1. Write short notes on different types of plume behavior and explain its characteristics.

2. (a) What are the harmful effects of particulate matter? Explain the treatment methods for their
removal.
(b) A conventional cyclone with diameter 0.5 m handles 4.0 m3 /s of standard air (µg=1.81×10-5
kg/m-s and ρg being negligible w.r.t ρp) carrying particles with a density of 2500 kg/m3 . For
Ne=6, inlet width (b)=0.25 m, inlet height (a)=0.5 m, determine the cut size of particle diameter.

3. (a) What are the harmful effects of SOX , explain general methods of removal of SOX .

4. (a) Explain the working principle and design of Activated sludge process.
(b) An activated-sludge system is to be used for secondary treatment of 15,000 m3 /d

of municipal wastewater. After primary clarification, the BOD is 170 mg/L, and it is desired to
have not more than 25 mg/L of soluble BOD in the effluent. A completely mixed reactor is to be
used, and pilot-plant analysis has established the following values: hydraulic detention time
(θC )=10 d yield coefficient (Y)=0.5 kg/kg, kd =0.05 d -1Assuming an MLSS concentration of
4500 mg/L and an underflow concentration of 12,000 mg/L from the secondary clarifier,
determine (1) the volume of the reactor, (2) the mass and volume of solids that must be wasted
each day, and (3) the recycle ratio.

5. (a) Write a brief note on environmental protection through legislation.

(b) Explain about Water prevention and control of pollutant act, 1974.

6. (a)Write short notes on analysis of air pollutants.

(b)Describe the working principle and operation of electrostatic precipitators with a

neat diagram.

7 (a) Describe various methods to remove NOX from vent gas.

(b) Write short notes on analysis of water pollutants.

8. What are the approaches to control pollutant emissions from a petrochemical

industry.

(b) Distinguish between Aerobic and anaerobic process.

 1. Explain briefly on Analysis of pollutants Industrial liquid effluent analysis.
A). In the past two decades, analytical chemistry plays a major role in analysis of liquid and
gaseous pollutants.
Today sophisticated instrumental methods are available for the analysis of water and air
pollutants at trace level concentrations.
It is necessary to analyze the industrial, wastewater to determine its suitability for reuse,
recovery of useful products and for safe disposal .
Analysis of physical parameters
Turbidity is measured nephelometrically, Oil & grease by solvent extraction methods
Tristimulus colorimetry for analysis of color pollutants. Evaluation of threshold odor number
(TON) gives an indication of pollution due to algae, phenols. Ketones & mercapto compounds.
Characterization of organic pollutants
BOD & COD

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria
and other microorganisms while they decompose organic matter under aerobic (oxygen is
present) conditions at a specified temperature.
COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis is a measurement of the oxygen-depletion
capacity of a water sample contaminated with organic waste matter. Specifically, it measures
the equivalent amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic compounds in water.

pesticides can be analyzed by spectrochemical., elemental or chromatographic methods most of the

metal pollutants present in water are toxic and can be tolerated by microgram levels. Classical methods
like volumetric & gravimetric can not be used for low concentrations. Sophisticated instrumental
method are used.

Ex.analytical absorption spectroscopy, spetrophotometry, GLC, nephelometry, AAS,

turbidimetry, fluorometry, conductometry polarography etc.
Fluorescence and phosphorescence useful for analysis of liquid effluents from food processing
industries. Analysis of alkalis by flame photometry neutron activation analysis for analysis of
metal pollutants like cadmium, mercury at Nonogram concentration levels.
Analysis of dissolved gases such as oxygen, Winkler's method is used.
2. What are the activities of Environmental Legislation? Explain.

A). It provides a legal tool with which activities affecting the environment are regulated. The
basic aim is to achieve air and water quality within acceptable levels, stage by stage control of
pollution.

Three approaches

First deals with only one aspect of environmental protection such as water pollution control, air
pollution control etc. The law for prevention and control of water pollution was enacted in 1974
and the one for prevention and control of air pollution was enacted in 1981 by the Indian
parliament. The second approach to environmental protection is comprehensive and deals with
all types of pollution. The third approach integration of the environmental protection with
national development planning. it is the best approach, prohibitive and restrictive measures are
to be taken.

3. Write short notes on Water (Prevention & Control of pollution) ACT, 1974.

A). The Water (Prevention & Control of pollution) act deals with only one aspect of the
environment, water.

Object of the law is to control the pollution of water and to maintain and restore, whenever
necessary. Its not only maintain the quality of water but to make the best use of water for
development activities.

Removal of pathogens, toxic materials, mineral oils, dissolved organic solids, suspended
materials and a proper control of pH

Classification Best use to which it can be put

A Drinking water source without

treatment but after disinfection.

B Outdoor bathing

C Drinking water source with

conventional treatment followed
by disinfection.

D Propagation of wild life, fisheries

E Irrigation, industrial cooling etc.

 Classification of water
(Fresh waters)

Sea waters

A Water sport, fishing

B Commercial fishing

C Industrial cooling

D Harbour

E Navigation, controlled
waste disposal

In the class 1 cities of India where 10 % of the population of the country lives, about two-thirds
of the country’s pollution responsible for the deterioration of the water quality of rivers and
stream generated. This pollution renders the water unfit for drinking, especially in villages,
where the pollution is exposed to water –born disease. Very few class 1 towns have been
provided with sewage treatment facilities, rest of the towns were not provided due to lack of
funds.

Sewage treatment plant

Removing contaminants from municipal and industrial waste water by physical, chemical and
biological processes and produces treated waste water that is safe enough for release in to the
environment.
 Advantages: Industrial liquid effluents can be treated with a small extra cost. Downstream
water quality will improve, General sanitary conditions in the town will improve, Reuse of water
can be planned in a big way, especially for agriculture. Financial help from industries towards
operating cost would be fourth coming.

4. Write short notes on Air (Prevention & Control of pollution) ACT,1981.

A). Air pollution under the act, means the presence of solids, liquid or gaseous substances in the
atmosphere in such concentrations as may or tend to be injurious to human being, living
creatures, plants ,property or environment.
The functions of the central board for the Prevention & Control of air pollution are
To advice the central Govt on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air and
the prevention.
To plan and cause to be executed a nation wide programme for the Prevention & Control of air
pollution.
To coordinate the activities of the state boards and resolve disputes between them.
To provide technical assistance and guidance to the state boards.
To plan and organize the training of the person engaged.
To organize through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the act.
To collect, compile and publish technical & statistical data related to air pollution.
To collect and disseminate (Spread) information concerning matters related to air pollution.

1. What are the treatment methods for removal of SO 2? Explain.

A) In the atmosphere the increasing acidity was caused by increasing SOXemissions.SO2 was
converted to H2SO4 and a pH as low as 3.1 was observed. A progressive fall in pH cause acidic
environment. Such acidic precipitation can cause serious damage to lakes, rivers and soil
condition, alkali –deficient soils may result in decreased biomass growth.

The main sources of SO2

H2SO4 plants, combustion of coal, thermal power stations, petrochemical units, metallurgical
industries, automotive exhausts.
Harmful effects of SO2:
Exposure to SO2 conc 1ppm leads to the constriction of air passages in the respiratory system.
Higher concentrations cause irritation of the nose and throat, coughing and eye irritation. An
average SO2 threshold concentration for odour is 0.8 -1.0 ppm. Corrosion of metals,
decolourization of building paints, weakening and reduction in strength of textiles and fading of
dyes.
Methods of SO2 control:
1. Minimizing the SO2 concentration by making improvements in process technology.
2. Using fuels of low Sulphur content.
3. Efficient dilution of gases by employing tall stacks.
4. Reducing the concentration of SO2 in stack gases by subsequent treatment.

Minimizing the SO2 concentration by making improvements in process technology.

In the DCDA process the SO3 formed due to partial conversion in the earlier stages is removed
in a primary absorber. Unconverted gases, heated by the gases entering the absorber are returned
for further conversion, as a result of this, the overall conversion efficiency increases. It is
possible to use a higher inlet concentration of SO2, this increases the capacity of the unit as well
as its thermal efficiency when suitable heat recovery methods are incorporated. DCDA is
attractive because it requires just one more absorption tower than conventional process. The
adoption of this technology not only reduces the SO2 concentrations in the gases, but helps
increase the plant output. Oxidation of SO2 is favored by high pressure, conversion efficiency of
99.7 % is achieved. The unconverted SO2, when absorbed in H2SO4 at 22 atm, can be reduced
to concentrations as low as 30-40 ppm before entering the stack. The use of oxygen instead of air
decreases the plant size and the volume of gases. Thus the use of DCDA process, high pressure
and pure oxygen can bring down the emission concentration substantially.
Desulphurization of fuels:
1. H2S can be removed from natural gas by scrubbing with mono ethanolamine .
2. HDS process for desulphurization of fuel oil is very commonly used: In this the oil is reacted with
hydrogen, over a catalyst, at temperature ranging from 400 to 550oC and pressure from 35 to
70 atm.

Dilution using tall stacks:

Dilution by tall stacks (as high as 400-450 m) are employed for the removal of SO2. Make use of
meteorological conditions so as to keep the ground level concentration of SO2 within acceptable
limits.
Reduction of SO2 concentration:
Wet process
Dry process
Wet process is a physical absorption of SO2 or a chemical reaction. The absorbent should have
a large capacity for absorbing SO2 at a fast rate so as to reduce the size of the equipment, it is
also possible to regenerate the absorbent. SO2 acidic in nature, is readily absorbed by alkaline
solutions like lime/limestone solutions, NaOH solution, Na2CO3 etc.
Dry process: for the removal of SO2 from the exit gases 1. Oxidation/reduction are used. 2. Use
of metal oxides such as lime stone, MgO.
Oxidation/ reduction:
In the catalytic oxidation used in H2SO4 plants, a fixed fluidized bed reactor with a catalyst at
400-500oC is used for good conversion efficiency. In this oxidation process SO 2 and oxygen
present bin the stack gas are absorbed on the surface of an active carbon catalyst which catalyzes
the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 , SO3 subsequently reacts with the moisture present to form H2SO4 in
the pores of active carbon.
The combined effect of absorption and catalysis by the active carbon can lead to an almost
complete conversion of SO2. Regeneration of the catalyst can be done by either heating the
carbon so that H2SO4 is reduced to S02which can subsequently be used in the manufacture of
H2SO4 or by washing the catalyst with water which takes away the H2SO4 formed.
2. Write short notes on Pollution control in petroleum refineries and petrochemical units.
A). Pollution is of three stages

Crude oil production, Transportation & refining operations

During crude oil production effluent containing oil are discharged in to seas or rivers. Oil
spills during sea, rail and road transport lead to the pollution of seas, rail and road
stations. However, refinery operations where crude oil is processed are responsible for
maximum water pollution, hence the crude oil is subjected to distillation, cracking and
hydro cracking operations to give naphtha, kerosene, diesel., gasoline, leads to the
thermal pollution of water bodies that effect aquatic life.
Oil bearing liquid wastes forms a thin oil layer over the surface of the receiving water
bodies, cutting down sun light and oxygen necessary for flora and fauna, it is also a
nuisance aesthetically and impedes the photosynthesis of the plants.
It leads to the fouling of beaches, sea resorts and boats, affects adversely the performance
of the waste water treatment plant and is a fire hazard. phenol is not readily
biodegradable, imparts bad odor and taste to water and is toxic to living beings. H2S and
other 8ulphur compounds in water emit obnoxious smells and can impart a black color to
the receiving waters or corrode the process equipment including the conveying lines and
treatment plant.
The following six techniques can be followed to minimize pollution by a
petrochemical unit.
1. Physical, biological and chemical treatment of liquid waste before disposal.
2. Treatment and receiving of process water to reduce fresh water requirement as well as
pollution.
3. Incorporation of process changes to keep the pollutant concentration at a lower level.
4. Recovery of useful chemicals.
5. Aggregation of toxic liquid waste and removal of toxic substances.
6. Equalizations and proportion of liquid wastes.

Disposal of sludges:
 Sludges (concentrated solids) are formed during oil water separations, precipitation
operations and biological oxidation. They are essentially of 3 types- Oil sludges,
Chemical and biological sludges.
The oily sludges can be thickened by gravity thickeners, centrifuges and filtration. In
chemical sludges, the recovery of chemicals can be done. Biological sludges should be
digested (convert concentrated solids in to inert and pathogen free ) anaerobically for the
production of biogas.
For treatment of liquid wastes& For the recovery of various chemicals

Solvent extraction, Inertial separation, Ion exchange, Adsorption on activated carbon, Recovery
of useful chemicals, Chlorination, Electrocoagulation, Electro dialysis- reverse osmosis,
Ozonation & biodegradation.

For treatment of air pollutants: H2S, NH3, SO2, NOX,HF, Hcl, Aldehydes, mercaptons and
PM such as smoke, fumes, mists and dusts, CO2, CO are also releases in to the atmosphere from
Petroleum Industries.

For removal of ammonia : Absorption in dilute H2SO4.

Removal of PM: Cyclone separators, scrubbers, Filters and Electro Static Precipitators.

1. Write short notes on analysis of gaseous pollutants.

A). Air pollution can be classified in to 1.Gaseous pollution & 2. Presence of

Particulate matter (PM), there is some difficulty in analysis of gaseous pollutants.
Analysis of PM
For analysis of PM, the sample taken must be density and concentration equivalent
to the average values.
The velocity of the gas stream entering the nozzle should be the same as the
velocity of gas passing the nozzle. (iso kinetic sampling).
For proper gas sampling, analysis and monitoring ,vaccum pumps and suitable gas
meters are required. Vaccum pumps can be rotary, reciprocatory, centrifugal.
Aspirators or hand driven vaccum pumps would be useful if analysis were to be
done at the site.
The amount of gas sampled can be determined by the use of pitot tubes, nozzles,
orifice meters, rotameters, venturi meters etc.
Orifice meters, nozzles and venturi meters work on the principle: Pressure loss is
measured and related to the flow velocity by the use of momentum balance
equations.
Rotameters variable area meters where the area of floe between the float and the
tapered graduated tube increases as the float position becomes higher at higher
flowrates.
Pitot tubes are used for the measurement of flow rates in big channels, chimneys
etc., where area of flow and the flowrates are high.

2. Explain about the removal methods for particulate matter.

A). Natural sources of PM in the atmosphere are the erosion of soil by wind, salt
particles from oceans, forest fires, volcanic residues etc.
Man made sources: automobile exhausts, thermal power stations, cement factories
etc.
Health hazards to lungs, reduced visibility, solar radiation and chemical reactions.
There are two parameters depicting the performance of separation equipment.
Particle dynamics
When a particle moves under gravitational or centrifugal force, it is acted upon by
three forces, gravitational or centrifugal, buoyancy and drag force. When the
gravitational force balances buoyancy and drag forces, the particle moves with a
constant velocity called terminal velocity.
For CD = 24/Nre the expression of terminal velocity and drag force become

Stopping distance:
Another important parameter depicting the performance of separation equipment is
the stopping distance.
This is the distance a particle travels in the horizontal direction before it comes to
rest. The stopping distance is especially useful when the velocity of flow of the
fluid in the separation equipment changes with length or height. One such unit is a
venturi scrubber.
Preliminary methods of separation
Preliminary separation of coarse particles can be achieved by slowing down the
velocity of the effluent gases and changing their direction of flow or impingement
on plates or channels.
Gravity settling chambers slow the gases so the particles can settle down.
Gravity settling chambers
Figure shows a simplified representation of Gravity settling chambers. The stream
of gas ,containing particles enters the chamber.
The gas flows horizontally at small velocities usually between 1 and 2 m/s. The
dimensions of the unit are characterized by the cross section, H x B and length L.
The terminal velocity of a particle of diameter dp= when Stoke’s law applicable.
The residence time of the gas in the chamber is
The efficiency of the gravity settling chambers can be defined as the ratio of the
height covered by the particle to the total height of the unit.

The minimum particle size that can be separated in the unit is given by the
expression
Where h equals H, the height of the unit.

Solid traps
The gas containing particles enters, from above and experiences a reversal in flow
direction. The solids, having more inertia, deviate from the stream lines followed
by the gas and are separated from it. they settle down as the gas velocity decreases.
They are applicable in metallurgical furnaces where high dust loads and relative
small flow rates are involved.

Cyclone separators:
They make use of centrifugal force for the separation of particles. A tangential
velocity is imparted to the gas by a tangential entry which converts the axial flow
in to a spiral flow. A cyclone separator consists of a cylindrical and a conical
portion, with a rectangular tangential entry. As the gas enters, it spirals downwards
in an outer vortex and comes out of the unit in an inner vortex. During its stay in
the unit the gas makes a given number of effective turns. The tangential velocity of
the gas increases as it approaches the axis of the unit, and tends to be inversely
proportional to the radius. The net gas movement is downwards near the wall and
upwards near the core. There is a locus where the vertical velocity is zero called
the locus of zero vertical velocity. At this locus the particle has an even chance of
being separated or not. The tangential velocity of the gas increases as it approaches
the axis of the unit, and tends to be inversely proportional to the radius. The net gas
movement is downwards near the wall and upwards near the core. There is a locus
where the vertical velocity is zero called the locus of zero vertical velocity. At this
locus the particle has an even chance of being separated or not.
B is the width of the inlet,
N= number of effective turns the gas makes in the cyclone
Vi = inlet velocity

Aerodynamic separation of the particles:

When a gas containing particles approaches a body or such as a single fiber or
water droplet, it deviates from the gas streams and is collected by the body.
Particle collection is achieved by impaction, interception or diffusion.
Inertial separation: separation by impaction & interception, impaction is important
when the particle has appreciable mass but negligible size.
The impaction parameter is the ratio of the diameter of the tube of gas streamlines,
containing particles and the diameter of the fiber or droplet on which the particles
impact.

Fabric filters: Fiber filters discussed above are arranged in mats or deep beds,
they have a high void fraction and can be used when the particle in the gas low,
Fabric filters are in the shape of the cloth tubes arranged in the bag house space. A
number of tubes in multiple rows provide the necessary area for filtration. the
efficiencies of 99% or more can be achieved for particles of size 1 micron.
Liquid scrubbers:
In this the gas containing particles is brought in contact with a fine spray of liquid,
usually water. The separation of particles occurs essentially by impaction,
interception and diffusion, Though humidification, condensation, wetting and
gravitation also have their role to play.
Ex. Spray towers, packed towers, impingement, cyclonic scrubbers etc.

3. Explain about ESP with a neat diagram.

ESP work on the principle of charging the solid particles suspended in air or
gaseous by means of gas ions or electron produced by ionization of gases under a
high electric field and subsequent separation under the action of field. They are
highly efficient and capable of separating particles of size as low as 0.05 microns.
For most applications the average efficiency ranges from 98-99%.
The pressure drop in gases through the unit is fairly low, very large volumetric
flow rates of gases can therefore be handled Commonly used types ESP
Are the wire in tube & wire in plate types
In wire in tube ionization & collection are done in the same unit where as in the
latter ionization is achieved in one portion of the equipment and collection in
another.
Components:
1.Power supply unit for high voltage and unidirectional current
2. Electrode system where ionization of the gas takes place
3. Housing or space where separating electrodes are located.
4. Removal of collected solid cake
For proper operation of ESP, it is essential to have uninterrupted, unidirectional
power supply of sufficient voltage to ionize the gas.
Ionization of the gases achieved by the use of ionizing or discharge electrodes. To
support a proper corona around the electrodes, small dia rods ,square steel rods are
used.
The electrodes should be properly supported and insulated from the precipitator
Shells and sides .
The precipitator shells can be made of reinforced concrete or lined with special
corrosion resistant materials such as lead, acid resistant bricks, cement, carbon,
special steel or alloys. the reinforced construction can be used in applications
where the gas temperature is below 250oC. The separating electrodes should also
be resistant type gases and collected solids and have necessary strength at
operation temperatures. They can be coated with a layer of oil or a water or
mechanically rods to remove the collected solid cake layer. And prevent reentry of
solids in to the main gas stream. It is important to remove the solid from the
surfaces of the electrodes for, if the layer of the solid is allowed to buildup, the
solid migrating to the walls could not be able to dissipate their charges. This can
lead to the reentry of solid and reduce efficiency of collection.
Advantages: They are quite flexible in operation with regard to gas flow and dust
loading variations. The pressure drop of the gases in the unit is low and the
efficiency is very high, even for small particles sizes. The units can work up to gas
temp of 350C, in SO2 and moist atm. They have a lower operation cost. This unit
cannot be used for combustible gases. High initial capital cost is the chief
disadvantage.
 1. Describe various methods to remove NOX from vent gas. (14 M)

Sources of NOX

Mobile sources such automobiles and aircraft

Stationary sources such as power plants
Chemical industries such as nitric acid plants.

Effects :

It corrodes metal surfaces, damage building surfaces, reduce visibility and causes bronchitis. Cause
irritation to the eyes, reduce visibility. Damage leaf structure of plants and reduce the life of tyres and
other insulating materials. The threshold limit ofNO2 is 9 mg/m3.

Removal methods:

For adsorption of NOX,

1. NO is first oxidized to NO2 which can be adsorbed by silica gel, activated carbon etc. :
In the First Stage oxides of nitrogen are reduced to NO., In the second stage the latter is reduced
to nitrogen. Besides ,oxygen in the tail gases reacts simultaneously with the hydrocarbon to
produce CO2 and water vapor and thus supplies the heat necessary to maintain the reaction
temperature at 450oC.

2. Catalytic reduction of NOX using CH4 and NH3.

3. Catalytic reduction Using Methane

NOX emission control for automobile exhausts

Most of the NOX formation occurs in combustion zone during the burning of fuel in internal combustion
engine. The concentration of NOX is depends on flame temperature and availability of oxygen.
The NOX emission is highest during acceleration due to the high volume of exhaust gases and also
during steady running of the vehicles.
The best way to control, slight modification in the engine design, indirect injection of fuel at slow rate,
recycling of a part of the exhausts gases in to the engine are the best ways.
NOX pollution control for combustion operations
In the automobiles, combustion of oil, coal or gas in furnaces, boilers leads to the formation of NOX. The
basic reaction
½ N2+1/2 O2 NO
Excess air is used for complete combustion.,
When the concentration of oxygen in the flue gases increases the NOX concentration also increases.
Temperature, oxygen concentration, and length of time of combustion are important parameters for
deciding NOX levels in the flue gases.
NOX can be controlled by choosing proper operating conditions for the combustion process.
Recirculation of flue gases:
In this method a part of flue gas is recirculated and used for combustion, this makes the combustion
deficient in oxygen with the result that the peak combustion temperature is reduced.
Low excess air utilization:
Low excess air is used. This increases the N/O ratio and reduces the formation of NOX.
Two stage supply of air: here about 90% of air is supplied to the burner, the rest of the air required for
combustion is supplied at a location above the burner flame. This reduces the NOX formation due to
reduced flame temperature and slightly reduced levels of oxygen.
Tangential firing
The burners here are located tangentially around the combustion chamber radiating heat to a
concentric cooling area, the peak temperatures as a result are reduced, thus reducing NOX emissions
Using clean-up devices:
Use is made here of catalytic reduction, absorption and adsorption.