Thermal Oxidizers Engineered and Installed by BCE

BCE thermal oxidizers are necessary when the processed air contains small, combustible particulates.  The idea of using a thermal oxidizer is to reduce toxic, explosive, or otherwise dangerous, pollutants to simpler, non-toxic substances by subjecting the pollutants to very high temperatures where the chemical bonds are broken.  The decomposed material may then be released safely to the atmosphere.  BCE prides itself on creating optimum clean air solutions for you and your project.

BCE thermal oxidizers may be classified as follows:

  • Regenerative
    In a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO), energy used in the oxidation process is recovered very efficiently by ceramic heat transfer beds coupled to the oxidation chamber.  Thermal efficiency can be around 95% for this type of oxidizer.  A disadvantage is the expense of replacing the ceramic media in case of plugging.  Also RTO’s often run at higher pressure drops than recuperative oxidizers.
  • Recuperative
    In a recuperative thermal oxidizer, heat from oxidation is passed through a heat exchanger which in turn heats the inlet air.  Energy recovery for this type is roughly 70%.  Although the recuperative oxidizer costs less, the energy usage can be about six times that of an RTO, offsetting the savings over the long term.
  • Catalytic
    A catalytic recuperative thermal oxidizer uses a catalyst such as platinum or rhodium to allow decomposition at a much lower temperature, bringing the operating temperature of the unit down from 1400°F to about 650°F.  This reduces the fuel usage to about a quarter of the recuperative thermal oxidizer, but is still higher than that for the RTO.

BCE is ready to discuss your application with you.  We will provide initial and operating cost estimates for the different types of thermal oxidizers so you can be sure you are getting the right oxidizer for your specific needs.