Exhaust air purification in resin processing – safely remove styrene, MMA & VOCs

The following volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced during the processing of reactive resins:

• Styrene – from unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins
• Methyl methacrylate (MMA) – from acrylic resins
• Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde – from thermal decomposition
• Alcohols, ketones, peroxides – from additives and cleaning agents
  These substances are often irritating, odorous or even carcinogenic and are subject to legal limits.

Styrene is a colorless, highly volatile solvent with an intense odor. It is considered to be:

• irritating to skin, eyes and respiratory tract
• neurotoxic with long-term exposure
• possibly carcinogenic (IARC group 2B)
• highly flammable – ATEX-relevant

In addition, styrene has an extremely low odor threshold, which is why it can cause discomfort even in small quantities.

Exhaust air purification is required if:

• VOC limit values according to TA Luft or 31st BImSchV are exceeded
• styrene emissions are relevant (e.g. for GRP processing)
• the system is subject to approval (BImSchG)
• there are odors or safety risks (e.g. ATEX)
  In many cases, authorities require a technical solution even for smaller systems – especially for open processes.

Depending on the process, materials and air volume, the following are possible:

• UV ozone systems → break down VOCs such as styrene, MMA, formaldehyde
• Activated carbon filters → adsorb remaining VOCs, including odor-intensive ones
• Scrubber (optional) → for humid air or condensing substances
  Oxytec offers combined solutions that are optimally matched to the process and emissions.

Our systems are designed to be compact – e.g. as:

• Inline unit in the exhaust air duct
• Compact unit in the utility room or next to the workplace
• Container solution for outdoor installation
  The actual space requirement depends on the air volume and the selected technology – we plan individually.

Compared to thermal post-combustion, UV ozone and activated carbon systems are significantly more energy-efficient.
Electricity costs are only incurred for lamps, fans and any pressure losses – usually well below 1 kWh per 1000 m³ of air.

UV systems: Cleaning & lamp replacement approx. once a year

Activated carbon filter: Change depending on load – usually every 6-12 months

We offer maintenance contracts with remote monitoring and fault reporting systems on request.

Yes – our systems have a modular design and can be integrated into existing systems.
Whether open workbench, cabin, dryer or complete hall ventilation flow: we adapt the solution to your conditions – without disrupting ongoing processes.

Yes, there are federal and state funding programs for:

• Emission reduction (e.g. VOC reduction)
• Energy efficiency in industrial processes
• Technical exhaust air treatment within the framework of the BImSchG
  Oxytec supports you in researching funding and submitting applications.