A model for estimating process emissions from gas sweep operations in batch and continuous chemical operations

A nitrogen gas sweep is commonly applied to the headspace of a vessel to provide an inert atmosphere. A positive pressure of nitrogen also helps to prevent moisture from entering the vessel and having an adverse impact on the process of chemistry. In other processing situations air may sweep through the vessel headspace and leave through the process vent. Evaporation of the volatile solvent takes place within the vessel as contact is made between the fresh supply of nitrogen or air and the liquid contents. (C) 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 23: 45-51, 2004.