Wood processing – efficient reduction of VOC, formaldehyde and odour emissions in the processing of wood-based materials

Formaldehyde-based binders are used in the production of particleboard, MDF and OSB. In the press and while the boards cool, formaldehyde and other organic compounds enter the exhaust air, often together with wood dust, resin aerosols and a high moisture content. For catalytic oxidation of this exhaust air, pretreatment comes first: dust and sticky aerosols must be removed to the extent that they cannot clog the catalyst. The exhaust air is then brought to the required reaction temperature, often supported by heat exchangers that recover energy from the cleaned gas. Because press exhaust air has large flow rates at comparatively low concentrations, the energy balance is an essential part of the design. The temperature profile must also be chosen so that no condensate forms in the system. If you send us the flow rate, exhaust air temperature, measured values for formaldehyde and total carbon and details of the dust removal, we will check a suitable concept for your press.