An air scrubber is a device used to improve air quality by removing contaminants or particles from the air. Mining operations often generate dust, gases, and other airborne pollutants that can be hazardous. Air scrubbers help mitigate these risks by filtering out harmful particles and pollutants from the air.
These scrubbers typically work by using various methods such as filtration, absorption, or chemical reactions to capture or neutralize pollutants. They may employ water sprays, or chemicals to trap or remove particulates, gases, or fumes from the air, depending on the specific contaminants present in the mining environment.
Corrosion Resistance - Plastic air scrubbers are often more resistant to corrosion caused by harsh chemicals or environments. They can withstand exposure to various chemicals and acids present in some industrial processes, making them more durable in certain conditions compared to steel or fiberglass.
Lightweight - Plastic scrubbers are generally lighter than steel or fiberglass, making them easier to install, transport, and handle. This can be advantageous during installation or when adjustments are necessary.
Lower Maintenance - They often require less maintenance because they are less prone to corrosion and degradation compared to steel or fiberglass. This can result in cost savings over time due to reduced maintenance and replacement needs.
Customisation and Design Flexibility - Plastic scrubbers can be fabricated into various shapes and designs more easily than fiberglass. This flexibility allows for custom designs tailored to specific spaces or air purification requirements.
Insulation Properties - Certain plastics offer insulation properties that can be beneficial in maintaining temperatures or reducing condensation within the scrubber unit, which might be advantageous in particular environments.
Dotmar has qualified engineers that can provide direct support with plastic material selection for air scrubbers.
Polystone 300 (HDPE)
Suitable in outdoor applications in direct UV light
Polystone P (PP)
Normally not used outdoors, but with Dotmar’s new Polystone P UV grade allows for outdoor. It’s also particularly resistant to acids including sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. Improved stiffness & strength compared to HDPE
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Providing resistant that differs from HDPE & PP. Not suitable for outdoor use. Improved Stiffness and strength compared to PP.
C-PVC provide improved temperature and chemical resistance compared to standard rigid PVC. For example, Chromic Acid.
Plastic Lined Scrubbers
Utilised when the temperature is too high for the structural strength of a thermoplastic, but the chemical resistance of a plastic is required, FRP or steel scrubbers can be lined with a plastic. Fabric-backed (stretched-back) material can be used for bonding.
PVDF
This fluorine polymer has extreme chemical resistance, and high temperature resistance
PTFE Lined
The ultimate chemical and temperature resistant material for linings.
Material selection is a critical consideration when choosing a plastic for scrubber, as it directly impacts the performance and durability of the scrubber. Here are some key material selection considerations for plastic scrubbers:
Chemical Resistance
Generally, the first consideration is the chemicals that the scrubber will be exposed to, together with the concentration and temperature.
Temperature
Elevated temperatures affect both the chemical attack as well as the structural strength. When a plastic is required due to its chemical resistance, but the temperature is too high for the structural integrity, then plastic can be used as a liner for a steel for FRP scrubber.
Weatherability
For outdoor applications exposed to UV light, material must be UV resistant to ensure safety in integrity is maintained. Typically Black Polystone 300 or Polystone PG100 is untilised.
Dotmar now stocks UV stabilized Polystone P (PP), which can safety be used in outdoor applications.
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