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Resources Blog Is a wet scrubber and a hydrodynamic scrubber the same thing?

Is a wet scrubber and a hydrodynamic scrubber the same thing?

A wet scrubber and a hydrodynamic scrubber are closely related—but not always exactly the same. Here’s the breakdown:

Wet Scrubber (General Term)

A wet scrubber is a general air pollution control device that uses a liquid (usually water) to remove pollutants from an airstream. It's a broad category that includes many types of scrubbing technologies like:

  • Venturi scrubbers

  • Spray towers

  • Packed bed scrubbers

They’re used to capture:

  • Particulate matter

  • Acid gases

  • Odors

  • Vapors

Hydrodynamic Scrubber (Specific Type of Wet Scrubber)

A hydrodynamic scrubber is a specific type of wet scrubber designed to enhance fluid dynamics—that is, the interaction between gas and liquid streams—without relying on nozzles, filters, or packing media.

At Air Dynamics, the Hydrodynamic Scrubber refers to a proprietary design with features like:

  • No high-pressure nozzles (lower maintenance)

  • Automatic skimming and cleaning

  • Heavy-duty stainless construction

  • Inerting of hazardous dust (e.g., aluminum)

  • Compact footprint with hands-free operation

In Summary:

  • All hydrodynamic scrubbers are wet scrubbers.

  • Not all wet scrubbers are hydrodynamic scrubbers.

  • "Hydrodynamic" typically refers to a more advanced, engineered variant designed for higher efficiency and less maintenance.

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