What is the main purpose of a sour water stripper?

The main purpose of a sour water stripper is to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia from refinery sour water. Sour water, which is an aqueous waste stream containing these compounds, can pose significant environmental and operational risks if not treated properly. The stripping process allows for the effective separation of these harmful substances from the water, thereby ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and improving the overall quality of water that can be discharged or reused.

In this system, sour water is subjected to heat and possibly vacuum conditions that facilitate the volatilization of H2S and ammonia. By converting these dissolved gases into vapor and subsequently removing them from the water stream, the sour water stripper plays a critical role in safeguarding both the environment and the refinery's operational efficiency.

The other options do not capture the primary function of the sour water stripper accurately. While it may result in cleaner water after treatment, its main goal is not merely converting sour water to clean water but specifically targeting the removal of harmful gases. Additionally, it does not primarily aim to increase water volume or focus on processing for chemical production but rather on treating the sour water to make it safe for disposal or reuse.