Abatement of Volatile Organic Compounds Some Industrial Applications

Catalytic Abatement of Volatile Organic Compounds Some Industrial Applications 

Pascaline TRAN, James M. CHEN and Robert J. FARRAUTO  

The objective of this chapter is to illustrate the point of view of industry with some applications in volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement (i) vent gases from purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plants, (ii) nitrogen-containing VOC (acrylonitrile), (iii) regenerative oxidation catalyst technology. 

Methane is excluded from current US regulations due to its low photo-chemical reactivity. However, this must be reconsidered for future regulations given its contribution to greenhouse effects. 

In general, many VOC generating processes operate in lean (excess air) environments and thus abatement involves oxidation. When large amounts are present it is sometimes economical to recover them for recycling since many are used as solvents. For chemical plants such as painting or coating operations, alcohols, paraffinic and 

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