Chemical industry – high process safety and reliable exhaust air treatment for demanding chemical processes

Catalytic processes operate at much lower temperatures (often 250 to 450 °C compared with more than 800 °C for an RTO). This saves a considerable amount of fuel, reduces the carbon footprint and requires less installation space.

Catalytic systems deliver consistent cleaning performance regardless of weather, microbial load or biological activity, and they require no water or sludge treatment.

In principle, yes, but this type of exhaust air places special demands on the system. Chlorinated or fluorinated hydrocarbons can be oxidised on suitable catalysts. In addition to carbon dioxide and water, this produces acid gases such as hydrogen chloride or hydrogen fluoride. This has three consequences for planning. First, the catalyst type and support material must be resistant to halogens, as standard coatings can be deactivated by them. Second, materials for the housing and pipework must be selected to withstand the acidic reaction products, particularly where the temperature may fall below the dew point. Third, a scrubber is usually required downstream of the catalyst to remove the acid gases. It must also be checked whether undesirable by-products can form under the operating conditions. A reliable design therefore requires detailed knowledge of the exhaust air composition. Provide us with substance lists, concentration ranges and process descriptions so that we can assess whether a catalytic process is suitable.