Question

Briefly describe the types of ventilation systems

My subject is Plant Engineering

Answer 1

Industrial plants typically use one of the two types of ventilation systems:

1. Dilution System: This helps in lowering the pollutant concentration from the air by way of mixing it with clean and unpolluted air.
2. Local Exhaust: Through this system, the contaminants are caught at or near the source of the contamination and are then exhausted outside.

Advantages of Dilution Ventilation System

• It usually involves lower equipment as well as costs.

• This system of industrial ventilation is low maintenance.

• It is very effective in controlling the low amount of chemical toxicity.

• It has proven quite effective in controlling flammable as well as combustible gases.

Disadvantages of the Dilution Ventilation System

• While it does remove contaminants from the air, it might not be efficient enough to remove all the contaminants.

• Plants producing highly toxic chemicals cannot use this ventilation system.

• It is also ineffective for dust, a huge amount of gases as well as vapors.

• It requires a huge amount of makeup air to replace the contaminated indoor air.

• It is inadequate in handling irregular emissions.

Advantages of Local Exhaust Ventilation

• It arrests the pollutants right at the source and exhausts them outdoors.

• It is quite efficient in high toxicity environments.

• Can adequately control various types of pollutants including dust as well as fumes

• Does not require a large amount of makeup air

• Utilizes less energy and hence lower in cost too

Disadvantages of Local Exhaust Ventilation

• The design, installation as well as equipment cost is high.

• Needs to be cleaned regularly along with regular inspections

• Is high in maintenance.