Operating Temperatures of Different Oxidizers
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Different Oxidizers, Different Operating Temperatures
Learn the different operating temperatures of various industrial oxidizers from the pollution control experts at Kono Kogs. Find out the operating temperature differences between TOX, RTO, RCO and CATOX here.
Oxidizers work by elevating the temperature within a heated chamber to a specific level in order to burn volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants before they’re released into the atmosphere. The specific temperature required to remove these pollutants from an industrial process airstream is influenced by a combination of chemical, physical and operational factors.
Since most organic compounds will ignite between 1100 - 1200°F, an industrial oxidizer must exceed those operating temperatures. Another method is to incorporate a catalyst which promotes oxidation of the air pollutants at a lower temperature.
Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers (TOX)
TOXs typically operate at 1400° – 1500°F depending upon the VOC characteristics. This is the simplest form of oxidizer and is best suited for applications with high VOC concentrations.
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)
An industry standard for a range of VOC oxidation needs, RTOs typically operate at 1500° – 1600°F, depending upon the VOC characteristics. These versatile oxidizers can handle low to high VOC concentrations and are considered extremely efficient, despite high operating temperatures.
Catalytic Recuperative Oxidizers (CATOX)
Catalytic oxidizers typically operate at lower temperatures than other oxidizers, typically between 500° – 750°F.This is achieved by utilizing a catalyst, which when heated causes a chemical reaction to occur for the VOC conversion.
Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizers (RCO)
A regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) operates in a manner similar to an RTO, but also integrates a catalyst to promote the chemical reaction with the VOCs. This lowers the operation temperature to 750°F – 950°F.
Need Help Selecting an Industrial Oxidizer?
Kono Kogs, Inc. has decades of experience helping facility managers and owners research, compare and ultimately decide on the best industrial pollution abatement system for their needs. From the initial inquiry up to installation and ongoing maintenance, our team of engineers has helped companies in a range of industries stay compliant and within their budget for HAP and VOC oxidation solutions.
Contact the team at KKI for more information on oxidizer system operating temperatures.
Common Questions about Oxidizer Operating Temperatures
Get quick answers to common questions regarding operating temperatures and efficiencies of a range of oxidizer unit types.
Catalytic Oxidizers typically operate at temperatures of 500° - 750°F
Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizers (RCO) typically operate at temperatures between 750° - 950°F
RTOs typically operate at 1500o – 1600o Fahrenheit depending upon the VOC characteristics. Thermocouples inside the chamber monitor temperature and adjust gas burner firing as needed. Adequate temperature is essential to ensure VOC destruction efficiency. In most cases a data log of chamber temperature is required for air quality compliance.
TOXs typically operate at 1400o – 1500o Fahrenheit depending upon the VOC characteristics. Thermocouples inside the chamber monitor temperature and adjust gas burner firing as needed. Adequate temperature is essential to ensure VOC destruction efficiency. In most cases a data log of chamber temperature is required for air quality compliance.
Regenerative thermal oxidizers have a heat recovery (efficiency) of 95% typically. This technology has the lowest operating cost of all thermal oxidizer systems – not to mention the longest service life and highest reliability. It’s even possible for an RTO to operate with no auxiliary fuel use whatsoever if process VOC concentration levels are >3-4% lower flammability limit (LFL).
Catalyst utilized in a regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) allows chemical reactions to occur at lower temperatures (700-800F) than they occur in a thermal oxidizer (typical 1400-1450F) or an RTO (typical 1600F).
Thermal Oxidizers (TOX) have a heat recovery (efficiency) of 70% typically, but some custom designs will use lower efficiency heat echangers if VOC concentrations are elevated. This technology has higher operating cost than most oxidizer systems.
