What is a Thermal Oxidizer (TOX) and How Does it Work?
What is a Thermal Oxidizer?
A thermal oxidizer, also known as a TOX or fume incinerator, is an air pollution control system that uses combustion to destroy hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and other harmful emissions from industrial processes. These systems are designed to oxidize organic pollutants into carbon dioxide and water before releasing them into the atmosphere.
How Does a Thermal Oxidizer Work?
Thermal oxidizers work by collecting exhaust airstreams where VOCs and HAPs are present, then heating the airstream to high enough temperatures to convert the pollutants into carbon dioxide and water. This equipment is highly effective in removing harmful contaminants, but it may not always be the most efficient. Time, temperature, and turbulence are key factors in the performance of TOX systems.
Typically operating at 1400-1500° F, thermal oxidizers must reach adequate temperatures to ensure the efficiency of the system, requiring 0.5 to 1.0 seconds of residence time for most applications. To trigger the oxidation of organic constituents, the pollutants must combine with oxygen, which can be augmented by addition of fresh air if the exhaust oxygen content is insufficient. The most effective designs rely on a mixing apparatus to generate turbulence and combine exhaust gases with combustion air for evenly distributed heat and oxygen.
Advantages of Thermal Oxidizers for Air Pollution Control
These essential systems are designed to reduce harmful emissions, allowing businesses to reduce emissions and meet regulatory requirements. Thermal oxidizers can be configured for a long-lasting, reliable air pollution control solution to offer the following advantages:
- High destruction efficiency of up to 99.999% of VOCs and HAPs
- Compliant with environmental regulations through turnkey design and manufacturing
- Offers potential for heat recovery and energy savings with low installation costs
- Versatile for a wide range of capacities and applications, engineered to optimal performance
Primary Thermal Oxidizers Manufactured by Turner EnviroLogic
Turner EnviroLogic designs and manufactures direct-fired and regenerative thermal oxidizers in-house to provide air pollution control in various industries. Direct-fired thermal oxidizers deliver comprehensive VOC destruction in applications with high concentrations of contaminants, while regenerative thermal oxidizers and recuperative thermal oxidizers are better suited to applications with very low VOC concentrations. We offer a range of air pollution control systems and equipment for the effective destruction of VOCs, HAPs, and other harmful pollutants to suit your needs. This includes the ability to design the dampers, expansion joints, and control panels required for a no-hassle, trunkey system. Contact us to discuss a thermal oxidizer solution for your facility, or fill out the questionnaire form if you have specifications ready.