Acid Vapor Problem

Sulfuric acid storage and dosing tanks vent acid mist and vapors during filling, temperature changes, and atmospheric breathing. Acid vapors corrode nearby equipment, create hazardous conditions for personnel, and violate environmental regulations requiring control.

Fume Trap Design

Vertical vessel mounted on tank vent connection with inlet from tank vapor space, cooling coils or jacket condensing acid vapors, packed bed or mist eliminator capturing aerosols, condensate drain returning to tank, clean air outlet to atmosphere.

Condensation Process

Tank vapors enter fume trap. Cooling reduces temperature below acid dewpoint. Sulfuric acid vapors condense to liquid. Condensate gravity drains back to dosing tank. Clean air vents to atmosphere meeting emission requirements.

Cooling Methods

Water-cooled coils circulating cooling water through trap. Jacket cooling surrounding vapor zone. Ambient air cooling for moderate climates. Cooling capacity sized for maximum tank breathing rate.

Material Construction

Polypropylene, PVDF, or FRP construction resisting concentrated sulfuric acid. Stainless steel 316 acceptable for dilute acid. Materials withstand acid vapor condensation without degradation.

Mist Elimination

Mesh pad or packed bed captures acid mist droplets preventing atmospheric release. Coalescing elements agglomerate fine aerosols. Captured liquid drains to tank. Achieves 95-99% acid capture efficiency.

Operating Conditions

Atmospheric pressure operation venting tank. Temperature 10-40C depending on ambient and cooling. Design accommodates tank vapor generation from filling and thermal expansion.

Condensate Return

Gravity drain line returns condensed acid to dosing tank. Check valve prevents reverse flow. Proper slope ensures complete drainage. Closed system prevents acid release.

Applications

Sulfuric acid dosing tanks for pH control, chemical injection systems, acid storage tank venting, regeneration chemical storage, and any concentrated acid storage requiring vapor control.

Safety Benefits

Protects personnel from acid vapor exposure. Prevents corrosive atmosphere damaging nearby equipment. Eliminates visible acid mist plumes. Ensures workplace safety compliance.

Environmental Compliance

Reduces acid emissions to atmosphere meeting air quality regulations. Prevents acid deposition on surroundings. Required by environmental permits in many jurisdictions.

Sizing Considerations

Vapor generation from tank breathing during filling, temperature changes, and barometric pressure variations. Cooling capacity for maximum vapor load. Adequate residence time for complete condensation.

Maintenance Requirements

Periodic inspection of condensate drain ensuring proper function. Cooling system maintenance if water-cooled. Cleaning if mist eliminator becomes plugged. Simple maintenance procedures.

Integration

Mounts on tank vent nozzle replacing simple vent cap. Condensate drain connects to tank return. Cooling water supply if required. Simple retrofit on existing tanks.

Performance Benefits

Eliminates hazardous acid vapor release. Protects equipment and personnel. Ensures regulatory compliance. Recovers acid reducing losses. Proven vapor control technology.

Construction Standards

Vessels per applicable standards for atmospheric service. Materials certified for concentrated sulfuric acid. Complete documentation with capacity calculations and material compatibility data.

ERGIL fume traps for H2SO4 dosing tanks provide effective acid vapor control protecting personnel, equipment, and environment through condensation and capture.