Rugged, simple and highly efficient
Though new designs and technologies in thermal oxidation have been discovered since the turn of the century, the core process has existed for decades. Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) have remained popular for many types of manufacturers due to their longevity, simplicity and immense efficiency.
RTOs work by drawing in processed emissions through a fan, heating them to extremely high temperatures of over 1400 degrees Fahrenheit in a ceramic enclosure and then cooling the remaining air and water vapor before releasing it. When VOCs and HAPs are heated to these temperatures, the harmful or dangerous compounds are destroyed, leaving behind primarily carbon dioxide and water. These systems are referred to as regenerative because they use regenerative heat transfer, a process by which thermal efficiencies of 85 – 96 percent are achieved.
RTO Applications
While RTOs have been popular for a very long time, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to thermal oxidation needs for all industries.
RTOs are among the more useful options for manufacturers that produce low-VOC concentration emissions. In many cases, producers of high-VOC concentration may need to use another thermal oxidation solution, like a direct-fired thermal oxidizer.
While RTOs are relatively simple in design, their size and materials used can make their repair or building process more expensive than some other options. Despite the cost of getting started with a regenerative thermal oxidizer, they boast some of the most impressive energy efficiencies in the market, with some operating at virtually zero fuel cost.
NESTEC’s Regenerative Thermal Offerings
NESTEC is proud to employ engineers that have designed, furnished, installed and maintained RTOs across a variety of industries for over 40 years. The company comprises more than three centuries of RTO knowledge within its walls.
The RTOs the company produces are robust, contain few moving parts and are fabricated from materials that are exceptionally chemical-resistant and heat-resistant. NESTEC RTOs are state-of-the-art, PLC-based and use components from nationally recognized manufacturers. All design and programming for thermal oxidation solutions are performed by the NESTEC team in-house