What is an RTO Thermal Oxidiser and How Does it Reduce Pollution and Energy Costs?

Using an incinerator or thermal oxidiser to combat air pollution is undeniably effective, but it can also be quite costly. The irony lies in the fact that while these high-temperature incinerators work to control pollution, they require a significant amount of energy to power the burner itself. Typically, this energy comes from natural gas, a fossil fuel, thereby depleting valuable resources and adding to your expenses. Furthermore, this process generates exhaust that needs to be dealt with separately, creating an additional challenge.

Waste Heat Reclamation

A regenerative thermal oxidiser offers a unique solution. It not only effectively incinerates hazardous compounds from exhaust fumes but also allows for the recovery of a significant amount of waste heat, resulting in reduced costs for pollution control and energy expenditure.

The operation of an RTO system involves the absorption of heat from exhaust gases, which are typically already at high temperatures. This captured heat is then used to pre-heat and destroy pollutants in the bulk gas stream that is released from the process at elevated temperatures, usually around 900°C. By incorporating pre-treatment heat exchange towers alongside the main incineration chamber, RTO systems have proven to be highly efficient in removing 85% to 97% of airborne pollutants from exhaust waste.

At the same time, the potential for heat recapture makes an RTO far more fuel-efficient than other types of incinerator.

Basic Components Of An RTO

Regenerative thermal oxidisers come in a variety of sizes and designs to deal with different pollutants. However, they all consist of two or three heat exchangers or towers, connected by a common high temperature combustion chamber and one or more burners. Within each tower there are beds filled with heat conductive ceramic material which provides a passage for the polluted air stream, and also acts as a storage vessel for the waste heat.

Common Applications For Regenerative Thermal Oxidation

RTO units can treat a wide variety of airborne pollutants, including foul-smelling gases, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants are found in waste products from many chemical and industrial processes – such as those used in the printing and packaging industry, wood processing, ceramics, glass making and other sectors.

Talk To Us

At Therser, we design, manufacture, install and maintain a range of industrial furnaces, kilns and RTOs. Our RTO units operate at elevated temperatures to achieve near total destruction of contaminants in air streams coming from furnaces and kilns. We also design bespoke pollution control systems, upgrade or retrofit existing furnaces and provide full engineering support services; including calibration, relocation and regular maintenance. To discuss your requirements with one of our team please call us on 01782 824453.

For more information about RTOs and other pollution control devices, please click here to download our free guide to Controlling Air Pollution & Emissions.