Exhaust air purification in oil mills – eliminating odors, securing the production environment
oxytec systems for effective cleaning of contaminated process exhaust air during oil extraction from seeds and residues
The processing of rapeseed, sunflower, soy, and other oilseeds not only produces valuable crude oils, but also emission-intensive side processes: pressing, drying, extraction, and cleaning release grease vapors, VOCs, and odorous substances. These pollute the ambient air, lead to technical deposits in ventilation systems – and, if not cleaned, often result in complaints from residents or restrictions imposed by authorities.
With UV-based oxytec exhaust air purification systems, even fatty, warm, and fluctuating air flows can be reliably cleaned – without thermal post-combustion and without chemicals.
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Simply put your question to our AI. They will answer you individually:
Typical emissions in oil mills
| Process step | Typical pollutants | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing and grinding | Oil mist, VOCs, organic odorous substances | Aerosol formation, strong odor intensity |
| Drying of press cake | VOCs, roasting odors, dust, aldehydes | Warm, humid air, variable volume flow |
| Extraction (hexane, etc.) | Solvent residues, VOCs, hazardous substances | Explosion protection relevant, TA-Luft relevant |
| Pelletizing/storage | Musty odors, organic residues | Long-term sources, weather-dependent emissions |
Why exhaust air purification is so important in oil mills
- VOC emissions are subject to strict limits (TA Luft 2021).
- Odors from pressing and drying disturb employees and residents
- Greasy exhaust air contaminates ducts, fans, and heat exchangers
- Explosion protection for solvent residues requires precise cleaning concepts
Legal requirements
- TA Luft 2021: Limit values for VOCs, dust, and odors
- GIRL: Odor assessment in proximity to residential or commercial areas
- 4. BImSchV / BImSchG: Permit requirement depending on process and capacity
- Oxytec provides:
- Emissions reduction certificates
- Documentation for approval and official reports
- Solutions with explosion protection certification
Get advice now – for emission-free oil processing with oxytec
Would you like to operate your oil mill with low emissions, high efficiency, and in compliance with regulations?
Contact us—we will plan your customized exhaust air solution for pressing, drying, and extraction.
Oxytec solutions for oil mills and oil plants
UV ozone systems for the decomposition of VOCs and grease vapors
- Oxidizes oil components, odor molecules, and organic solvent residues
- No open flames, no additional gas consumption
- Effective with warm, humid, greasy exhaust air
Aerosol separator for oil mist and fine dust
- Filters droplets, fine dust, dust-oil mixtures
- Prevents deposits in pipe systems and heat exchangers
- Robust, low-maintenance, and available in stainless steel
Activated carbon or combination filter for fine cleaning
- Retention of residual VOCs and substances that are difficult to oxidize
- Can be combined with UV ozone modules for optimal long-term effect
- Can also be used as a final module for approval security
Typical areas of application
Oil mills / oil pressing plants for rapeseed, soybeans, sunflowers
Seed cleaning and drying plants
Production halls with pelletizing, storage, or extraction
Feed mills with oil cake processing
Your advantages with Oxytec systems for oil mills
Effective against oil odors, VOCs, and aerosols
No thermal afterburning necessary
Low operating costs, easy to maintain, and modular
Can be combined with heat recovery (e.g., hot water from exhaust air heat)
Adaptable to existing pipe and hood systems
Future-proof and TA-Luft-compliant
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical emissions produced in an oil mill?
Various process steps produce:
- Fatty aerosols and oil mist during pressing and drying
- Odorous substances from organic components, e.g., in rapeseed, soy, sunflowers
- VOCs, e.g., aldehydes, alcohols, short-chain hydrocarbons
- Solvent residues (e.g., hexane) during extraction
- Dust and moisture, often in combination
How does Oxytec remove these emissions from the exhaust air?
We use a multi-stage cleaning concept:
- Aerosol separators for grease and oil droplets
- UV ozone system for the oxidation of odors and VOCs
- Activated carbon filters for fine cleaning (optional)
These systems can be combined in a modular fashion and are scalable.
Is the system also suitable for greasy and warm exhaust air?
Yes – our systems are specially designed for:
- Warm, humid air flows up to 70°C
- Exhaust air with a high fat content or oil mist
- Continuous operation with variable loads
Thanks to stainless steel components and robust construction, they are stable over the long term.
How much do Oxytec systems reduce odors?
- Typically over 90% reduction in odor emission load
- Verifiable by olfactometric measurements (EN 13725)
- VOC values can also be verified by chemical analysis
Are Oxytec systems explosion-proof?
For processes involving solvents (e.g., hexane extraction), we offer:
- System components with ATEX certification
- Zone classification and risk analysis in accordance with the Explosion Protection Directive
- Consulting on integration into existing EX areas
How much maintenance is required?
Typically:
- UV lamps: service life 8,000–10,000 hours
- Pre-separator: Cleaning every 4–12 weeks, depending on load
- Activated carbon: Replacement intervals between 6 and 12 months
Maintenance can be supported by a maintenance contract with remote monitoring.
How will it be integrated into our existing system?
Our systems are:
- compact, ready to connect, and modular in design
- easy to integrate into existing exhaust air ducts or hood extraction systems
- can also be implemented as a container solution or ceiling installation if required
What legal requirements apply to oil mills?
- TA Luft 2021: Limit values for VOCs, odors, and organic substances
- 4th BImSchV: Subject to approval depending on the size of the business
- GIRL (Odor Emission Directive): Relevant in proximity to residential areas
Oxytec provides support with measurements, documentation, and expert reports for authorities.
Are there any funding opportunities?
Yes – possible programs:
- Promotion of energy-efficient exhaust air and heat recovery systems
- Investments in low-emission production technology
- Industry-specific programs via BAFA, federal states, or the EU
We provide eligible technical project documentation.
