Vessel Function

Process streams containing hydrogen or oxygen create explosion risks when concentrations reach flammable limits. Washer vessels circulate scrubbing solution through packed beds contacting gas countercurrently. Chemical reactions or physical absorption remove H₂ and O₂ reducing levels below safety thresholds typically 1-2% enabling safe atmospheric discharge or downstream processing.

Tower Design

Vertical column with gas inlet at bottom, liquid distributor at top, structured packing or random media providing gas-liquid contact area, liquid redistributors in tall sections, mist eliminator at gas outlet preventing liquid carryover, and liquid sump at bottom with circulation pump. ERGIL sizes vessels based on gas flow rate, inlet concentration, and required removal efficiency.

Internals Configuration

Structured packing maximizes surface area with low pressure drop. Liquid distributors ensure uniform flow across packing. Redistributors correct channeling in tall beds. Mist eliminator captures entrained droplets. Support grids hold packing. Materials resist scrubbing solution chemistry and operating conditions.

Scrubbing Chemistry

Oxygen removal uses reducing agents or catalytic reaction. Hydrogen removal employs oxidizing solutions or combustion over catalyst. Solution circulation rates sized for required mass transfer. Chemical makeup replaces consumed reagents. pH control maintains absorption efficiency.

Material Selection

Stainless steel 304 or 316 construction resists corrosion from scrubbing chemicals. FRP construction for highly corrosive solutions. Packing materials including stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic based on temperature and chemistry. Design per ASME Section VIII with materials meeting scrubbing environment requirements.

Applications

Refinery hydrogen plant vent gas treatment, chlor-alkali hydrogen removal, nitrogen generator oxygen polishing, electrolysis off-gas scrubbing, and any process requiring combustible gas removal before discharge. Protects facilities from explosion hazards ensuring regulatory compliance.

Performance Features

High removal efficiency through optimized packing and liquid distribution. Low pressure drop minimizes fan or blower power. Chemical scrubbing provides reliable H₂/O₂ reduction. Proven packed tower technology. Materials resist corrosive scrubbing environments.

Control Systems

Gas analyzers monitor H₂ and O₂ concentrations verifying removal. Flow controls maintain scrubbing solution circulation. pH and chemical feed systems optimize absorption. High concentration alarms provide safety warnings. Integration with facility systems coordinates safe operation.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII with materials suitable for scrubbing service. Packing and internals per vendor standards. Complete documentation with mass transfer calculations, chemical consumption rates, and safety analysis supporting permit compliance.

ERGIL H₂/O₂ washer vessels deliver effective combustible gas removal through proven chemical absorption technology ensuring safe operations and regulatory compliance.