Custom Designed Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers

How Does A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Work?

In operation, the process exhaust fumes are forced into the Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer inlet manifold (with a high pressure supply fan) and directed into one of the energy recovery canisters by use of inlet (switch) valves. The pollutant laden air passes from the valve assembly vertically upward through the first of the heat exchanger canisters where it adsorbs heat from the ceramic media (thus eventually cooling the media).
This preheated air then enters the combustion chamber (typically at a temperature very close to that required for oxidation), is thoroughly mixed for temperature uniformity (turbulence) and held in the combustion chamber at the elevated set-point temperature (temperature) for a residence time of ~0.5 seconds (time). Air pollutant destruction takes place within the combustion chamber where auxiliary fuel is introduced if necessary.
After passing through the combustion chamber, the clean (hot) air is routed vertically downward through a second energy recovery canister where the heat generated during thermal oxidation is adsorbed by the ceramic media (thus preheating the media for the next cycle). The clean (cooled) air is routed to the atmosphere through outlet (switch) valves, the exhaust manifold and ultimately through the exhaust stack. To maximize the heat exchange, the switching valves alternate the airflow path between canisters to continuously regenerate the heat stored within the ceramic media. Thermal energy recovery (TER) efficiencies range from 85% to 97%. To maintain low external shell temperatures and minimize radiant heat loss, the combustion chamber is insulated with long-life ceramic fiber modules. The external shell is typically fabricated of carbon steel. Air pollutant destruction efficiencies of 99% can typically be guaranteed.