New plant removes VOCs and recovers energy
A regenerative thermal oxidiser (RTO) has been installed by ACWa AIR at the BASF chemical works in Cramlington to remover more than 99% of benzene contained in exhaust gases discharged from the processing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Not only will the skid-mounted Reeco Stroem Re-Thermo RL unit ensure compliance with Environment Agency regulations, it will also recover 95% of thermal energy, thereby reducing the amount of natural gas required to fuel the combustion unit and minimising its operating costs.
The unit uses multiple regenerative chambers containing structured ceramic blocks that absorb heat from the cleaned exhaust stream and transfer it to the incoming process gases. When the gases have passed through the heat recovery chambers and exited the burner zone, they are purified by rapid oxidation to form non-hazardous compounds.
The Re-Therm RTO is interfaced with the Cramlington site's main control and safety systems and can treat process exhaust gases in volumes from 4,000-16,000 Nm3/hour.