REGENERATIVE THERMAL OXIDIZERS (RTOs)
Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) are used to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and unwanted odors from industrial emissions. These systems burn the contaminated airstream and recover the generated heat, ensuring an efficient purification process.
HOW DOES AN RTO WORK?
An RTO operates based on the principle of thermal oxidation. Contaminated air is heated to between 800°C and 1,200°C, oxidizing pollutants and converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide.
How does an RTO differ from a conventional thermal oxidizer?
➡ Heat recovery: RTOs use ceramic beds to store and reuse thermal energy.
➡ High efficiency: The outgoing hot air preheats the incoming contaminated air, reducing energy consumption.
➡ Sustainable technology: Lowers emissions while optimizing energy use.
RTOs are widely used in industries such as chemical production, paints and coatings, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food processing.
BENEFITS OF AN RTO
- High removal efficiency – Effectively removes VOCs, HAPs, and odors.
- Heat recovery – Can recover up to 95% of heat, depending on design and operating conditions.
- Compact design – Takes up less space than conventional thermal oxidize
- Flexible operation – Suitable for varying airflows and pollution levels.
In Detail
1. GAS INLET
Contaminated air streams, including VOC emissions, are directed into the RTO.
2. Preheating
Incoming air passes through a heat exchanger, where it is preheated by the hot exhaust gases from the oxidation process.
3. Oxidation
The gas stream is heated to 800 – 1,200°C in the combustion chamber. VOCs and other pollutants are destroyed and converted into water vapor and CO₂.
4. Heat recovery
Hot exhaust gases pass through a ceramic heat storage system, where they preheat the incoming air, improving energy efficiency.
5. Cyclical regeneration
RTOs use regenerative chambers with ceramic heat storage materials that alternate between heating and cooling, ensuring maximum heat recovery.
6. Clean air exhaust
The purified air, now free from most pollutants, is safely released into the atmosphere.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Paints and coatings
Captures VOCs from drying and curing processes.
Chemical Industry
Reduces VOC emissions from chemical manufacturing.
Printing industry
Treats VOCs from inks, solvents, and drying processes.
Pharmaceuticals
Eliminates VOCs and harmful vapors from chemical processes.
Automotive industry
Captures emissions from coating and painting applications.
Textile industry
Removes VOCs from dyeing and printing processes.
Our work
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS
The design, configuration, and material selection of an RTO depend entirely on your specific application.
Call us at +32 11 450 750
