Industry

How does a regenerative thermal oxidizer work ?

How does a regenerative thermal oxidizer work?

A regenerative thermal oxidizer, or RTO, is a type of air pollution control device that is used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other emissions from industrial processes. RTOs work by using a bed of ceramic media to absorb heat from the exhaust gas stream.

The hot exhaust gas is then redirected through a chamber where it is reheated and passed over the bed of ceramic media again. This process is repeated several times until the VOCs are destroyed.

What are regenerative thermal oxidizers?

Let me explain what it is and how does a regenerative thermal oxidizer work. A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) is a type of air pollution control device that is used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from industrial exhaust gases. RTOs work by passing the exhaust gas stream through a chamber that contains a bed of heat-resistant ceramic media.

The media is heated to a high temperature (usually between 600 and 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) by a burner located at the bottom of the chamber. As the exhaust gases flow through the chamber, they come into contact with the hot media, which causes the VOCs and HAPs to oxidize. The resulting products of oxidation are carbon dioxide, water vapor, and heat. The hot exhaust gases are then vented into the atmosphere.

regenerative thermal oxidizers

What are the benefits of a regenerative thermal oxidizer?

A regenerative thermal oxidizer, or RTO, is a type of thermal oxidizer that uses a process of thermal regeneration to minimize energy consumption. RTOs are used to destroy hazardous or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaust gases from industrial processes. The VOCs are oxidized by heat in the presence of a catalyst, and the resulting products of combustion are discharged to the atmosphere.

RTOs are highly efficient, with destruction efficiencies of 99% or higher. They have the ability to operate at very high temperatures, up to 1600°F (870°C), which allows them to destroy a wide range of VOCs. In addition, RTOs can be used to destroy other pollutants, such as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and odorous compounds.

RTOs have a number of advantages over other types of VOC destruction systems. They are less expensive to operate and require less maintenance than other thermal oxidizers. In addition, RTOs have a smaller footprint and are less likely to cause air pollution.

What are the types of regenerative thermal oxidizers?

There are two types of RTOs: direct-fired and indirect-fired. Direct-fired RTOs use a flame to heat the exhaust gas, while indirect-fired RTOs use heat from a hot gas stream to heat the exhaust gas.

RTOs work by passing the exhaust gas through a chamber that is heated to a high temperature, typically between 1000°F and 2000°F. The high temperature destroys the pollutants in the gas.

RTOs are very effective at destroying VOCs, HAPs, and odors. They are also very efficient, with destruction rates of 99% or higher.

What are the benefits of a regenerative thermal oxidizer for VOCs?

RTOs work by using a heat exchanger to preheat the exhaust gas before it enters the oxidation chamber. The exhaust gas is then passed through a catalyst, where it is oxidized at high temperatures. The hot exhaust gas is then passed through the heat exchanger, where it is used to preheat the incoming exhaust gas. This cyclical process allows the RTO to achieve high levels of VOC removal efficiency.

What are the benefits of a regenerative thermal oxidizer for HAPs?

A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is a type of thermal oxidizer that uses a bed of heat-absorbing media to preheat the incoming contaminated air stream before it enters the combustion chamber. This bed of media is typically made up of ceramic bricks or metal honeycombs. The bed is heated to a high temperature, typically between 750°F and 950°F, by the hot exhaust gases from the combustion chamber as they pass through it on their way to the stack. The contaminated air stream is then passed through the bed of media where it is preheated before entering the combustion chamber.

The main benefit of an RTO is its high thermal efficiency. By preheating the incoming air stream, the RTO can achieve combustion temperatures that are much lower than those of a conventional thermal oxidizer. This allows for more complete combustion of the contaminants, resulting in lower emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Additionally, the lower combustion temperatures also help to extend the life of the RTO’s catalytic converter, as the converter is not exposed to the high temperatures of the combustion chamber.

What are the benefits of a regenerative thermal oxidizer for NOx?

how does a regenerative thermal oxidizer work

RTOs are commonly used to control NOx emissions from industrial boilers, furnaces, and other combustion sources. In many cases, an RTO can achieve NOx destruction efficiencies of greater than 95%.

There are several benefits of using an RTO to control NOx emissions:

  • RTOs can achieve very high destruction efficiencies
  • RTOs are relatively simple and low maintenance
  • RTOs can be used to control a wide range of pollutants, including VOCs, CO, and particulate matter+
  • RTOs can be used in a wide range of industries