Nature of the compound
Solubility, polarity, reactivity and condensation temperature determine the possible treatment routes.
Volatile organic compounds
Extraction and treatment of industrial VOCs
Identify the pollutant, capture it at source and select the treatment technology compatible with your process.
StudyDesignCommissioning
AIRPRO EXPERTISE
Controlled flowExtraction and treatment are determined by the compound, the peak levels and the discharge target
EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS
VOCs are not a homogeneous group of pollutants.
Two processes with the same name may require different solutions. AIRPRO links the properties of the compound to the actual process conditions before discussing equipment.
This characterisation avoids selecting a technology that is effective on paper but unstable in the face of production fluctuations.
Concentration
The average value is not sufficient: peaks and transient phases may determine the design parameters.
Airflow to be treated
The containment and extraction systems determine the actual volume of air sent to the equipment.
Flow conditions
Temperature, humidity and the presence of dust directly influence the stability of the process.
Extraction at source
The best treatment starts with controlled flow.
The more the emission is contained and intercepted at an early stage, the less air needs to be moved, the smaller the ductwork system needs to be, and the less unnecessary volume needs to be treated.
Containment
Minimise the gap between the process and the workshop to limit the required flow rate.
Intercept
Position the extraction point in the actual path of the vapours.
Convey
Maintain a leak-tight system, compatible with the compound and the flow conditions.
Technological choice
Absorber, adsorber or oxidiser?
The right approach is a balance between the chemical composition of the compound, the flow profile, the expected performance and day-to-day operation.
MECHANISM
Absorption
Transfer to a liquid
APPLICABLE WHEN
Sufficiently soluble compounds and gas streams compatible with a scrubbing reagent.
TO BE MONITORED
Choice of liquid, reagent consumption and effluent treatment.
MECHANISM
Adsorption
Binding to a solid medium
APPLICABLE WHEN
Appropriate concentrations and molecules with good affinity for the medium.
TO BE MONITORED
Saturation, regeneration, humidity and the risk of overheating.
MECHANISM
Oxidation
Processing of the compound
APPLICABLE WHEN
Fluxes that can be destroyed by thermal, catalytic or biological means.
TO BE MONITORED
Variability, temperature, energy and any secondary compounds.
TREATMENT LINE
Equipment never operates in isolation.
Pre-treatment, main treatment, fan, instrumentation and discharge are designed as a continuous process. Depending on the flow, the technologies may be used alternatively or in combination.
Actual operating conditions
Design for peak loads, control for variations.
Industrial emissions vary depending on production runs, openings, cleaning operations and production rates. The critical scenario is just as important as the nominal value.
Intermittent production
Allow for start-ups, shutdowns and cleaning operations that cause brief peaks.
Variable concentration
Ensure that equipment selected on the basis of average conditions is not overloaded during critical phases.
Changing conditions
Monitor temperature and humidity when these affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
Performance monitoring
Define, at the design stage, the measures required to verify actual operation.
Preparing the design study
Six key points to guide the management of VOCs.
These elements enable the identification of key unknowns and the preparation of a targeted measurement campaign.
Describe my emissions or call +33 7 57 69 08 40- List of available products and data sheets
- Process stages generating emissions
- Measured or estimated concentrations
- Flow rates, temperatures and humidity of the airflow
- Cycles, peaks and simultaneous operation of workstations
- Discharge target and operational constraints
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Selecting the treatment method using the correct data.
Key points to consider before comparing VOC treatment technologies.
What is the difference between absorption and adsorption of VOCs?
Absorption transfers the gaseous compound into a scrubbing liquid. Adsorption fixes the molecules onto a solid. The choice depends, in particular, on solubility, concentration and the conditions for regeneration or replacement.
When should oxidation be considered?
Oxidation can be considered where the flow rate and the compound lend themselves to this process. Concentration, temperature, variability and energy requirements must be examined before selecting a thermal, catalytic or biological method.
Why measure concentration variability?
A treatment system designed for an average flow rate may become unstable during production peaks. The temporal profile of the exhaust flow helps to determine the appropriate extraction capacity and ensure the safe operation of the treatment stage.
Your project
Tell us about your industrial requirement.
Describe your installation, issue or objective. An AIRPRO engineer will provide an initial technical assessment.