In the metallurgical sector, industrial gas scrubbing is a key technology to ensure operational sustainability and compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Smelting, refining, coating, and metal surface treatment processes generate emissions with high concentrations of pollutants that must be treated before being released into the atmosphere.

Drawing on its expertise in the design and manufacturing of gas treatment systems, Tecnium offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the most demanding industrial environments. In this article, we explain what this technology involves, how it is applied in metallurgical processes, and why it is essential to partner with an expert like Tecnium.

Table of contents

What is industrial gas scrubbing?

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Industrial gas scrubbing (also known as gas scrubbing) is an air decontamination process that neutralizes, dissolves, or captures pollutant gases before they are emitted. It is carried out by passing a gas stream through a liquid solution that absorbs or chemically reacts with the compounds present in the gas.

In the metallurgical industry, the generated gases often contain sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acids, metal vapors, and solid particles, all of which are highly harmful to human health and the environment.

Thanks to industrial gas scrubbing, it is possible to:

  • Comply with legal emission requirements.
  • Protect the health of personnel and nearby communities.
  • Prevent damage to facilities and infrastructure.
  • Reduce the environmental impact of production processes.
  • Optimize operational efficiency through a cleaner and safer environment.
  • Recover captured by-products for potential reuse or specialized treatment.

Application of industrial gas scrubbing in metallurgical processes

Metallurgical plants operate with high temperatures, aggressive chemical agents, and processes that release large volumes of pollutant gases. Therefore, implementing an industrial gas scrubbing system is not an option, but a critical necessity to ensure responsible, efficient, and standards-compliant operations.

Key areas where industrial gas scrubbing is essential include:

  • Smelting furnaces: removal of particles and metal vapors.
  • Electroplating and surface treatment: neutralization of acid mists.
  • Chemical pickling: absorption of chlorinated or sulfurous gases.
  • Non-ferrous metal refining: control of SO₂, NOx, and other by-products.
  • Ferroalloy production: reduction of emissions of volatile compounds and heavy metals.
  • Sintering processes: control of fumes and fine particles generated by mineral fusion.
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Tecnium’s industrial gas scrubbing technology

Tecnium offers a wide range of industrial gas scrubbing solutions specifically designed for metallurgical processes, tailored to the type of gas, flow rate, concentration, and operating conditions of each plant.

The industrial gas scrubbing systems developed by Tecnium feature high-efficiency scrubber towers made of corrosion-resistant plastic materials such as PPH, PVDF, or FRP. These towers may include:

  • Alkaline scrubbing: to neutralize acids such as HCl, HF, or SO₂.
  • Acid scrubbing: to capture alkaline or ammonia-based compounds.
  • Chemical absorption stages with specific reagents.
  • Demisters and droplet separators to prevent carryover.
  • Pre-wash or cooling stages to adjust the temperature of the gases before neutralization.
  • Automated recirculation systems to improve absorption efficiency and reduce reagent consumption.

Thanks to this modular and configurable design, Tecnium can guarantee removal efficiencies above 98%, even under variable operating conditions.

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Durable and efficient recirculation pumps

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The performance of an industrial gas scrubbing system largely depends on the reliability of the recirculation pumps, which ensure the continuous supply of the absorbent solution. Tecnium manufactures its own technical pumps to complement the system, guaranteeing excellent chemical, hydraulic, and mechanical resistance.

These recirculation pumps, designed and manufactured by Tecnium, integrate seamlessly into industrial gas scrubbing systems, delivering efficiency, safety, and durability.

  • Compatibility with aggressive fluids.
  • Constant flow rate and pressure to maintain scrubber performance.
  • Long service life, even in severe applications.
  • Easy maintenance and accessibility.
  • Low energy consumption for efficient and sustainable operation.
  • Customizable according to fluid type and operating conditions.

Recirculation pumps are not merely auxiliary components, but strategic elements for the performance and stability of the industrial gas scrubbing system. Their proper functioning ensures:

  • Homogeneous distribution of the absorbent reagent across all scrubbing stages.
  • Continuous operation even under demanding conditions or with corrosive gases.
  • Efficient pollutant neutralization by maintaining optimal gas-liquid contact.
  • Protection of internal system components from buildup or blockages.
  • Reduced unplanned downtime thanks to their reliability and robust design.

New valuable information: Regulatory compliance and applicable standards

Metallurgical plants are subject to environmental regulations such as the European Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), sector-specific BREF documents, and the ISO 14001 environmental management standard.

Having a well-designed and certified industrial gas scrubbing system allows for:

  • Complying with specific emission limits for SO₂, NOx, HCl, NH₃, etc.

  • Avoiding penalties, shutdowns, or loss of operating licenses.

  • Improving environmental perception and corporate reputation.

  • Accessing incentives related to sustainability and decarbonization.

  • Facilitating the acquisition of environmental certifications for export or public tendering.

  • Aligning operational strategy with ESG goals and climate neutrality targets required by the market and investors.

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Tecnium not only supplies the technology, but also supports the client with regulatory and technical guidance throughout the entire process—from design to final validation.

New valuable information: Sustainability and Industry 4.0

Efficient industrial gas treatment also has clear implications for the sustainability strategy of companies in the metallurgical sector.

Tecnium’s industrial gas scrubbing systems can incorporate sensors, remote monitoring, and control systems to integrate the installation with Industry 4.0 platforms, enabling:

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  • Predictive maintenance.

  • Consumption and efficiency analysis.

  • Environmental traceability of the process.

  • Energy optimization.

  • Early detection of deviations in critical emission parameters.

  • Automatic generation of reports for environmental audits.

All of this helps reduce ecological impact, reagent consumption, and operating costs, generating a tangible return on investment.

Why trust Tecnium for your industrial gas scrubbing system?

With decades of experience in developing technologies for industrial gas treatment, Tecnium is now a leading strategic partner for metallurgical companies worldwide.

What sets us apart:

  • Custom engineering for each plant.

  • In-house manufacturing of towers, pumps, and components.

  • Use of state-of-the-art technical plastic materials.

  • Expert guidance from design to commissioning.

  • High-quality after-sales technical support.

  • Integration of solutions compatible with Industry 4.0.

  • International presence with projects executed on all five continents.

chemical process pump

Investing in an industrial gas scrubbing system from Tecnium means choosing a durable, efficient, compliant, and sustainable solution.

Contact Tecnium

Looking to improve the environmental efficiency of your metallurgical plant? Need technical advice on the most suitable system for your emissions?

Fill out our contact form and one of our specialists will assist you in defining and implementing your industrial gas scrubbing system.

Tecnium: Gas treatment solutions for a cleaner, safer future.

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Contact information

Tecnium has a network of branch offices and partners that covers the needs of our costumers worldwide. Please contact us to know your local partner.

HEAD OFFICE:

F.Casablancas, 24 – 08243 MANRESA (Barcelona)
Tel: +34938748480
Fax: +34938757668
e-mail: tecnium@tecnium.es

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How can we help you?

Tell us about your application, and we will advise you the most optimal solution to solve your needs of gas treatment, odor control and storage and pumping of corrosive fluids

FAQ’s

Industrial gas scrubbing is an air treatment technology that removes pollutants present in gases emitted during production processes. This procedure is based on the contact between a gas stream and a liquid solution—such as water or chemical reagents—that absorbs, neutralizes, or dissolves harmful compounds. It is a widely used technique in sectors like metallurgy, where emissions contain hazardous substances such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, or metal vapors.

Industrial gas scrubbing is essential in the metallurgical industry to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, protect personnel health, and minimize environmental impact. Metallurgical processes generate highly polluting emissions that, without an adequate treatment system, can affect nearby communities and jeopardize the operational continuity of the plants. In addition, scrubbing technology helps preserve facilities and enhances the overall efficiency of the process.

Industrial gas scrubbing systems are designed to capture a wide range of gaseous pollutants and solid particles. Among the most common are sulfur oxides (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acidic vapors such as HCl or HF, ammonia, heavy metals in aerosol form, and fine particles. The exact composition of the pollutants depends on the type of metallurgical process and the materials being treated.

Tecnium provides a comprehensive and customized solution for industrial gas scrubbing, backed by decades of experience and a cutting-edge technological approach. Its systems stand out for their high pollutant removal efficiency, modular design tailored to each plant, the use of corrosion-resistant technical plastics, and integration with Industry 4.0 tools. In addition, Tecnium offers regulatory guidance, in-house manufacturing of pumps and towers, and full technical support from design to commissioning.

Industrial gas scrubbing actively contributes to the sustainability goals of the metallurgical sector. By eliminating atmospheric pollutants, it reduces the environmental impact of plants and ensures compliance with regulations such as the IED or ISO 14001. When combined with Industry 4.0 technologies, it enables predictive maintenance, optimization of reagent consumption, and real-time emissions monitoring. All of this results in a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible operation.