Emission standards are enforced across a variety of industries and include a wide range of pollutants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility, are one of many pollutants that can be emitted in industrial processes. Thermal oxidation systems are used to destroy VOCs and meet ever-increasing emission standards.
Regenerative thermal oxidizers and regenerative catalytic oxidizers are two types of oxidation technologies used in emissions control. Understanding the difference between a regenerative thermal oxidizer and a regenerative catalytic oxidizer is important when choosing a VOC control system. Dustex®, Geoenergy®, and Western Pneumatics are now part of ANDRITZ, a leader in industrial technology services. Keep reading to learn more about thermal oxidizer technology.
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)
A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) applies heat to a process exhaust stream. The heat application oxidizes pollutants, converting VOCs into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
An RTO is an efficient VOC control system, providing a high destruction and removal efficiency (DRE). DRE compares the inlet concentration of VOCs/HAPs to the outlet concentration. RTOs can achieve 95%-99% DRE. The high DRE provided by RTOs is one of many reasons that RTOs are a preferred technology for the destruction of VOCs.
There are a number of additional reasons that RTOs may be the practical choice for VOC removal. RTO systems are less sensitive to VOCs and can work better in dirty or variable streams than regenerative catalytic oxidizers. RTOs also reuse thermal energy, thus reducing operating costs.
RTOs do require a higher operating temperature than regenerative catalytic oxidizers. This is because RTOs rely on elevated temperatures in the combustion chamber to ignite the VOCs. A higher operating temperature can result in higher operating costs depending on the gas stream.
Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer (RCO)
A regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) is a thermal oxidizer with an added catalyst. The catalyst enables oxidation at a much lower temperature than required for the RTO. Thanks to the lower operating temperature, RCOs can achieve VOC destruction at lower temperatures than RTOs.
RCOs are an efficient and cost-effective technology and can be a top choice for VOC control when energy efficiency is a priority. Key considerations when choosing between an RTO and an RCO system include the gas stream. While RTOs work better for dirty streams, RCOs tend to be better for cleaner streams with moderate VOC concentrations.
RCOs utilize beds of ceramic material to store and release thermal energy. These catalysts require periodic maintenance and will need to be replaced and cleaned. The replacement cost when compared to RTOs is another consideration when choosing the right VOC control system.
Key Considerations
It is important to work with an experienced partner like ANDRITZ when choosing a VOC control system. Our knowledgeable and experienced team can help you make the right choice.
When comparing the systems, there are a number of commonalities. Both systems use oxidation, are energy efficient, have a regenerative design for heat, and have a high VOC destruction efficiency.
There are also a number of differences between the two systems. While both systems use oxidation, RCOs use a catalyst, and RTOs use high temperature. Thanks to the catalyst and lower operating temperature, RCOs have a faster startup time. However, the catalyst also means that the RCOs are more sensitive to contaminants than RTOs.
Key considerations when choosing between an RCO and an RTO system include the following:
- Oxidation method
- Operating temperature
- Catalyst
- Energy efficiency
- Heat recovery
- Startup time
- VOC destruction efficiency
- Sensitivity to contaminants
- Maintenance
- Gas stream
Choose the Best
ANDRITZ Geoenergy® offers both RTO and RCO systems. We can customize systems to ensure that they meet size, shape, and configuration requirements. ANDRITZ Geoenergy® oxidizers have been utilized for decades across countless industries.
Our GeoTherm® RTO delivers high performance with low operating costs. When choosing an RTO system, the GeoTherm® RTO is the preferred choice. It offers the following benefits:
- High DRE efficiency
- Custom media design
- Easy maintenance
- Scaleability
Our RCO systems deliver high performance as well, utilizing the proven Geoenergy® Single-Blade, Dual-Seat Poppet Valve. Its catalyst is skillfully selected to match application requirements.
When choosing a VOC control system, choose the best. Choose ANDRITZ Geoenergy®.
Contact ANDRITZ
ANDRITZ is your first choice for clean air technologies, equipment, and services. Together with Dustex®, Geoenergy®, and Western Pneumatics, ANDRITZ provides world-class products and services for a wide range of industries.
Our trained and knowledgeable team offers the expertise you need when choosing the right VOC control system. Contact ANDRITZ today to discuss your clean air technology needs.
