Energy demand of thermal oxidizers

RTO (regenerative thermal oxidizer) and RCO (regenerative catalytic oxidizer) units destroy VOC-laden process air at 700-900°C. Reaching that temperature for every cubic meter of incoming air is expensive, so the oxidizer’s own hot exhaust is used to preheat the cold, solvent-laden inlet stream before it enters the burner or catalyst bed.

Suitable exchanger types and how they work

Within an RTO the heat is stored in a ceramic regenerator bed, but the upstream make-up air and the downstream clean-exhaust loops are often linked by a high-temperature air-to-air plate exchanger. This recovers sensible heat from the cleaned exhaust to warm the raw inlet. Our plate core material selection guide helps pick temperature-rated alloys.

Design considerations for oxidizer loops

Temperatures are high and the exhaust can be acidic or contain catalyst fines. Specify stainless or higher-grade alloys rated for the duty, allow for thermal expansion, and design cleaning access for any particulate. Confirm the exchanger’s pressure drop fits the oxidizer’s existing fan and that no cross-leakage contaminates the clean side.