Evaluation of Wet Scrubber Performance for Chlorine Gas Control in Glove Manufacturing: Operational Parameters, Emission Levels, and Safety Implications

This study evaluates the performance and effectiveness of a wet scrubber system used for chlorine gas control in a glove manufacturing plant. The system utilizes a packed-bed wet scrubber integrated with a NaOH-based neutralization unit to capture chlorine-laden air from the chlorination room. The study employed on-site measurements of airflow, emission sampling, and chlorine leak simulations to evaluate the wet scrubber’s operational performance under actual plant conditions. The scrubber treated air contaminated with chlorine gas (=5 ppm), simulating release scenarios typical of glove manufacturing operations. The results showed that the face velocity measurements averaged 0.742 m/s, exceeding the recommended minimum of 0.50 m/s, affirming the system’s capacity for effective contaminant capture. Ducting performance data, including velocity pressure, duct transport velocity, and volumetric flow rate, demonstrated consistent airflow and efficient pollutant transport within accepted industry ranges. Isokinetic emission analysis revealed that all monitored pollutants, including dust, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, ammonia, and non-methane volatile organic compounds, remain significantly below regulatory limits. Additionally, chlorine leak simulations highlighted the importance of sensor placement and ventilation in mitigating exposure risks, with recorded concentrations exceeding the time-weighted average (8-hr) limit of 0.5 ppm, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and emergency preparedness. Overall, the wet scrubber system demonstrated high operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, contributing to a safer working environment and reduced environmental impact.