Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

An installed regenerative thermal oxidizer unit

A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is an air pollution control device that destroys VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in industrial exhaust air. By using regenerative heat recovery, it achieves high fuel efficiency, often operating with 95% heat recovery.

Maintaining an RTO

What industrial applications are best for regenerative thermal oxidizers?

Clean process airstreams with high air flow and low VOC content (<10% LFL) are ideal applications. Higher VOC concentrations can be tolerated, as well as organic/inorganic particulates with proper planning and design, and possibly filters. See our case studies for a sample of possible applications.

How does refractory damage affect an RTO combustion chamber?

The refractory lining insulates the combustion chamber and helps retain heat. If the refractory becomes cracked, worn, or damaged, heat can escape from the chamber, forcing the burner to fire more frequently to maintain temperature. Over time, this increases fuel consumption and can create hot spots that shorten equipment life.

Can we install catalyst in our RTO?

In most cases, yes. But proper evaluation is recommended to establish that no potential catalyst poisons or masking agents are present in your airstream.

What is the operating temperature of a thermal oxidizer?

Typically 1400° F minimum up to 1550° F depending upon the VOC characteristics. Read more in Operating Temperatures of Different Oxidizers.

What are sources of inorganic plugging in an RTO?

Sources of plugging in ceramic media in an RTO can come from inorganic or organics contaminants including oils, fats, greases, paint solids, semi-conductor fabrication (hexamethyl disilzane; HMDS), VOCs containing silica or silicones, and siloxanes.

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