An air stripper is used to transfer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a groundwater stream to an air stream which is either treated and discharged, or simply discharged. Air is passed up through a number of perforated trays, while the contaminated groundwater cascades down from one tray level to the next. The turbulence in the water caused by the pressurized air effects the mass transfer of VOCs. The air is supplied to the air stripper using a pressure blower
A pressure blower has a radial impeller, with the air intake at the center of the impeller. As it rotates, air is forced to the outside of the impeller and to the blower outlet due to deflection and centrifugal force. This creates an area of low pressure at the inlet of blower causing more air to be drawn in.
Due to their simple radial-wheel design, pressure blowers are capable of very high air flow rates but relatively low air pressures. Air strippers typically require pressures in the range of 20-30” WC, which is within the range produced by pressure blowers.
There are many considerations when choosing a pressure blower, but the most important ones for operation with an air stripper are air flow rate and the required air pressure.
For the majority of our air stripper installations, MLE Equipment uses New York Blower Pressure Blowers. Please see the provided specification sheets and manuals for more detailed information on pressure blowers.
