-
CAS71-36-3
-
Structural formula
C₄H₉OH
Remove n-butanol from the exhaust air
What is n-butanol?
n-Butanol, also known as butyl alcohol, is a colourless, highly flammable alcohol. It belongs to the group of alkanols and is often used as a solvent in the chemical industry and as an intermediate in the production of butyl acetate and other chemicals. Due to its versatile solubility properties and relatively low toxicity, n-butanol is important in many industrial applications.
Origin
n-butanol is mainly produced by petrochemical processes, in particular by the oxosynthesis of propylene and synthesis gas. It is used in various industrial processes, including the production of varnishes, paints, resins, plasticisers and as a solvent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Recognition
n-Butanol is a colourless liquid with a slightly alcoholic, sweetish odour. It can irritate the eyes and skin and cause dizziness, headaches and nausea if vapours are inhaled. n-Butanol evaporates quickly and forms flammable vapours that can lead to an explosion hazard.
Limit values
In Germany, the limit values for n-butanol are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The OEL for n-butanol is 100 ppm (parts per million) or 310 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.
Hazards
Health: High concentrations of n-butanol can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, headaches and drowsiness. Long-term exposure can damage the nervous system and lead to neuropathies. If swallowed, there is a risk of poisoning, which can cause nausea and vomiting. Environment: n-Butanol is poorly biodegradable and can contaminate water and soil in high concentrations, which can damage flora and fauna. It can disturb the ecological balance. Economic damage: Improper handling of n-butanol harbours the risk of explosion and fire, which can lead to considerable material damage and production losses. High insurance costs and legal consequences are also possible risks.
The oxytec Purification Technology
For many organic pollutants, we offer energy-saving and clean technologies for neutralisation, which we combine in multi-stage plants. In order to achieve a reduction below the limit values, not only the dimensioning of the respective purification stage but also the sequence of the technologies is decisive, as they have different physical effects on the molecules. Below we present some of our purification modules.
CWA
Alternative technologies
In addition to our solutions, there are other technologies such as conventional activated carbon filters and simple ventilation systems. However, these often have disadvantages such as high energy consumption, limited cleaning performance, large space requirements, long lead times and high investment costs.
Advantages of the oxytec solution
- Compact design: Small footprint compared to traditional systems
- Low operating costs, therefore fast amortisation
- Environmentally friendly: Minimal environmental impact thanks to innovative technologies
- Efficient n-butanol reduction: High efficiency thanks to high purification levels with minimal energy consumption
powered by Borlabs Cookie