Abstract Description: A new modular RTO has been developed for thermal oxidations of VOC, HAP, methane, and odors from small sources. Each RTO has a nominal capacity of 100 scfm, is under four square feet of floor area. The unit is less than than six feet tall. The system is electrically heated, requiring no burner or supplemental fuel source. Multiple modules can be ganged together to serve sources of any size. The system can be warmed up from a cold start in under an hour.
Laboratory testing has been conducted on a full-scale prototype. Testing was conducted using propane, methane, and several common liquid VOC. Incoming gaseous organic compounds were destroyed at efficiency above 99.9%, thermal efficiency was measured at above 95%, and pressure drop was below 20” w.c., NOx emissions were not detected.
The operating principle of the new technology will be discussed. Results from laboratory testing will be summarized and discussed. The important characteristics of the system will be discussed in the context of application to pollution control. These characteristics include physical size, power consumption, floor loading, and access requirements. Plans for future deployment including field pilot testing will be discussed.
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation and the State of Michigan.
