Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers
EFFICIENT VOC EMISSIONS CONTROL
What Is a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer?
A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) is a highly efficient combustion system capable of achieving a destruction removal efficiency (DRE) of 99% through a thermal reaction in high-temperature environments. These systems are ideal for high-flow, low-VOC waste streams and offer low operating costs through autothermal regulation. Zeeco engineers standardized and fully customized RTO packages to meet the specific emissions control needs of your plant or facility.
Applications & Industries That Use RTOs
Zeeco RTOs are ideal for industries where VOCs, solvents, or odorous compounds must be destroyed before release:
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Chemical & Petrochemical Plants
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Paint, Coating & Printing Facilities
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Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing
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Food & Beverage Processing
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Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Production
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How a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Works
RTOs use a high-temperature oxidation process to destroy VOCs and regenerative ceramic media to recover heat and reduce fuel consumption:
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Waste gas enters the regenerative thermal oxidizer and passes through a ceramic heat exchange bed.
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The waste gases rise to the combustion chamber, where a burner heats the gases to 850°-1150°C (1562°-2102°F), destroying the VOCs.
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The remaining heated air passes through a second ceramic heat exchange bed, transferring heat and venting clean air to the atmosphere.
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Valves are periodically opened and closed, alternating airflow direction to maintain thermal energy recovery (TER) or energy efficiency of 97%.
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Autothermal Regulation: The Key to Low Operating Costs
Because RTOs operate on the principle of heat transfer, once operating temperatures are achieved and stabilized after startup, the main burner in an RTO can be shut off, eliminating the need for continual fuel gas. Autothermal operation is typically achievable when the hydrocarbon concentration is between 1 and 5 g/Nm3
Key Benefits of ZEECO RTOs
- >99% Destruction Efficiency – Meets or exceeds EPA and global environmental standards
- 97% Thermal Energy Recovery – Minimizes fuel usage through regenerative heat recovery
- Low NOx and CO Emissions Limits – Engineered combustion and precise temperature control minimize NOx and CO formation
- Low-Maintenance Design – Built for continuous-duty operation in harsh environments
- Standardized Modular Configurations – Two and three-chambered designs that can be engineered, manufactured, delivered, and installed quickly.
- Custom Configurations – Fully customizable designs to meet your plant's specific requirements
- Advanced Controls – Seamless integration with plant DCS systems for real-time monitoring and smooth cycling between ceramic beds.