Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Packed-Bed Wet Scrubber System for Brick Kiln Emission Control

Abstract

Conventional brick kilns contribute substantially to atmospheric pollution in South Asia, highlighting the need for practical emission-control technologies suitable for existing kiln infrastructure. This study aimed to design, fabricate, and experimentally evaluate a ground-mounted packed-bed wet scrubber for reducing gaseous emissions under simulated brick-kiln combustion conditions. The prototype incorporated coarse aggregate packing and fine-mist water spraying to promote gas–liquid contact. Flue gases generated from the combustion of coal, wood, and rubber were directed through the scrubber, and carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations were measured before and after activation of the water-spray system. The results showed concentration reductions of 27.60% for CO, 28.57% for NOₓ, and 25.53% for SO₂. A visible change from dense grey smoke to a lighter vaporous plume was also observed. However, particulate matter was not quantitatively measured; therefore, this observation provides only qualitative evidence of reduced smoke opacity and possible particulate capture. The ground-mounted configuration offers accessibility for operation and maintenance without imposing additional equipment loads on existing kiln chimneys. These preliminary findings provide a technical basis for further prototype optimization and full-scale evaluation under actual brick-kiln operating conditions.