Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer

The Anguil Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) destroys air toxics and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are discharged in industrial process exhausts. The Anguil system achieves VOC destruction through the process of high temperature thermal oxidation, converting the VOCs to carbon dioxide and water vapor, recycling released energy to reduce operating costs.

How the Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Works

Process gas with VOC contaminants enters the Twin Bed RTO through an inlet manifold. A flow control valve directs this gas into an energy recovery chamber which preheats the process stream. The process gas and contaminants are progressively heated in the stoneware bed as they move toward the combustion chamber.

The VOCs are then oxidized, releasing energy in the second stoneware bed, thereby reducing any auxiliary fuel requirement. The stoneware bed is heated and the gas is cooled so that the outlet gas temperature is only slightly higher than the inlet temperature. The flow control valve switches and alternates the stoneware beds so each is in inlet and outlet mode. If the process gas contains enough VOCs, the energy released from their combustion allows self-sustained operation. For example, at 95% thermal energy recovery, the outlet temperature may be only 77° (25°) higher than the inlet process gas temperature.

PLC-based electronics automatically control all aspects of the RTO operation from start-up to shutdown so that minimal operator interface is required.

Anguil's Cost Effective Design

The Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer system is designed as part of Anguil's broad line of technologically advanced, yet user-friendly, air pollution control products. The Anguil product line includes over 1,600 installations of Recuperative and Regenerative Catalytic and Thermal Oxidizers ranging in size from 100 to 100,000 SCFM (150-150,000 Nm3/hr), Ceramic Filter Systems, Soil Remediation Equipment, Rotor Concentrator Systems and Scrubbers. Each product line represents value-engineered systems with emphasis on cost minimization. All systems are designed for optimum performance and trouble-free operation.

Anguil strives to provide innovative pollution control technology including process analysis, engineering, equipment manufacturing, installation and post-sale 24-hour service.

System Components

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Systems include system fan, motor, burner, heat exchange media, flow control valves, PLC based system controls, temperature recorder and exhaust stack. The system has a ceramic fiber-lined, steel outer skin and an access platform for servicing burner components.

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer System Schematic

Options

• Installation of catalyst in reactor chamber to convert the RTO to a Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer (RCO). This modification can result in further operational cost savings.
• Multiple ceramic media options.
• Valve bake-out feature, to remove organic condensables and organic particulate build-up.
• Variable frequency drive, for lower electric power costs at reduced process gas volumes.
• Unique valving configuration to achieve 99% destruction efficiency with the Twin-Bed system.
• Recirculation to lower operating costs during periods of no process gas flow.
• Higher design temperatures or residence times for increased destruction efficiency.
• Alloy components for corrosive chlorinated environments.

Safety Shutdowns

The system will shut down safely and automatically if any of the following occur:

• Electrical power loss to the control panel
• High temperature in central chamber
• Excessive outlet temperature
• Burner malfunction

The first-out shutdown detector will indicate the cause of a shutdown.