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 can we do if there is a risk of ceramic media plugging due to condensing VOCs?

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.

Is the RTO optimized for my exhaust airstream?

Yes, RTOs can be designed to match your specific exhaust airstream characteristics. They are typically optimized for airstreams with solvent concentrations in the 0–10% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range. For higher concentrations up to 25% LEL, additional features such as hot gas bypass systems may be needed to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What causes hot spots on the outside of our RTO, and can they be fixed?

Hotspots typically result from damaged or missing insulation or compromised metal surfaces that allow heat to escape. KKI has experienced fabricators and insulators who can repair your oxidizer. This may involve replacing damaged metal to provide a secure base for reattaching insulation modules and restoring proper thermal protection.

Our process shifted to more water-based and less solvent-based, and now the oxidizer uses much more gas. Can this be improved?

We can evaluate your heat exchanger, whether metal recuperative or ceramic regenerative, to see if upgrading to a more efficient type is possible. Adding a catalyst might also help reduce gas usage. In some cases, replacing the oxidizer with a more efficient system is the best option. We can check our inventory for suitable units or design a custom system tailored to your needs.

What does the burner do in an RTO?

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

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