Industrial Fume Incineration Systems

Catalytic and Thermal Oxidizers

An industrial fume incineration system uses catalytic or thermal oxidation to treat waste-gas streams containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and other combustible contaminants. HiTemp configures modular systems according to gas composition, airflow, oxygen concentration, contaminant loading, required destruction efficiency and the suitability of catalyst technology.

Use this page as an overview of fume-incineration system selection. For equipment-specific details, see HiTemp's catalytic oxidizer systems and thermal oxidizer systems.

HiTemp manufactures both catalytic and thermal type fume incineration systems as well as one of the most efficient dual fuel electric and gas catalytic oxidizers on the market with applications for SVE, VOC, and CO emissions. We have developed technology in thermal and catalytic fume systems utilizing a two-pass design with preheat exchangers for VOC disposal. Destruction efficiency of our catalyst systems can be as high as 95% to 99% or more, with some of the lowest operating costs in the industry.

SVE applications will typically have high VOC levels during the first few months of operation. For those applications we recommend using a thermal oxidizer containing a catalyst module. HiTemp thermal systems can operate safely with VOC levels as high as 50% and operating temperatures up to 2,000^oF (1,093^oC).

HiTemp System Types

HiTemp Systems can be designed for two basic types of waste gas streams. The most common type has a waste gas stream that is mostly ambient air containing a small quantity of VOCs. For this type of system, the size selected is based on the flow rate in SCFM.

Handling the second type of waste gas stream is more complicated as it contains little or no oxygen but high concentrations of VOCs. The system design must account for the amount of combustion air necessary to burn all the stream hydrocarbons while adding sufficient combustion air so the final exhaust gas contains a minimum of 8 to 10 percent oxygen.

HiTemp System Options

HiTemp Systems have available options to suit each customer's individual needs:

Preheat Exchangers
Induced-draft or Secondary Combustion Blower
Modulating dilution air T-fittings
Stack Extensions
Additional Catalyst Modules

HiTemp Catalytic Oxidizers function the same as a thermal oxidizer with the major difference being the operating temperature necessary for destruction of the VOCs. Our Lo-Temp Catalyst can operate effectively at temperatures as low as 400^oF (204^oC) in some applications. The fuel savings at these lower temperatures can be extremely significant for reducing system operating costs.

Note: Catalysts cannot be used in applications where chemical poisons or particulates are present such as sulphur oxides (SO_X) and silicone compounds.

HiTemp Catalytic and Thermal Oxidizer Systems utilize modular, interchangeable components with easy access for repairs and maintenance. Our design utilizes basic control and combustion systems so we can design, build and ship a complete unit in half the time normally required for standard site assembled units. In certain situations, we can have a system on site and operational within 3 to 4 months from the date the order is placed.

Since our systems are modular, replacement parts and capacity increases can be made without major changes to the basic design.

Fume Incineration System Questions

What is an industrial fume incineration system?

An industrial fume incineration system uses thermal or catalytic oxidation to treat waste-gas streams containing volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide or other combustible contaminants before discharge.

What is the difference between catalytic and thermal fume incinerators?

A catalytic oxidizer uses a catalyst to promote contaminant destruction at a lower operating temperature, while a thermal oxidizer relies on higher-temperature combustion. Catalyst suitability depends on the contaminants and particulates in the gas stream.

How is a fume incineration system sized for a waste-gas stream?

For an ambient-air stream with a relatively small VOC concentration, system size is commonly based on airflow in standard cubic feet per minute. A high-VOC stream with little oxygen also requires combustion-air calculations.

Can fume incineration systems be used for soil vapor extraction?

Yes. HiTemp uses thermal and catalytic oxidation configurations for soil-vapor-extraction applications, with the system selected for the expected VOC concentration and gas-stream conditions.