Maintaining gas scrubbers is not just a good technical practice: in many cases, it is a legal obligation.
In this article we explain why, how often it should be done, what risks it entails not doing it and what benefits it brings to the safety and efficiency of your industrial facility.
In many industrial facilities, scrubbers are the key technical solution to comply with legal limits on emissions into the atmosphere. But what about its maintenance? Is it mandatory? How often? What do the regulations say?
In this article we resolve all these doubts with a clear, practical and up-to-date approach, based on the legislation in force in Spain and Europe.
Is it mandatory to carry out maintenance checks?
Yes, it is mandatory to keep gas scrubbers and other emission treatment systems in good working order. Although there is no specific and unique technical standard for “gas scrubbers”, the legal requirements are included in different regulatory frameworks that regulate environmental protection and industrial safety.
Applicable legislation
Below, we summarize the main regulations that oblige, directly or indirectly, to keep gas scrubbers operational and correctly checked:
- Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soil for a circular economy
- It forces industries to minimize their emissions into the environment.
- It requires that the purification equipment be maintained in optimal operating conditions.
- Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Act (IPPC) + Integrated Environmental Authorization (IAA)
- Facilities included in this scheme must comply with Best Available Techniques (BAT).
- BAT includes preventive maintenance of purification systems, including scrubbers.
- Regional regulations
- Some autonomous communities include more specific requirements.
- For example, Decree 152/2017 of Catalonia establishes that emitting sources must be inspected periodically and the operation of treatment systems (such as gas scrubbers) must be verified.
- Industrial safety regulations
- In cases where flammable, toxic, or corrosive gases are handled, you can apply:
- ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres) Regulations
- RD 840/2015 on the control of serious accidents
- In cases where flammable, toxic, or corrosive gases are handled, you can apply:
How often should you get checked?
Although the legislation does not establish a single and mandatory frequency for all installations, good industrial practices and manufacturers’ recommendations allow a preventive maintenance routine to be established:
| Type of review | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Basic Visual Inspection | 1 time a month |
| Complete preventive check (pumps, pH, sensors, level, filling, etc.) | 2 times a year |
| Efficiency verification and emission control (analytical) | 1 time per term |
| External audit (emissions, legality) | Every 3–5 years or according to AAI/IPPC |
Which maintenance is mandatory and which is only recommended?
| Aspect | Obligatory? | Normative or technical source |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the system functional and operational | Yes | Law 7/2022 and AAI/IPPC |
| Monthly internal reviews | Recommended | Good industrial practices |
| Documented annual technical reviews | Regular practice | Enforceable by the administration |
| External emissions audit | Yes | Regional and state regulations (according to source of issue) |
Conclusion
Yes, gas scrubbers must be serviced, maintained, and operated in optimal conditions. Although there is no single standard for this equipment, the obligation to keep it functional derives from environmental legislation and the requirements established in the Integrated Environmental Authorization (AAI).
Failure to carry out proper maintenance can lead to sanctions, failed inspections or even the suspension of industrial activity.
For this reason, at Quimipol we recommend establishing a personalised maintenance plan for each washer, based on the flow, type of gas, chemical composition and regulatory requirements.
️ Do you need help with the maintenance of your gas scrubber?
At Quimipol we have been designing, manufacturing and installing gas scrubbers for years.
Our technical team can help you:
- Assess the health of your current system
- Design a custom maintenance plan
- Perform inspections and reviews
- Ensure legal compliance and operational efficiency
Write to us and we’ll talk: Contact our specialists
About the Author
Sergi Vinuesa – Sales Manager at Quimipol
