In Situ Atomized Mist Chemical Scrubbing – A Pilot Test Approach

Atomized mist scrubbing was a cutting-edge odor control technology in the 1980s, but has become obsolete as a new technology due to issues with the proprietary systems. This research summarizes pilot testing that tested whether modern equipment would provide acceptable odor removal when used in situ. Rather than exhausting a foul air stream into a separate vessel, which occupies a large footprint, this pilot testing sought to treat the odorous air within the confines of the odorous headspace itself. A pilot test was conducted at Novato Sanitary District to test the effectiveness of injected mist containing sodium hypochlorite and caustic on hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal within a portion of the wastewater treatment plant’s headworks. The testing was effective at reducing H2S concentrations in the air exhausted from the headspace. The potential application of this technology is to facilities that have limited footprint or that require odor pretreatment during high loads.