Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

An RTO is a type of thermal oxidizer that uses ceramic media beds to recover and reuse heat. Conventional direct-fired and recuperative thermal oxidizers use no primary heat exchanger or a metallic heat exchanger instead. Learn more about thermal oxidizers vs. RTOs.

Catalyst utilized in a regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) allows chemical reactions to occur at lower temperatures (700-800F) than they occur in a thermal oxidizer (typical 1400-1450F) or an RTO (typical 1600F).

Read more in Comparison: RTOs and RCOs.

How often ceramic media needs to be replaced depends on several factors such as whether there are any acids or particulates present in the airstream, VOC (volatile organic compound) concentration, RTO airflow, and the type of media in use. When not exposed to adverse operating conditions, ceramic media beds can have a life of 5-10 years. When adverse conditions are present, the media may need to be replaced more often. Contact our service department to schedule an inspection.

It depends on some design factors that need to be scrutinized but typically, no. Advancements in new structured media designs can sometimes increase the thermal efficiency and reducing pressure drops through the media beds. This can sometimes can provide a couple percentage points of capacity increases over RTOs that utilize saddle ceramic media.

Inspection frequency varies by system and operating conditions, but periodic inspection is important to detect refractory damage, burner issues, or thermal problems before they lead to system failure. We’re oxidizer experts so you don’t have to be - reach out to our team for guidance based on your specific process conditions.