The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 brought thermal oxidation systems to the center stage. Industries—like the wood product industry—turned to thermal oxidation systems to meet these stricter emission standards. These stricter emission standards included hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Thermal oxidizers are now the primary technology used to destroy VOCs and HAPs. Thermal oxidizers destroy pollutants via the process of thermal and catalytic oxidation. The oxidation process is a chemical reaction where the pollutant reacts with oxygen at elevated temperatures, and is broken down into benign substances.
Regenerative catalytic oxidizers and regenerative thermal oxidizers are two types of oxidation technologies used in emissions control. When choosing an oxidation technology, it is important to work with a knowledgeable partner like LDX Solutions, who can help identify which technology would be most effective based on your process needs. Below, we compare regenerative catalytic oxidizer and regenerative thermal oxidizer technologies and discuss when each technology is most effective based on process needs.
Regenerative Catalytic Oxidation
A regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) is a thermal oxidizer with an added catalyst that allows effective oxidation at a much lower temperature. RCOs utilize beds of ceramic material to store and release thermal energy. These systems are effective for the removal of VOCs and HAPs.
RCOs have a much lower operating temperature than regenerative thermal oxidizers. This means that RCOs can achieve VOC destruction at lower temperatures than regenerative thermal oxidizers. When energy efficiency is a top priority, RCOs may be a preferred choice.
RCOs are an efficient and cost-effective technology. However, RCOs are more sensitive to certain compounds. RCOs tend to be better for cleaner and smaller gas streams with moderate VOC and HAP concentrations. RCOs also have catalysts that need to be periodically replaced or cleaned which can be a cost consideration.
Regenerative Thermal Oxidation
A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) works via the application of heat to a process exhaust stream that contains organic VOCs and HAPs. This application of heat oxidizes these pollutants from their initial chemical state to inert compounds like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
RTOs have a high destruction removal efficiency (DRE). The DRE is determined by comparing the inlet concentration of VOCs/HAPs to the outlet concentration, typically in parts per million (ppm). RTOs can achieve 95%-99% DRE and are a preferred technology for the destruction of VOCs and HAPs.
In a RTO combustion chamber the temperature is elevated high enough to ignite the incoming VOCs/HAPs. It has a higher operating temperature than a RCO. Also, unlike the RCO, a RTO does not require a catalyst. A RTO is less sensitive to VOCs and can work better in dirty or variable streams than a RCO.
Decision Criteria
It is important that you understand the differences between a RCO and a RTO when choosing an oxidation system. An experienced partner like LDX Solutions will be able to walk you through the criteria that is critical to your decision.
Some of the criteria to consider 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, and the gas stream.
Both systems use oxidation while RCOs use a catalyst and RTOs use high temperature. This difference contributes to RCOs having a faster startup time because RCOs operate at a lower temperature thanks to the catalyst. Both systems are energy efficient and have a regenerative design for heat. Both systems also have a high VOC destruction efficiency.
The catalyst impacts many of the criteria when considering which system to choose. The catalyst is more sensitive to the contaminants in the gas stream and will require periodic maintenance. An RTO is less sensitive to contaminants and will be a better choice with variable and dirty gas streams.
Ota yhteyttä LDX Solutionsiin
LDX Solutions is your partner for air pollution control systems and equipment. Our knowledgeable and experienced team can provide recommendations based on application type and your specific needs. RCOs are better for lower concentrations of VOCs when energy efficiency is a top priority. RTOs are better for high VOC concentrations and more variable conditions. Are you ready to find a system to meet your air pollution control needs? Contact LDX-ratkaisut tänään!
