The research team created a micro-bubble machine that applies water to gas emissions, turning them into bubbles that are smaller than carbonic bubbles. (image: KITECH)
CHEONAN, July 21 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean researchers have developed a system that turns gas emissions into bubbles underwater to eradicate both fine dust and its source.
The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) announced Monday that it had co-developed a micro-bubble system jointly with a local firm.
Previous technology used to filter sources of fine dust involved large equipment or facilities, and required catalysts to be replaced on a regular basis.
To tackle this problem, the research team created a micro-bubble machine that applies water to gas emissions, turning them into bubbles that are smaller than carbonic bubbles.
Oxidants are mixed with the bubbles, which are captured as they are melted underwater and taken away for waste water disposal.
Previous micro-bubble technology involved pushing high temperature, highly pressurized gas into the water, creating a risk of damaging the compressor.
(image: KITECH)
The research team resolved this issue by installing a blower at the device’s outlet area to suck in the gas, bringing down the required pressure to one-twentieth of the original level.
The new device succeeded in eradicating 99.9 percent of fine dust (PM10), 99 percent of sulfur oxides, and 91.9 percent of nitrogen oxide after injecting 1,000 liters of gas emissions per minute.
“In future studies, we plan to look into the possibility of filtering volatile organic compounds that cause unpleasant odors in factories,” said Dr. Cho Hyung-tae from KITECH.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
