Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers from The CMM Group are designed to destroy air pollutants emitted from process exhaust streams at temperatures ranging from 815°C (1,500 F) to 980°C (1,800 F). RTO's utilize ceramic media packed into vertical canisters as a high-efficiency heat exchanger. Oxidation is achieved as pollutants pass through the ceramic media, are mixed, and held at elevated temperatures in the combustion chamber.

The video above requires Adobe Flash Player to view. Get Adobe Flash

The basic design concept of thermal oxidization is to promote a chemical reaction of the air pollutant with oxygen at elevated temperatures. This reaction destroys the pollutant in the air stream by converting it to CO2, H2O and heat. The rate of reaction is controlled by three-(3) interdependent and critical factors; time, temperature and turbulence.

In operation, the process exhaust fumes are forced into the RTO inlet manifold (with a high pressure supply fan) and directed into one of the energy recovery canisters by use of inlet (switch) valves. The pollutant laden air passes from the valve assembly vertically upward through the first of the heat exchanger canisters where it adsorbs heat from the ceramic media (thus eventually cooling the media). This preheated air then enters the combustion chamber (typically at a temperature very close to that required for oxidation), is thoroughly mixed for temperature uniformity (turbulence) and held in the combustion chamber at the elevated set-point temperature (temperature) for a residence time of ~0.5 seconds (time). Air pollutant destruction takes place within the combustion chamber where auxiliary fuel is introduced if necessary.

After passing through the combustion chamber, the clean (hot) air is routed vertically downward through a second energy recovery canister where the heat generated during thermal oxidation is adsorbed by the ceramic media (thus preheating the media for the next cycle). The clean (cooled) air is routed to atmosphere through outlet (switch) valves, the exhaust manifold and ultimately through the exhaust stack. To maximize the heat exchange, the switching valves alternate the airflow path between canisters to continuously regenerate the heat stored within the ceramic media. Thermal energy efficiencies (TER) range from 85% to 97%. To maintain low external shell temperatures and minimize radiant heat loss, the combustion chamber is insulated with long-life ceramic fiber modules. The external shell is typically fabricated of carbon steel. Air pollutant destruction efficiencies of 99% can typically be guaranteed.

Standard Features by CMM (Many custom options available)	Typical Applications (Varies based on specifications)	Typical Advantages & Disadvantages
High air pollutant destruction efficiencies are guaranteed Lowest operating costs available with energy efficient design Designed to meet your specific project requirements Proven high quality components are used throughout Control scheme is designed to automatically react to your manufacturing process Modern PLC based controls with color touch screen interface Data-logger is included for recordkeeping Meets or exceeds all regulations	5,100 to 340,000+ NCMH (3,000 to 200,000+ SCFM) Suited for air streams with low to high levels of air pollutant Common uses include: Chemical processing Converting web dryers Flexographic printing FRP manufacturing Heat-set printing Paint & coatings manufacturing Surface coating Wood finishing & manufacturing Many others…	Advantages: Moderate capital cost Low operating costs with low air pollutant concentrations Very high thermal heat recovery Capable of high inlet temperatures Disadvantages: Simple two chamber design limited to 98% air pollutant destruction More moving parts, more maintenance

General Information required for APCS Project Development

A brief description of the process emitting air pollutant. Hours of operation. Exhaust rates and temperature of process to be controlled. Types of air pollutants to be destroyed and in what quantity. Identify known compounds such as silicone, phosphorus, heavy metals, halogen, particulate and/or sulfur that may be present. Types of auxiliary fuel available (natural gas, propane, fuel oil, etc.). Electrical power requirements (voltage, hertz, phase). Installation supervision or complete turnkey installation requirements. Physical installation area and/or site space limitations. Production uses for energy that could be recovered (i.e., hot air, hot water, steam, hot oil).

To download the free White Paper:

"Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers - What You Should Know"

Please enter your email address below and the white paper will be sent to you.