Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

There are two main types of ceramic media. Structured ceramic media is typically block-shaped, with ceramic materials configured in a geometric design. It is often placed in several layers. The other type of ceramic media is random-packed ceramic saddles. These smaller, U-shaped (also called saddle-shaped) ceramic pieces are also availiable in different sizes and are spread and leveled evenly across the media bed. Kono Kogs also offers custom media configurations, such as a hybrid media bed, to best fit the heat transfer and particulate requirements of each process and unit.

Hotspots typically result from damaged or missing insulation or compromised metal surfaces that allow heat to escape. KKI has experienced fabricators and insulators who can repair your oxidizer. This may involve replacing damaged metal to provide a secure base for reattaching insulation modules and restoring proper thermal protection.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) must combine with oxygen and heat to trigger the chemical reaction that breaks them down into CO₂ and H₂O. There are many successful thermal oxidizer designs that ensure sufficient turbulence, such as introducing the process air at an angle to induce spin or creating internal choke points. The better the mixing and heat distribution, the higher the VOC destruction.

Induced draft fans are often preferred when handling particulates and solvents with high boiling points, as these solvents can condense and build up on forced draft fan wheels, causing maintenance issues and reduced efficiency.

Sources of plugging in ceramic media in an RTO can come from inorganic or organics contaminants including oils, fats, greases, paint solids, semi-conductor fabrication (hexamethyl disilzane; HMDS), VOCs containing silica or silicones, and siloxanes.