Catalytic Oxidizers for Pharmaceutical VOC and HAP Emissions

How Catalytic Oxidizers Control Pharmaceutical Emissions

A catalytic oxidizer is an air pollution control device widely used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in exhaust air streams.

Here is the general process used by HiTemp catalytic oxidizers to control compatible pollutants:

1. The contaminated air stream is collected
2. Air stream is preheated (if required)
3. Catalytic oxidation takes place
4. Clean air discharge following oxidation

The catalytic reaction chamber:

• Preheated air enters the catalyst chamber containing a material, which is typically noble metals like platinum or palladium on a ceramic or metal honeycomb support
• The catalyst enables oxidation at a lower temperature than conventional thermal oxidation. The required operating temperature depends on the catalyst, contaminant mixture, concentration and specified destruction efficiency.
• Compatible organic compounds react with oxygen and may be converted primarily to carbon dioxide and water. Actual reaction products must be evaluated for the specific exhaust composition, particularly where halogenated, sulfur-containing or other complex compounds are present.

Reduction of VOCs and HAPs: Mechanism and Benefits

• Destruction Efficiency: The required VOC or HAP destruction efficiency is established for each application and depends on system design, catalyst selection and operating conditions.
• Chemical Transformation: Compatible organic pollutants may be oxidized primarily into carbon dioxide and water; the complete by-product profile depends on the compounds being treated.
• Lower Operating Temperatures: Catalysts can allow oxidation at lower temperatures than conventional thermal oxidizers, which may reduce fuel consumption when the exhaust is catalyst compatible.
• NO_x Considerations: Lower operating temperatures may reduce thermal NO_x formation, although total emissions depend on the process and system design.
• Applicability: Pharmaceutical exhaust composition and concentration must be characterized before catalytic oxidation is selected.
• Catalyst Compatibility: Potential catalyst poisons, masking agents and fouling compounds—including halogenated, sulfur-containing, silicon-containing and particulate contaminants—must be assessed during system selection.

A custom-designed HiTemp Tech Corporation catalytic oxidizer uses a selected catalyst to promote oxidation at application-specific temperatures. Exhaust characterization is required to determine catalyst compatibility, expected reaction products and the appropriate emissions-control design.

At HiTemp Tech Corporation, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction drives everything we do.

To learn more about our catalytic oxidizers, visit HiTemp Tech Corporation Catalytic Oxidizers.

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