In a treatment system that uses wet scrubber absorption, odorous air is brought into contact with a scrubbing liquid chemical. Odorous compounds in the foul air are absorbed in the scrubbing chemical and are thereby removed from the air. Strong oxiding agents such as sodium hypochlorite and potassium permanganate are diluted and used as the scrubbing liquid chemical. The packed-bed scrubber consists of a contact chamber with inert packing material, scrubbing liquid, a recirculation system, an air blower, duct work, and controls. Odourous gases enter the scrubber and pass through the packed bed, where the odourous gases come in contact with the liquid-scrubbing chemical. The scrubbing liquid collects at the bottom of the contact chamber and is recirculated through the unit as required along with a makeup chemical. Scrubbers can be supplied in several configurations and sizes. They are available in carbon steel, plastics or exotic stainless steel. Apart from waste water treatment scrubbers can be used in industries such as automotive, chemical, fertilizers ad detergents.

This method combines a variety of advantages including minimal maintenance, no wastewater treatment system required and, as the system operates above the flue gas saturation temperature, reheating of the stack gases is unnecessary.