We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Air Stripping?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,277
Share

Air stripping is a process where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are removed from water with the use of forced air. The purification rate can be very high with a well designed system, leaving mostly clean water behind and trapping the compounds in a pollution control system. There are a number of ways companies can use air stripping, ranging from industrial processes to environmental cleanup. Manufacturers of stripping systems produce an assortment of products and accessories.

The classic way to perform air stripping is in a tower. Nozzles jet a mist of water at the top of the tower. As water droplets fall, air pushes up from below, moving through the water and picking up VOCs. The water settles to the bottom, mostly stripped of the contaminants, and the VOCs can be trapped in a stack at the top of the tower. It is also possible to release them directly, but this may not be advisable or legal, because they could pollute the environment.

Compounds like acetone and benzene can be removed with air stripping. One way to use this process is in the cleaning and recycling of components used in a facility. The mostly clean water can be reused for new processes, and the recovered VOCs can also be used again. This can cut down on production costs and pollutants by recycling materials as much as possible. While the initial air stripping plant may be expensive to install, the company could determine that it will pay for itself in the long term.

This can also be used in water purification and pollution cleanup, including responses to events like oil spills. If air stripping is an option, it may be possible to build a temporary facility or transport water for scrubbing as part of a pollution cleanup effort. The stripped water can also be passed through filters and other purification stages to make it as clean as possible, removing particulates and other undesirable compounds before it is released.

An air stripping system works best when it is properly operated and maintained. The tower may need periodic cleaning, and nozzles can become clogged. Pollution control systems need to be maintained in good working order to prevent issues like loss of air flow due to filter clogs. In some cases, the tower may be subject to inspection by regulatory authorities, who will determine if it meets pollution standards or poses a risk to health and safety.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-air-stripping.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.