Thermal/Catalytic Oxidizer

A new Wide Flammability Range (WFR) Thermal/Catalytic Oxidizer offered by the company operates both above and below the flammability range of organic concentrations.

Process streams which vary in organic content between 25% and 100% of their Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) have traditionally been a problem for environmental engineers. Organic concentrations below 25% are usually handled by a thermal or catalytic oxidizer, whereas concentrations above 100% are typically handled as a fuel and burned in a flare. Neither technology is capable of directly treating process streams whose concentrations vary in and out of the flammability range.

Designed to address this unique application problem, the company has developed a variation of its Econ-Abator Thermal/Catalytic Oxidizer. The new Series "WFR" Econ-Abator system utilizes two separate burners with highly coordinated operation. The key to the design is operational flexibility.

The system begins by firing a single burner. If the process gas stream stays in the flammability range, oxidation can continue indefinitely. In the event that the process stream becomes non-flammable, however, a second burner ignites to ensure that the combustion chamber remains safely above the auto-ignition temperature. A temperature feedback signal through a PID control loop directs cooling or dilution air as necessary to prevent overheating.

The new oxidizer is available in six standard sizes from 500 to 4,000 SCFM. Customized larger sizes can be easily and readily provided.

Huntington Environmental Systems, Inc., 707C West Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Tel: 847-545-8800; Fax: 847-545-1947.