Methanol Scrubber – Wet Gas Scrubber for Methanol Removal
How it works (counter-current spray with random packings)
The methanol scrubber is a vertical column where methanol-laden air enters at the bottom (half-pipe inlet for laminar flow) and rises against a downward spray of scrubbing liquid. Random packings (e.g., Pall rings) increase the gas–liquid contact surface to maximize absorption and residence time. The spray nozzle flushing the packing is a full-cone type. Methanol’s high solubility in water enables effective removal when the column is sized to your inlet load, temperature and target outlet concentration.
Droplet removal (wire-mesh demister)
Downstream, a wire-mesh demister captures entrained droplets to prevent carry-over. The captured liquid drains by gravity to the bottom sump and is recirculated to the spray nozzle in a closed-loop system, minimizing water consumption.
Performance & typical design ranges
| Gas flow (min) | 400 Nm³/h |
|---|---|
| Gas flow (nominal) | 700 Nm³/h |
| Gas flow (max) | 1,000 Nm³/h |
| Gas composition | Air with methanol vapours |
| Design temperature | Up to 85 °C |
| Operating pressure | 0–100 mbar(g) |
Options & materials
- Column in SS316 (other materials such as FRP/PP on request)
- Random packings and counter-current spray section
- Wire-mesh demister (low carry-over)
- Closed-loop recirculation; batchwise purge/refresh
- Chilled water option for high inlet loads or low outlet targets
- Activated-carbon polishing stage (optional)
- ATEX-rated centrifugal pump and control panel
- Siemens S7-1500 PLC (in EX-P cabinet)
- Integrated buffer/sump with level and temperature control
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Applications
- Tank vents / vapor recovery (VRU)
- Solvent recovery & process exhaust from drying/coating
- Pharma and fine-chem production
- Laboratory and pilot installations
- Biotech/fermentation off-gas treatment
Monitoring & control
The system can be equipped with online monitoring and closed-loop control (e.g., scrubber outlet monitoring and interlocks). Integration with FTIR/FID analysers is available to document performance and ensure compliance.
Not your use-case?
Looking for methanol removal from water (wastewater polishing) rather than gas scrubbing? See our water treatment solutions.
FAQ: Methanol scrubbers
How does a methanol scrubber work?
Methanol vapours are absorbed in a counter-current spray section with random packings. A wire-mesh demister captures droplets; the liquid recirculates in a closed loop.
What removal efficiency can I expect?
Because methanol is highly water-soluble, high removal is achievable with correct sizing. We design based on inlet load, temperature and flow to meet your outlet target.
Do I need additives or chilled water?
Often water is sufficient. For high loads or very low outlet targets, chilled water and/or a polishing step (e.g., activated carbon) can be added.
How is droplet carry-over prevented?
A wire-mesh demister removes entrained droplets before the outlet. Proper gas velocity and maintenance keep carry-over low.
Is an ATEX version available?
Yes. We supply ATEX-rated pumps and controls (e.g., S7-1500 PLC in EX-P cabinet) for hazardous areas.