Catalytic Products International (CPI) installed a Catalytic Oxidizer (CatOx) at a Midwest USA bakery for the abatement of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from a new single bun line oven. The primary source of emissions at a commercial bakery is the tunnel oven, which releases carbon dioxide and VOCs such as ethanol produced during the yeast fermentation process.
- Process Type: Bakery Tunnel Oven
- VOC: Ethanol
- Process Air Volume: 6,000 scfm
- Control Type: Catalytic Oxidizer (CatOx)
- Destruction Rate of Efficiency (DRE): 98%
- Installation: Turnkey installation, ductwork, insulated stack, platform
Solution Provided
As part of a facility expansion to increase production capacity, the customer installed a new tunnel oven. The CPI 6,000 SCFM VECTOR Series Catalytic Oxidizer will destroy the exhaust gases emitted from the new multi-zone oven with +98% VOC destruction rate efficiency (DRE) and a high thermal rate of efficiency (TRE). The VECTOR Catalytic Oxidizer is specifically designed to manage the high moisture, fats, oils, and greases present in bakery oven exhaust. To address the high moisture content of the exhaust streams and potential for corrosion all wetted surfaces including the exhaust stack, inlet ducting, dampers, and booster fan were constructed of stainless steel.
How the Catalytic Oxidizer Works
Catalytic treatment of VOCs and other air pollutants works by reacting the harmful air pollutants over a specially designed catalyst where VOCs are converted to CO2, water vapor (H2O), and usable heat. The ceramic monolith catalyst provides a surface to promote the oxidation reaction to take place at a much lower activation temperature than normally required to oxidize the VOCs and does not get used up over time. The hot, cleaned exhaust is then passed through a primary heat exchanger where the gas stream’s energy is transferred to the incoming exhaust. High velocity mixing, temperature uniformity, and air flow uniformity combine to efficiently oxidize the VOCs throughout a wide range of operational requirements.
Project Scope
CPI provided a turnkey oxidizer package that included:
- VECTOR 6.65 Catalytic Oxidizer installed on an indoor platform
- Ductwork connecting oven exhaust to oxidizer inlet
- Stainless steel fabrication of “wetted” surfaces
- Insulated exhaust stack
- Startup and commissioning
Close collaboration with the customer's engineering and operations teams ensured exact design parameters, seamless integration without production delays, and full regulatory compliance.
About CPI
Since 1969, CPI has been “Enabling Clean Production™” by delivering innovative, cost‑effective solutions for VOC, HAP, NOx, and odor control. CPI’s systems support customers across industries—including adhesives, coatings, chemicals, and more—in achieving air quality compliance while minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
CPI partners with manufacturers 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.
Oxidizer preventative maintenance, service, and support provided by CPI across the Midwestern USA including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.
