Pollution Control Equipment
Air pollution control equipment is any device that removes and eliminates a wide variety of impurities from the air. Airborne pollutants can pose serious health risks ranging from allergic reaction to death. Contaminated air may also have disastrous effects on the environment causing several regulatory agencies to require the use of pollution control equipment in many industrial settings. Manufacturing processes often result in the emission of harmful byproducts such as hydrocarbons, solvent fumes and halogenated and hazardous air pollutants that should not be released into the atmosphere. Contaminant diminishing apparatus need not be industrial, however, as personal and residential devices are widely available. Pollution control equipment is used in varying degrees in domestic settings as well as automotive, medical, printing, biological research and many other industries.
Pollution control systems often involve particulate and fume removal either through filtration, absorption, or extraction. Wet scrubbers, air scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, mist collectors and catalytic and thermal oxidizers are examples of equipment found most often in industrial and commercial settings. Air filtration systems are widely popular in residential as well. This type of equipment can vary in price and rigorousness and is a common component of most heating and cooling appliances. The type and amount of pollution produced or present in a given environment should be considered when choosing the proper apparatus. Frequently, pollution control equipment is used to reduce ongoing pollution, though equipment is also needed to control contaminants that have already been released into the environment.