Understanding Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers - Their Working and Factors

Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) are extremely efficient in decomposing volatile organic compounds from the dirty airstream. In addition to providing good thermal efficiency, they also reduce fuel consumption and operating costs. This makes them the best option in the market. If you are wondering, "how do regenerative thermal oxidizers work?” then look no further. This article provides an insight into regenerative thermal oxidizer, how it works, and some factors that you need to consider before buying an RTO unit.

How do regenerative thermal oxidizers work?

A regenerative thermal oxidizer pushes the dirty airstream through the oxidizer using a fan. Valves in the oxidizer control the flow of air, which is responsible for passing the dirty airstream into the ceramic recovery beds. The regenerative thermal oxidizer is designed with a minimum of two ceramic beds to recover heat.

When the unclean air passes through the first bed, the air gets heated up due to the hot ceramic beds. This preheated air enters the combustion chamber where the temperatures are as high as 1500ºF or greater. The oxidation reaction occurs in this chamber, and it takes around 0.5 seconds for 98% of the hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds to change into water vapors and carbon dioxide.

After this, the now clean and hot air enters the second ceramic bed. The hot air releases heat to the ceramic beds and turns into cool and clean air, expelled out into the atmosphere. The valves work efficiently to change airflow direction so that heat can be transferred to another bed. This increases fuel efficiency and cuts down on operating costs.

Factors to consider when buying RTO unit

1)       Optimization of RTO for your exhaust airstream

Regenerative thermal oxidizers can usually treat airstream that has a 0 to 10% Lower Explosive Limit. Above 25% Lower Explosive Limit air streams, you will be required to install hot gas bypass systems.

2)       Ease of installation

You need to make sure that the thermal oxidizer is skid mounted and will require little or no welding. This will save you money.

3)       What is the ceramic media optimized for?

The ceramic media in the regenerative thermal oxidizer should be optimized for the low-pressure drop, maximum thermal efficiency, and can deal with organic and inorganic matter.

4)       Remote troubleshooting

If your thermal oxidizer controls remote access to troubleshooting, you will be saved service visits.

5)       Main fan of the RTO

Ensure that the main fan of the regenerative thermal oxidizer uses variable frequency drives. These are important for idle operations and when you want to turn the volume down.

6)       Used vs. new units

High-quality regenerative thermal oxidizer units that are used will give you a long life, warranty of parts, good performance and allow you to save up to 50 to 60% compared to the new units.