Catalytic Products International (CPI) recently installed a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) at a Midwest wood window manufacturing facility for the abatement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odors emitted during the window painting and coating process.
The new 26,000 SCFM Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) was installed to replace two (2) existing CPI Catalytic Oxidizers which had reached the end of their life cycles. CPI worked alongside this longtime customer and recommended replacing the failing catalytic oxidizers with a single TRITON 26.95 Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO). The facility was able to recognize a significant reduction in natural gas usage by installing the RTO, leading to operating cost savings and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions reductions which helped justify the capital investment.
The RTO will destroy the incoming VOCs with continuous + 98% destruction rate efficiency (DRE) and +97% thermal heat recovery.
Thermal treatment of VOCs and other air pollutants works by a simple reaction of the harmful hydrocarbon-based air pollutants with oxygen and heat. In this environment, the VOCs are oxidized to form harmless inert by-products like CO2, water vapor (H2O), and usable heat. These harmless by-products are released to the atmosphere or used within primary or secondary energy recovery techniques to further lower the operational costs.
CPI Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs) are engineered to provide exceptional performance and reliability. During operation of the standard two chamber RTO, the VOCs are directed into one of the system’s regenerators, an internally insulated vessel containing specialized ceramic media which allows thermal rate efficiencies up to 97%. The contaminated gases are passed through the first regenerator where energy is transferred from the ceramic media to the gas in order to elevate the temperature. This elevated temperature approaches the ignition level for most solvents and is then directed from the ceramic bed into the combustion chamber. As the stream exits the ceramic bed and travels through the internally lined combustion chamber, minimal heat is added to ensure a proper oxidation temperature and a designed dwell time is maintained providing destruction of the VOCS at greater than 98% efficiency. The resultant clean, oxidized gases are directed to the second regenerator to absorb the heat energy before being released to the atmosphere.
CPI conducted a detailed engineering study of the existing process exhausts and ducting system to correctly size the single new Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO). CPI also provided a complete turn-key installation, including engineering, design and supply of the RTO. The installation of the RTO and related equipment included concrete pad design, ductwork, booster fan, and new PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) system. CPI provided engineering support and on-site supervision to ensure coordination with the customer and their subcontractors. This approach guaranteed that entire system was installed correctly, returning the customer to fully operational status with minimal downtime.
CPI has been “Enabling Clean Production Since 1969” and continues as a leading supplier of air pollution control equipment. CPI is at the forefront in providing industries including the building industry with solutions to their air pollution control needs.
Today, CPI partners with its customers as a trusted resource in resolving the most complex air pollution and energy conservation problems. We provide our customers with innovative and cost-conscious solutions to their most complex VOC, NOx, and Odor pollution challenges. Our equipment is also at work meeting energy conservation strategies and minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
