Catalytic Oxidizer Treating Heatset Web Offset Printing Emissions
Kono Kogs offered a low-cost catalytic recuperative oxidizer as a solution to an offset printer's odorous emission problems, including expandable capacity.
Problem
Odor Complaints from Neighbors. Many printers have such low levels of emissions that they are considered minor sources per the EPA, and are not required to control these emissions. However, heat set web offset printing has a telltale visible plume and a distinct odor that can be a problem if the plant is near a residential area… especially when the plume is most visible.
This printer, unfortunately, had that exact problem. They need an inexpensive solution to a challenging neighborhood problem. They found that the cost of new equipment was prohibitive, and forced them to try to pacify neighbors by altering production schedules based on wind direction and seasons. Emissions from a heatset printer are visible as a blue gray smoke at ambient conditions. The ink solvent (magie oil) also has a high boiling point which can lead to problems with poorly designed oxidizer systems.
Photos: In Progess
Click on a picture to enlarge
Solution
Kono Kogs offered a low-cost Catalytic Recuperative Oxidizer as a solution to the odor problems, including expandable capacity. The unit was provided and installed for approximately 1/3 the cost of a new system.
Small printers have expertise in printing and printing equipment and usually are not familiar with pollution control equipment. Like many printers in this situation, funds were not budgeted to address this issue, in hopes that they could make it without a system for one more year. Kono Kogs knows oxidizers and the pollution control of printing emissions. We provided a system to control their production odors at a cost significantly lower than new equipment.
Photos: After
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Equipment & Services Provided
- As-Is Used Catalytic Recuperative Oxidizer with VOC destruction efficiency warranty
- Very Low Capital Cost: Approximately 30% of the cost for a new system
- Interfaced oxidizer with existing press and added press isolation damper
- Older model (20 year old) with 5+ year life expectancy
- Guaranteed 90% VOC destruction
- No odor complaints since oxidizer installation
Results
This older, used catalytic oxidizer was in great condition, was available immediately and would serve them for their current press, and the addition of a future press. The solution offered allowed the printer to return their focus to meeting their customer’s need for quality printed materials in a timely manner; and it addressed the printer’s desire to be a good neighbor. Adding an oxidizer is sometimes a hurdle to business growth, and we enjoy helping our customers continue growing in an environmentally responsible way.
