Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers Abate VOC/HAP Pollution and Odors in Several Industries

 

   Catalytic Products International (CPI) describes a regenerative thermal oxidizer that destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and odors as follows:

“A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) is an air pollution control device that destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and odors by converting the solvent-laden emissions into CO2 and H2O through the use of heat before exhausting them to the atmosphere.”

     RTOs utilize the heat generated during the oxidation process to preheat the incoming process streams, which helps to reduce energy requirements. RTOs can handle large air volumes, have high thermal efficiencies, and can destroy more than 99% of target pollutants. They are among the world’s most efficient pollution control devices. RTOs are considered to be the most advanced thermal oxidation systems. They utilize three design principles: time, temperature, and turbulence, described below.

     The CMM Group describes how an RTO works as follows:

     The VOCs are converted to harmless inert and harmless byproducts, water vapor (H2O), and usable heat. The by-products can be released into the atmosphere, and energy recovery can be used to lower operational costs. Ceramic media is used for heat exchange. Ceramic media-based heat exchange is the basis for the ‘regeneration.’ The section and video below describe how RTOs work.

     CPI custom designs many of its RTOs. They utilize modular components to save money and streamline installation. They design and engineer based on air quantity, temperature, VOC composition, and energy conservation potential.

“The typical CPI RTO is supplied as a 2-tower regenerator system fitted to our EvenFlo Valve Manifold. This modular approach satisfies your needs for a competitive installation cost and ensures that the Posi-Seal poppet valves are properly installed and aligned prior to leaving the factory.”

     Below is a diagrammatic explanation by the CMM Group of how an RTO works, followed by Kono Kogs’ explanation of how an RTO works.

     Below is a list of industries that utilize RTOs:

     Below is a list of CPI’s offerings:

     In comparing RTOs to non-regenerative thermal oxidizers, Kono Kogs notes:

“Compared to other thermal oxidizer systems, regenerative thermal oxidizers are more efficient and reliable, and have a longer service life. However RTOs have a more complex build and are heavier, which can affect shipping, installation and commissioning costs.”

     Below are Kono Kogs' design factors for RTOs:

     Another type of thermal oxidizer is a recuperative thermal oxidizer. These use metal as the heat exchange media while RTOs use ceramics.

     Kono Kogs also specializes in refurbishing pollution control equipment, including RTOs.

   

 

References:

 

What is a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer? The CMM Group. What is a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)?

How Does a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Work? The CMM Group. How Does a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Work? The CMM Group Explains.

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO). Advanced Air Pollution Control. Catalytic Products International. Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer - Request a Quote

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO). What is a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer? Catalytic Products International. What is a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer? RTO Frequently Asked Questions

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Applications. Kono Kogs. Thermal Oxidation Experts. Industrial Processes using Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers | Kono Kogs

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers: What they are, what they do, and more. Kono Kogs. What Is A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)? | Kono Kogs