Toxic Gas Mitigation Nozzles

Containment and mitigation of toxic gas leaks with water spray systems

Questions? Ask an Engineer

Chemical processing plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities use and/or produce acidic or basic solutions, such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), hydrochloric acid (HCl), chlorine (Cl), or ammonia (NH3) that are capable of producing toxic gas clouds if they are accidentally leaked or exposed to atmospheric conditions. Mitigation of accidental releases of these gases can often be accomplished with water sprays that have a small average droplet size, thereby maximizing the surface area to volume ratio and providing the greatest contact between the water and the toxic/corrosive gas. BETE nozzles are used worldwide in toxic gas mitigation spray systems to remove water soluble, toxic gases from the air in the event of an accidental leak, preventing the spread of hazardous and/or poisonous vapor clouds into the atmosphere by producing a cloud of small droplets capable of capturing and containing the leak.

Refer to the report published by the Industry Cooperative Hydrogen Fluoride Mitigation Assessment Program for nozzle sizing and placement to control HF leaks.
- HF Mitigation by Water Sprays (PDF - 2MB)

Download the BETE Fire Protection Brochure (PDF - 1.4MB)

BETE Nozzles for Fire Protection (PDF - 25 KB)

Selecting a Toxic Gas Mitigation Nozzle:

Important factors to consider:

Size & shape of target object or area
Available nozzle mounting locations
Required droplet size for effective mitigation
- In most applications, maximizing the surface area to volume ratio of the spray is the most important factor as this exposes the greatest amount of surface area
- As the absorption kinetics are primarily driven by surface area, this leads more efficient capture of the gas by the liquid
Required flow rate for effective mitigation
Available pressure drop (∆P) across the nozzle
- ∆P = supply pressure at nozzle inlet - process pressure outside nozzle
Required material for environment and chemical compatability
Our experienced engineers can help determine which nozzle will perform as required with your design details
- BETE is pleased to offer assistance in selecting nozzles and materials to meet the detailed specifications, required nozzle performance (K-factor (flow vs pressure), pattern/coverage, droplet size, etc.) and documentation requirements associated with approved water spray systems
- However, as a nozzle manufacturer, BETE Fog Nozzle, Inc. cannot assume responsibility for the design of life/safety systems

Common Toxic Gas Mitigation Nozzle Uses and Industries:

Chemical processing industry
Petroleum industry
Power generation industry
Dousing leaks from ammonia tanks in the chemical industry
Containing accidental release of HF, HCl, or Cl gases
Dispersion of LNG vapor clouds
Towers and columns where absorption/mitigation is an integral part of the overall process stream

TF

BETE TF16FCN and TF20FCN nozzles were chosen for mitigation systems of accidental releases of hydrofluoric acid (HF) by the Industry Cooperative Hydrogen Fluoride Mitigation Assessment Program
Thirty percent finer atomization than an equivalent whirl nozzle

Nozzle Type(s):

Spiral

BETE is the originator of the spiral nozzle design, providing unparalleled atomization and clog resistance

Spray Pattern(s):

Full Cone

Flow Range:

.494 to 335 gpm

Typical Pressure Range:

40 to 150 psi

Angle Range:

90 - 170°

Common Materials:

316, Polypropylene, PTFE, PVDF

Plastics such as PTFE (Teflon), PVDF (Kynar), and polypropylene are often preferred due to the corrosive nature of the gases involved.

Nozzle Spray Videos

Flow Rates, Spray Angles, Connections