How does an RTO work?
Thermal oxidation is a means often used to control emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from process industries. Oxidation of the VOCs occurs when sufficiently high temperature (greater than 1,400°F.), adequate residence time, and turbulence (the 3 T’s) are present to break the molecular bonds of any hydrocarbon to ultimately convert the hydrocarbon to carbon dioxide and water. With rare exception, thermal oxidation produces no harmful byproducts nor is there any hazardous waste to treat or dispose of. Though thermal oxidation is a simple process capable of very high VOC destruction efficiency, the fuel consumption to heat the VOC laden process can be severe. A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) builds on the thermal oxidation operating principals but at greatly enhanced fuel efficiency. An RTO consists of two or more heat exchangers connected by a common combustion chamber or zone. The heat exchangers consist of beds filled with media which will allow air to pass while serv
