DORAVILLE, Ga., August 22, 2002 -- Purafil Inc., a manufacturer of gas-removal air filtration systems, recently made the industry's first international sale of a one-ton chlorine emergency gas scrubber.
The tank is 10 feet in diameter and 15 feet tall and holds 25,000 pounds of CSO(tm), Purafil's patented dry scrubbing media for chlorine removal. Purchased by Melbourne Water in Australia, the scrubber will be installed at the Silvan Disinfection Plant, located in the mountains outside Melbourne, Victoria.
"The Silvan Disinfection Plant is classified as a Major Hazard Facility under state government legislation. Under this legislation, Melbourne Water is required to reduce the risk of a chlorine release 'so far as practicable,'" said Stephen Answerth, project manager at Melbourne Water. "The Purafil scrubber was seen as part of this effort."
The scrubber senses chemical leaks and filters contaminants out of the air until personnel can respond to the problems. Purafil's dry scrubbing pellets protect humans, wildlife and the environment from the dangers of liquid caustic.
Purafil is the only company in Australia to offer dry-scrubbing technology. Melbourne Water considered using wet scrubbers, which are less expensive but require more maintenance and can harm the environment.
"The dry media scrubber was selected because it is a simpler system and does not involve having liquid caustic soda on-site," Answerth said. "The need for the scrubber was driven by legislative requirements to draw in the risk contour from a chlorine release."
Purafil specializes in the removal of corrosive, odorous and toxic gases from commercial, industrial and municipal environments. Purafil established Environmental Systems Division in 1987 in response to a growing demand for high-efficiency odor control systems at pump stations, force mains and other wastewater operations. A network of local representatives supports Purafil ESD. These representatives are factory-trained and work in conjunction with Purafil ESD's technical service department to provide end-users with convenient and timely services.
