What is a regenerative thermal oxidizer?

A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is typically used in low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) concentrations with high air flow requirements.

Due to the high thermal energy recovery, the operating cost is much lower because of the ceramic media. As air passes through, one side (inlet) is preheating the process stream and passing through the combustion chamber with temperatures ranging from 1500° F (815 °C) to 1800° F (980° C). Then, the air exits on the opposite side, transferring the heat energy to the media.

Depending on the percentage of energy recovery, the outlet temperature will range. However, this outlet temperature is usually not more than 100° F higher than the inlet temperature.

Cycle time can range from 60 seconds and above. After the selected time is complete, the process switches inlet and exhaust, depending on the number of heat recovery beds. Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) have a higher capital cost with lower operating cost.