What do dry scrubbers remove that wet scrubbers do not?

Prepare for the AP Environmental Science Exam. Explore atmospheric pollution topics with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to succeed!

Multiple Choice

What do dry scrubbers remove that wet scrubbers do not?

Explanation:
Dry scrubbers work by injecting a dry alkaline sorbent, such as lime or calcium oxide, into the flue gas. The basic material chemically reacts with acidic pollutants in the gas—like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride—to form solid salts that can be collected. Wet scrubbers, by contrast, use a liquid to dissolve and remove pollutants, and they’re especially good at washing out particulates and soluble gases, often producing wastewater. The defining capability of dry scrubbers is the chemical neutralization of acid gases, which is why they’re described as removing acid gases that wet scrubbers don’t primarily target.

Dry scrubbers work by injecting a dry alkaline sorbent, such as lime or calcium oxide, into the flue gas. The basic material chemically reacts with acidic pollutants in the gas—like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride—to form solid salts that can be collected. Wet scrubbers, by contrast, use a liquid to dissolve and remove pollutants, and they’re especially good at washing out particulates and soluble gases, often producing wastewater. The defining capability of dry scrubbers is the chemical neutralization of acid gases, which is why they’re described as removing acid gases that wet scrubbers don’t primarily target.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy