Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

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 recirculation loop are also possible mitigation methods.

We can evaluate your current oxidizer’s capacity alongside the new process requirements to recommend the best upgrade approach. Options may include adding new heat exchanger media, installing a larger fan, or modifying the burner and combustion chamber to meet destruction needs. For some cases, using a VOC concentrator to reduce pollutant levels before the oxidizer can be an effective solution. Please note that existing equipment may not be sufficient, even with changes or upgrades.

A regenerative thermal oxidizer captures industrial exhaust streams containing VOCs and HAPs, then heats the air to a high enough temperature to oxidize those pollutants into carbon dioxide and water vapor. Like other thermal oxidizer systems, effective RTO performance depends on the right combination of time, temperature, and turbulence.

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.

The burner provides the heat required to raise the gas stream to the oxidation temperature needed to destroy VOCs.