What is a Catalytic Oxidizer?
A catalytic oxidizer is a type of pollution control equipment, that is used to abate industrial exhaust streams, laden with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also known as a CO, CATOX, CTO, RCO, or CRO, a catalytic oxidizer works by raising the temperature of the exhaust stream to a point in which the chemical bonds that hold the VOC molecules together are broken (oxidized) across the precious metals from the catalyst media. The VOCs from the process exhaust stream are converted to carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and thermal energy. In a catalytic oxidizer, the operating temperature is substantially less than straight thermal oxidation, and when combined with a VOC loading level from the process stream, the system can become self-sustaining; often requiring minimal auxiliary fuel to support operation.
A catalyst is a substance that accelerates the rate of the chemical reaction of the volatile organic compound, without being consumed. The process of catalytic oxidation which in addition to reducing fuel consumption, also operates at a lower temperature level, which minimizes the formation of NOx. The reduction of the CO and minimization of NOx formation are very important, as both of these compounds are regulated as strictly as VOCs by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A catalytic oxidizer has a relatively quick warm-up time, and can run in shorter durations (non-24 hour continuous cycles) without having adverse effects on the overall life of the equipment, and its components. In addition, with relatively low VOC loading, the use of catalytic systems can lower the overall annual operating costs when compared to a direct fire thermal oxidizer, regenerative thermal oxidizer, or thermal recuperative oxidizer. Catalyst cells can be used in direct-fired oxidizers, recuperative oxidizers, or RTOs.
Why Choose a CATOX?
- As a result of the lower operating temperatures, a Catalytic Oxidizer generally uses less energy
- Lower operating temperature results in less NOx
- Flameless
- Requires less space than some other equipment options
- Lower operating emissions
- Efficiencies up to 99.99%
- Industry best commissioning times
- Eliminates as much or more than 99% of dangerous gases, which meets all EPA requirements for MACT, RACT, BACT, and LAER
Features:
- In-house manufactured control panels
- Continuous monitoring with Gulfstar
- Weather-proof enclosure
- Modulating burner
- In-house, industrial construction
- Access doors allow for easy maintenance
- Several customizable options, based on specific output and applications, often allowing for a reduction in cost.
Options:
- Primary and secondary heat recovery options available
- Turn-key packages available, to meet all pollution control needs
- Remote or Skid mounted panels
- Variety of catalysts available, to fit specific needs
- Alternate power/fuel options available, including electrically heated systems
- Multiple fan type and arrangement options
- Shell and tube, or plate type primary heat exchanger
Gulf Coast Environmental Systems offers multiple design solutions to best fit the operational parameters of its customers. Our line of Catalytic Oxidizers includes options for air pollution treatment at a range of temperatures, custom designed to treat an assortment of VOCs. The designs include single stage solutions, as well as multistage solutions. GCES also offers complete integrated solutions with other air purification systems, such as thermal oxidizers, carbon adsorption systems, or filtration packages. Gulf Coast Environmental Systems is a single source solution for highly durable and efficient Catalytic Oxidizers.
If you would like to learn more about catalytic oxidizers, or other pollution control solutions from GCES, please contact us at sales@gcesystems.com