Smog Tower and Its Working

Smog is a mixture of pollutants present in the atmosphere that consists of fine dust particles and ground level ozone. Smog formation takes place in the atmosphere mainly due to air pollution. Smog Tower is a structure that is constructed of concrete. It is based on the smog free tower model. It is made of multiple layers of filters. The size of the structure of Smog Tower is generally around 40 feet in height and 20 feet broad on each side. It requires an area of around 30x30 square metres. The device of the tower is capable of taking air inside the tower from all 360-degree angles and generating clean air of 1,300,000 cubic metres per hour. Hence the capacity of the smog tower would be to clean 32 million cubic metres of air per day.  This giant filter comprises 48 fans. These fans are assembled to keep the flow of clean air going. It is claimed by the manufacturer of this device that the smog tower could give clean air for around 75,000 people living in the 3-kilometre radius around it.

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Working of the Smog Tower

The technology of the smog tower is based on ozone-free technology. It works like a giant vacuum cleaner. The finest dust is collected with the ions. The polluted air is sucked by the smog tower then this air is filtered by the multiple layers before being re-circulated into the atmosphere. The H14 grade Highly Effective Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filter would be used for purifying the air. It is a highly effective filter. The filters are able to suck very fine dust particles. This purifying filter is able to clean up to 99.99% Particulate Matter (PM) present in the air. The process of purification is done by this filter with the help of pre-filter and activated carbon.

Cost of the Smog Tower

Every smog tower costs around Rs. 10 to 12 crore. The cost of the tower includes equipment of filtering, monitoring system, and construction of the tower. Some antagonists of this device claim that this very costly device and there is the unavailability of authentic data that provides details of its effectiveness while those who are in support of constructing the smog tower believe that it is an innovative technology that provides some relief from severe air pollution. Although it is a costly device, this is the need of every country to reduce air pollution. Several fatal diseases are developing due to air pollution.

Smog Tower in India

Clean air is the need of every country throughout the world. India has been facing a climate emergency for the past few years. India has installed the smog tower in the Capital of India, Delhi. This smog tower is almost 40 feet high and 20 feet wide structure and has the capacity to purify 32 million cubic meters of air per day. The filters on a large scale are installed in the smog towers in Delhi. The filters are using carbon nanofibres as a major component. These filters are fitted along the peripheries of the towers. A report was published by Greenpeace, according to this report approximately 1.2 million people lose their lives every year in India due to air pollution. To decrease the level of air pollution and to control such severe air conditions many organizations come together such as corporate houses, social pressure groups, and the concerned government to improve the condition of air quality throughout the country. India is planning to take more initiative in the field of controlling air pollution. Kurin Systems is a Delhi-based company that has been given the patent to construct the world's largest air purifier in India.

Importance of Smog Tower

The smog tower is a very useful device in controlling air pollution. The normal lifestyle of humans is affected because of the different kinds of pollution. Air pollution is negatively affecting our health. Several fatal diseases are developing in the human body slowly due to air pollutants such as asthma, lung diseases, chest pain, airway infection, high blood pressure etc. The smog tower is useful in overcoming these health issues. Smog is also harmful to animals and plants. Today technology is developing in every field. The smog tower is one of the best uses of technology in controlling air pollution. The technology that is used in the implementation of the tower is safe. It can purify a large number of cubic meters of air in just one hour and with very low consumption of power. Hence it is a power-efficient device. Any special power arrangements are not needed for the working of the tower. Many countries have installed smog towers and some countries are planning to install smog towers.

The causes of Smog

The main causes that create smog in the environment are given below.

• The smoke is generated from burning coal. Smog is a common thing in industrial areas. It has become a familiar sight in metropolitan cities today.

• The majority of the smog present in the environment is photochemical smog. When sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) then the production of Photochemical smog takes place in the atmosphere. 

• Car exhaust, coal power plants, and factory emissions generated nitrogen oxides. Volatile organic compounds are released from some fuels, paints, and many solvents that are used in cleaning. When sunlight reacts with these chemicals it produces particles of airborne and ozone of ground-level ozone or smog.

• Ozone is dangerous for the health of humans when it comes closer to the ground. It has the capacity to damage the tissues of the lungs. It is quite dangerous to people having respiratory issues such as asthma. It can cause itching and burning of the eyes.

• Smog is a very common problem in big cities because of a lot of industry and traffic. Cities situated in basins that are surrounded by mountains are also facing the problem of smog formation as the smog is trapped in the valley and cannot be carried away by the wind. 

Prevention to control Smog

The smog tower is helping in controlling air pollution but we should make efforts from our ends to prevent pollution. There are some preventions that are in our hands to control smog formation are given below.

• We should use public transport instead of our personal transport. The use of bicycles and walking are the best ways to prevent air pollution.

• We should take care of personal transports like getting regular tune-ups of our cars, changing the oil on time, and inflating tires to the proper level to reduce emissions.

• We can avoid the use of products that release high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as use low-VOC paints.

• We should avoid the use of gas-powered yard equipment instead of that we can use electric appliances.

Did You Know?

• According to the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO), Among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, India has 6. Delhi, the Capital of India is on the top of the list.

• The first smog tower of India was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Delhi in Connaught Place