water treatment, employed to remove dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from liquids. It essentially involves the transfer of these dissolved substances from the liquid phase to a gas phase, typically air, by exploiting differences in their partial pressures. This process is analogous to the "stripping" away of undesirable components, hence the name.

How it Works:

Stripping relies on the principle of Henry's Law, which states that the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. In simple terms, the more of a gas is present in the air above the liquid, the less of it will be dissolved in the liquid.

The process typically involves:

  1. Contacting the liquid with air: This can be achieved by bubbling air through the liquid, spraying the liquid into the air, or using a combination of both.
  2. Transferring the dissolved gases to the air: As the gas molecules in the liquid come into contact with the air bubbles, they diffuse from the liquid to the air, driven by the difference in partial pressures.
  3. Removal of the contaminated air: The air containing the stripped gases is typically vented or further treated to remove the contaminants.

Stripping in Water Treatment:

Stripping is particularly effective in removing dissolved gases like:

  • Hydrogen sulfide (H2S): This gas is responsible for the "rotten egg" smell in water.
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2): Removing CO2 can increase the pH of water, making it less corrosive.
  • Ammonia (NH3): Stripping ammonia is crucial in treating wastewater and preventing eutrophication.

Multistaged Diffused-Bubble Aeration System: A Case Study

Lowry Aeration Systems, Inc. offers a robust and efficient solution for stripping with their Multistaged Diffused-Bubble Aeration System. This system features:

  • Multiple stages: This ensures maximum contact time between the liquid and air, maximizing stripping efficiency.
  • Diffused-bubble aeration: Fine air bubbles are dispersed throughout the liquid, creating a large surface area for gas transfer.
  • Modular design: The system can be tailored to specific treatment needs and easily scaled up or down.

Benefits of the Lowry System:

  • Increased stripping efficiency: The multi-stage design and fine bubble dispersion significantly enhance the removal of dissolved gases.
  • Lower operating costs: The system's efficiency translates into reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.
  • Improved water quality: Stripping effectively removes harmful gases and contaminants, leading to cleaner and safer water.

Conclusion:

Stripping is a valuable tool in environmental and water treatment, playing a vital role in removing dissolved gases and improving water quality. Systems like the Multistaged Diffused-Bubble Aeration System from Lowry Aeration Systems offer efficient and reliable solutions for achieving optimal stripping results, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.


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