Incineration system control VOCs

The primary system for controlling VOC emissions from automotive vehicles is the catalytic converter, described earlier in this chapter (see "Oxides of Nitrogen on pages 24-33). A number of different technologies have been developed for removing VOCs from flue gases of stationary sources. They include thermal and catalytic incineration, adsorption, absorption, and biofiltration. 

Water-based products exist but are unlikely to be adopted in quantity in this sector. They eliminate the ability to recover energy from the solvents for use in the stoving ovens. Since the integrated incineration systems in present use can control solvent emissions very effectively, there is no VOC-related driving force to push their adoption. In the very long term, techniques such as radiation cure and even powder may be devel-... 

The impact of the regulations in Table 4 is to require users and producers of VOC ketones to limit release by either reformulating to new solvent systems, to install environmental control systems which recover and recycle solvents, or reduce emissions with carbon absorption beds or incineration equipment. The use of some individual ketones will decline further, but the overall short-term use of ketones is forecast to remain stable (10). 

The CTG document recommends a single volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limit for loading of gasoline tank trucks at terminals. To comply with the limit, an active vapor control system must be installed to condense, absorb, adsorb, or incinerate the VOC vapors. Control equipment to fulfill this requirement is presently commercially available. However, a good maintenance and inspection program must minimize leakage from the vapor control system and tank trucks. 

Typical control measures used in pharmaceutical industry to reduce VOCs (including odors) are condensation, absorption (spray towers, venturi scrubbers, packed columns, and plate columns), adsorption (using activated carbon beds), thermal destruction (flares, boilers and process heaters, thermal incinerators, and catalytic incinerators), and vapor containment. Water- or brine-cooled condensers are the most common control devices, with carbon adsorbers in occasional use. Where the main objective is not solvent reuse but is the control of an odorons or toxic vapor, scrubbers or incinerators are used [86]. Typical spray dryer systems equipped with thermal and catalytic incinerators are shown in Figure 53.7. 

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