Parametric analysis and prototype development of smog-free tower for sustainable urban environment

Abstract

Urban expansion contributes to smog formation by emitting particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere, threatening overall well-being. Wet scrubbers and spray towers have been employed to mitigate smog through water-based adsorption. The existing technologies face sustainability challenges such as significant water consumption and long-term environmental impact. To combat this issue, an environmentally friendly smog-free tower (SFT) is manufactured. The SFT is constructed from galvanized iron sheets with a height and diameter of 1067 and 381 mm, respectively. SFT uses PM2.5 filters (PMF) made up of activated carbon, polyester fiber, and polypropylene fiber to capture PM from self-generated smog (SGS) produced by coal and cooking oil. In this study, three factors; contact time, contact diameter of filter, and position of filter tray in the SFT are evaluated to examine the performance of SFT. Results revealed that PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ pollutants are effectively captured when the contact time is 50 min with removal efficiency of 97.8 % and 98.4 % respectively by a filter having 381 mm diameter. In the case of the filter tray’s position in the SFT, the removal efficiency at the first position exceeded the third position which in turn exceeded the second position. Removal efficiency is dropped at the second position of SFT because of resistance to flow for SGS due to the increased distance of the filter from the bottom suction fan and the inlet compressor. SFT stands as an indicator of cleaner city life, effectively cleansing an area of 113 m² with an energy consumption of 48.3 k.W.h./month.