DATE:2025-09-25

How to Clean and Maintain Scrubber Nozzles

The nozzle is a critical component of a scrubber, ensuring that the scrubbing liquid is evenly distributed and effectively captures pollutants. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, nozzles may become clogged, spray patterns may shift, and atomization may become uneven—leading to reduced overall treatment efficiency. Below are complete cleaning and maintenance guidelines provided by Sanrey Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.

I. Common Issues

1. Scale buildup: Calcium and magnesium ions in hard water deposit inside the nozzle, affecting atomization.
2. Chemical crystallization: Acidic or alkaline scrubbing liquids may evaporate, forming crystals that clog the nozzle.
3. Suspended solids clogging: Circulating liquid containing impurities or particles can block the nozzle orifices.
4. Spray angle deviation: Prolonged use may cause nozzle wear, altering the spray pattern and resulting in uneven scrubbing.

II. Cleaning Methods

1. Routine flushing
• Rinse the inside and outside of the nozzle with clean water after shutdown to avoid chemical residues.
• Recommended frequency: 1–2 times per week.
2. Acid washing (for scale removal)
• Soak in diluted citric acid or acetic acid for 2–4 hours.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward. Avoid strong acids (e.g., concentrated HCl) that may corrode nozzle material.
3. Ultrasonic cleaning
• Suitable for small metal nozzles, effectively removing fine blockages.
• For plastic nozzles, verify material compatibility before use.
4. Manual cleaning
• Use a soft brush or fine non-metallic needle to gently unclog. Avoid metal pins that may scratch the nozzle.
• After cleaning, adjust the spray angle to restore uniformity.

III. Maintenance Recommendations

1. Regular inspection
• Inspect nozzle flow rate, spray angle, and atomization uniformity monthly.
• If deviation exceeds ±10%, replacement is recommended.
2. Circulating water filtration
• Install filters or sedimentation tanks to reduce solid impurities entering nozzles.
3. Material selection
• Acidic exhaust gases → PP or PVDF nozzles
• High temperature / highly corrosive environments → SUS316 stainless steel
• General organic exhaust gases → PP nozzles
4. Spare part management
• Keep at least 10% nozzle inventory for quick replacement.

IV. Sanrey Professional Recommendations

1. Smart monitoring: Consider AI video monitoring or differential pressure sensors for real-time clog detection.
2. Chemical management: Avoid overly concentrated scrubbing liquids to reduce crystallization risk.
3. Customized maintenance plan: SMEs are advised to establish quarterly inspection schedules, with professional technician visits to enhance system stability and extend service life.

V. After-Sales Service from SANREY

• First year warranty + complimentary inspection.
• Maintenance contract options: 3-year or 5-year intervals.
• Service items include:
• Nozzle cleaning
• Packing media cleaning
• Equipment inspection
• Scrubber body cleaning
• Differential pressure gauge check
• Fan inspection
• Airflow measurement at inlets/outlets
• VOCs emission testing
• Mist eliminator cleaning
• For units connected to activated carbon systems: outer frame and carbon filter cleaning

✅ Conclusion:
By performing routine rinsing, acid washing, ultrasonic cleaning, or manual cleaning—combined with Sanrey’s maintenance contracts and after-sales inspection services—you can ensure that scrubber nozzles maintain optimal atomization performance, thereby sustaining high treatment efficiency over the long term.