Solving Sludge: Preferred's Acid Sludge Atomizers

The W.N. Best division of Preferred Utilities products offers solutions for acid sludge problems. A by-product of petroleum refinery operations is acid sludge, a black mixture of asphaltic hydrocarbons, sulfuric acid and water. This material is highly corrosive and would cause disastrous contamination in any disposal area.

Preferred’s Product Solution

The W.N. Best AS-60, rated for 66,000 lbs/hr throughput, is the largest unit Preferred Utilities makes. Other sizes are 11,000, 30,000 and 50,000 lbs/hr throughput. Illium 98 provides corrosion resistance on all wetted parts of the unit. All have extremely large passageways for the waste liquid and tolerate lumps, strings and high viscosity. 

How it Works

The fluid to be atomized is fed into the rotating shaft of the unit at relatively low pressure. As the liquid migrates toward the furnace end of the tapered spinning cup, it picks up rotary momentum and centrifugal force presses it to the inner wall of the cup. When the liquid leaves the cup, the centrifugal force causes it to spread out in to a thin disc shaped film. The atomizing air is blown in through the annular space around the cup. This causes the thin film to break up into very small droplets and move away from the end of the cup. Typically these units will require 15 psi atomizing air at the unit, with a mass flow ratio of 0.3 to 0.5 lb. of air per pound of spent liquid.

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