Catalytic Products International (CPI) installed a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) at a Midwest USA food processing facility for the abatement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from a frying operation.
The 2,000 SCFM Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) will control the emissions from a single fryer. The fryer’s two exhaust points include oil mist eliminators which are tied together into a bypass T-damper and then into the main duct leading to the roof mounted RTO. The RTO will destroy the incoming VOC emissions from the fryer with 98% destruction efficiency (DRE) at a thermal efficiency of 95%.
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 into 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 into the atmosphere.
CPI worked closely with the customer providing design and supply of the RTO, engineering support, installation supervision, and startup services. The roof mounted installation and related equipment included booster fan and bypass blower, and exhaust stack.
CPI was able to complete a good portion of the installation activities before the unit arrived on site and delivered the Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer fully shop assembled and skid mounted. This approach guaranteed that the entire system was installed correctly, leading to a short start up and commissioning time frame, getting the customer fully operational with minimal downtime.
Since 1969, CPI has been Enabling Clean Production™ as a leading supplier of air pollution control solutions. CPI is at the forefront in providing industries including food processing facilities 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.
