Thermal Oxidizers

Thermal oxidizers reduce air pollution emissions
from a variety of industrial processes.

Using the principle of “thermal oxidation,” a combustion process, the contaminants within the polluted exhaust gas react with oxygen in a temperature controlled environment. The chemical oxidation reaction destroys the contaminants in the polluted exhaust gas before discharging it back into the atmosphere. What is released is an innocuous emission of CO2, water vapor, and heat.

PCC Thermal Oxidizers

PCC thermal oxidizers operate on the principle mentioned above, which is thermally promoting an oxidation reaction between the pollutant compound in the exhaust gas and the available oxygen. We supply two types of the Thermal Oxidizers: direct fired (afterburner) and recuperative thermal oxidizers.

Direct Fired Thermal Oxidizer

The simplest type of thermal oxidizer, it does not include any type of heat recovery system to recover a portion of the waste heat generated by the combustion process.

A direct fired thermal oxidizer system typically includes:

  • Burner
  • Combustion chamber
  • Blower
  • Air/fuel train
  • Instrumentation and controls
  • Exhaust stack

Typically less expensive than other types of thermal oxidizers, direct fired thermal oxidizers will incur higher operating cost (fuel use) for waste streams that are endothermic.

Recuperative Thermal Oxidizer (Afterburner)

This system is a direct fired thermal oxidizer with heat recovery added at the discharge end of the combustion chamber. 

Downstream heat recovery equipment uses the available heat produced within the thermal oxidizer combustion chamber to reduce auxiliary fuel consumption, produce steam, heat a process air stream, or heat a liquid

stream. A recuperative thermal oxidizer system can have a single heat recovery device or multiple heat recovery devices.

In addition to the recuperative thermal oxidizer systems shown above, a recuperative thermal oxidizer can incorporate:

  • Combustion air preheat to conserve fuel
  • Other heat recover equipment such as a hot oil heater, hot water economizer, or asphalt heater

Recuperative thermal oxidizers can treat multiple gaseous and liquid waste streams that are endothermic and/or exothermic.

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Applications

Thermal oxidizer applications: custom designed and proven.

Our core engineering staff is experienced in process engineering, material selection, refractory design, structural design, and controls and instrumentation. With degrees in various engineering disciplines, our Professional Engineers (P.E.) are also registered in several states.

We’ve custom designed more than 1,000 systems for Fortune 500 companies of all sizes– and we have an excellent track record for performance and reliability. Here are some of our typical applications.

  • Acrylonitrile
  • Terephthalic Acid
  • Butanediol
  • Mercaptanes
  • Low BTU Gases
  • VOC’s
  • Waste Oils
  • Butyl Chloride
  • Phosphine
  • Hydrogen Cyanide
  • Toluene
  • Benzene
  • Halogenated Hydrocarbons
  • Trichloropropene
  • Maleic Anhydride
  • Dibutyl Phthalate
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid
  • Chlorinated Hydrocarbons

Thermal Oxidizer industries include:

Chemical

Technologies to treat waste streams from Basic Chemicals (organic and inorganic chemicals, plastic resins, dyes, and pigments), Specialty Chemicals (adhesives and sealants, water treatment chemicals, plastic additives, catalysts and coatings) and the Agriculture Chemical manufacturing process.

Petrochemical

Treatment of waste streams from chemical products derived from petroleum. Specializing in Acrylonitrile and Acrylic Acid processes by using multi-staged technology which results in exceptionally low NOx levels.

Automotive

PCC’s technical solutions meet all aspects of Tier I, Tier II and Tier III manufacturing processes associated with the automotive industry. Treatment areas range from Dynamometer engine test stations to spray paint booth VOC elimination.

Pharmaceutical

PCC offers alternative solutions to treat a wide range of process in the Pharmaceutical industry. Thermal and Biological Oxidation technologies, including Flameless Thermal Oxidation (FTO) are possible options.

Oil & Gas

PCC offers several options for the treatment of off-gases and other wastes associated with the oil and gas. From simple to very complex systems, PCC can provide a suitable solution.

Asphalt

PCC has a full range of oxidation/combustion technologies to treat off-gases for most processes associated with the manufacturing of asphalt products.

Carbon

PCC offers a full range of technologies used to treat waste streams generated in the manufacture and refining of both activated carbon, carbon fibers,  and carbon black.

Food

PCC’s Oxidation Systems offer both biological and thermal options for the treatment of off-gases and other waste streams associated with the processing, conversion, preparation, preservation, and packaging of foods, food by-products, additives, and beverages.  

Complete System Integration

PCC understands you want a complete solution. We specialize in integrating all the pieces of the pollution control system. In addition to the Thermal Oxidizer, we can provide waste heat boiler, baghouse, scrubbers, fans, heat exchangers, etc. and make it into on until functioning efficiently for you.

International Quality Certification, LLC

PCC's Quality Management System is certified in conformance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

PCC's adherence to consistent and predictable systems is a cornerstone of our long-term track record of success.

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What our customers are saying...

"PCC... The best-kept secret in the industry."

— Rohm & Haas

"PCC works like a well-oiled machine."

— Louisiana Pigments Company

"We would not be where we are today without the engineering knowledge and efforts, quality of construction, professionalism, and cooperation of your first-class organization."

— Montauk Energy Capital

"PCC's commitment to safety and quality allow completion ahead of schedule, under budget, and safely."

Toray Carbon Fibers America, Inc. 

"PCC's desire to deliver a quality product was apparent throughout all phases of our project, and PCC's overall gas combustion experience resulted in a robust and reliable operating unit."

 FMC Corporation 

"We are very pleased that it was commissioned five weeks earlier than the contract completion date."

National Electrical Carbon 

"PCC was absolutely on time with delivery of our thermal oxidizer... I was quite impressed. All the units we bought from PCC run flawlessly, even after 10 years. We can't calculate a MTBF, because there have been no failures."

Ford Motor Company 

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