Abstract
The developed diffusion scrubber method is an efficient technique that collects and removes gases making use of the difference in the diffusion coefficients between the gases and air particles. By passing air through a porous Teflon tube, the gases diffuse and permeate the pores on the interior wall of the Teflon tube. The diffused gases can be collected by placing an absorbing solution, such as water, on the exterior wall of the Teflon tube. Particles with a smaller diffusion coefficient pass through the Teflon tube with the air flow. Using pure water as the absorbing solution, various water-soluble gases (HCI, HNO3, SO2, NH3, HCHO etc.) can be collected. The diffusion scrubber is not only a gas collection device but an excellent interface easily connected to analytical instruments. Therefore, by connection to the analytical instrument, such as an IC, HPLC, etc., one is able to perform automated and continuous measurements of trace gases in the air at sub ppbv levels. The diffusion scrubber method can be used not only as an environmental measurement technology, but also as a technology for as air cleaning systems that remove hazardous gases. The air cleaning equipment developed using the diffusion scrubber method having excellent features is expected to be widely utilized as a technology to remove hazardous gases in various industrial and living environments.
