Task

In order to reduce harmful emissions of gases into the air, air scrubbers have been widely used in pig and poultry farms for some time now. The advantage of air scrubbers is that they reduce the emission of environmentally harmful substances. Several types of air scrubbers can be used for this purpose. There are chemical air scrubbers, but also biological air scrubbers. There are also combined air scrubbers that combine various techniques.

The leading partner in the field of climate technology and air purification is the company INNO+ from Panningen. INNO+ supplies various types of air scrubbers for livestock housing. The so-called chemical air scrubbers reduce only with the aid of water containing sulphuric acid, while biological air scrubbers work with the aid of bacteria. Chemical air scrubbers only reduce ammonia and a large part of the dust, biological air scrubbers also reduce other odours than ammonia.

Approach

In order to reduce ammonia emissions, it is important that measurements are taken correctly. For air cleaning, use is made of purification units that are often placed next to the stable. In these purification units, there is a honeycomb system of plastic that is continuously rinsed with water. This water connects with the air from the stables. The polluted air is washed in these units. In order to let this process run optimally, it is important that the process water in the air scrubber has a stable pH value of 6.5 to 7.5.

Due to the absorbed ammonia, the water will eventually become alkaline. This reduces the cleaning effect and ammonia can no longer be absorbed sufficiently. By adding sulphuric acid to the water, the alkaline effect is eliminated and the absorption of ammonia is improved.

Project outcome

Measuring the pH value is of crucial importance and an essential part of the cleaning process. A second important factor in the cleaning process is measuring the saturation of the water. Saturated water also loses its cleaning function. The use of accurate conductivity sensors is then essential and ensures that the saturated water is changed in time. JUMO has been a reliable partner of INNO+ for many years and together we strive to further optimise the living environment for humans and animals.