Fix the Problem

Fixing the problem can be inexpensive and quick, expensive, and slow, or any combination between. With most scrubbers, the actual work entails generally available trade skills such as piping, electrical work, mechanical adjustments, and so forth. If you make a task list or action item list, you can see the extent of the corrections needed. Try to organize them by manpower requirements and expense. A welcome suggestion is to fix the most easily corrected problem first and then evaluate the results. This is obvious but doing so will not always solve the problem. Many times, it does produce the desired results.

If your task list is long, you should not avoid confronting a decision to replace the scrubber. It could be that the system was never matched properly to your real problem and will never meet the desired requirements. The unit may have been the least expensive that was available at the time, the process could have changed, the water quality could have deteriorated, or the system could have been overwhelmed and is simply too small. It could be plain worn out. Replacement could be the best decision.

As mentioned at the outset of this chapter, there are many possible problem areas that need to be explored in diagnosing problems regarding wet scrubbers and the ancillary equipment required to run them. Though each problem is quite simple, the sum of them can sometimes be quite intimidating. It is hoped that some of the preceding suggestions will help you localize and solve problems you may be having any may allow continued operation of the air pollution control equipment you already have.