Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

The term “regenerative” in regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is drawn from the type of ceramic media heat exchanger used in these systems. It is unique in that it captures heat from the exhausting, clean airstream during one cycle and releases the heat to the incoming, dirty airstream in the next cycle. The heat is captured (and released) from beds of ceramic media. The RTO incorporates switching valves to cycle the direction of the airflow through the RTO heat exchanger beds to enable regenerative heat recovery.

It depends on some design factors that need to be scrutinized but typically, no. Advancements in new structured media designs can sometimes increase the thermal efficiency and reducing pressure drops through the media beds. This can sometimes can provide a couple percentage points of capacity increases over RTOs that utilize saddle ceramic media.

Using a bake-out feature can help prevent and remove organic compound buildup in the ceramic media, reducing the risk of plugging and maintaining efficient operation. A preheater or recirculatioin loop are also possible mitigation methods.

Induced draft fans are often preferred when handling particulates and solvents with high boiling points, as these solvents can condense and build up on forced draft fan wheels, causing maintenance issues and reduced efficiency.

Some signs of ceramic media plugging include inability to reach and/or maintain the RTO operating temperature, increased pressure pulse from the RTO back to the process, reduced airflow capacity through the RTO, increasing fuel consumption, tripping of pressure switches at the emission source or during poppet valve actuation, and more. Contact our service department to schedule an inspection.