New Catalytic Oxidizer Eliminates VOCs
and Odor from Exhaust Air Stream

Catalytic oxidation systems are used when the solvent content of an exhaust stream is not sufficient to oxidize without adding excessive energy to the process. Using a catalyst chamber in an oxidation system allows VOC destruction at considerably lower temperatures than a direct-fired oxidation process would require, which saves on fuel costs. The new Glenro system is designed to maintain catalyst temperature at 750-800°F, which ensures complete destruction of solvents, oils, and related odors to meet air quality regulations. The system further reduces fuel consumption by using an air-to-air exhaust preheat heat exchanger subsystem, which recovers exhaust heat for use in preheating the solvent-laden air before it enters the burner chamber. As the system reaches operating temperature, the oxidizer burner automatically throttles back to allow the solvents to serve as part of the fuel source for their own destruction.

The new oxidation system measures 18' long by 6' wide by 12' high, including heat exchanger, ductwork, supply blower, and the system's steel skid mounting. The system's primary energy source is a gas burner rated at 1,500,000 Btu/hr., which is fed by a complete IRI approved safety gas train that is supplied as part of the design. Built of heavy-gauge stainless steel, the system is shipped pre-wired and pre-piped for easy installation. Controls are provided in a NEMA 4 enclosure, which includes all system controls, operator interface components and safety checks. A two-pen recording indicating temperature controller is employed to provide a continuous record of temperatures both before and after the catalyst chamber.

Headquartered in Paterson, New Jersey, Glenro Inc. provides process heating engineering and equipment for a wide range of industries and applications. Glenro's air pollution control equipment includes recuperative thermal oxidizers, recuperative catalytic oxidizers, regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) and drying ovens with integrated fume oxidizers. Glenro serves customers through a nationwide network of sales offices.

This 3000 scfm Glenro catalytic oxidation system incorporates an exhaust heat recovery subsystem that adds waste heat back into the oxidation process meaning less additional energy is needed to destroy exhaust stream contaminants and odors. As the system reaches optimal operating temperature, the main gas burner automatically throttles back to allow the VOCs to serve as fuel for their own destruction. This method makes good engineering sense, and excellent economic sense. Adding a catalyst to an oxidation system is often the best way to destroy low concentrations of exhaust solvents with the greatest efficiency. The catalyst chamber in this system uses durable platinum group metal supported by a stainless steel honeycombed monolith. Heavy gauge stainless steel is used throughout this oxidation system allowing the system to operate outside the plant to conserve space. The system is compact measuring 18 feet long x six feet wide x 12 feet high. The burner chamber is built of stainless steel, which is insulated with mineral wool to contain heat loss. The burner chamber is easily accessible, and includes a sight port to allow visual monitoring of burner operation.

This schematic shows the VOC destruction and heat recovery of a catalytic oxidizer. Exhaust air from the process is ducted to the catalytic oxidizer system, passing through a heat exchanger for preheating and then into the burner chamber where the air is heated to the specific VOC catalyst reaction temperature. The heated exhaust then passes trough a catalyst bed where a rapid chemical oxidation reaction occurs. The air leaving the catalyst carries the heat released due to this oxidation process and this energy is used to preheat the incoming exhaust.

Even though it's built like a battleship, this Glenro catalytic oxidation system operates with high precision. Predominantly stainless steel construction keeps system maintenance to a minimum, and allows the system to operate outside the plant to conserve space.

Heavy gauge stainless steel is used throughout this oxidation system. The burner chamber, shown here, is built of 304 stainless steel, which is then shop insulated with six inches of mineral wool to contain heat loss. As you can see, the burner chamber is easily accessible, and includes a sight port to allow visual monitoring of burner operation.

Adding a catalyst to an oxidation system is often the best way to destroy low concentrations of exhaust solvents with the greatest efficiency. The catalyst chamber in this system, shown here, uses durable platinum group metal supported by a stainless steel honeycombed monolith. In this application catalytic oxidation is much more energy efficient than direct-fired VOC destruction.

For more information, contact: Glenro Inc.
Email: info@glenro.com
On the Internet: www.glenro.com
Voice: 1-888-GLENRO1 (1-888-453-6761)