Remove solvents from exhaust air
What are solvents?
Solvents are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are used in many industrial processes. They serve as solvents for paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning agents and numerous chemical formulations. Due to their volatile nature, solvents evaporate easily and are released into the air, where they can act as air pollutants. These compounds can pose both health and environmental risks.
Emergence
Solvents are released in numerous industrial processes. In the coatings industry, they are used in paints, varnishes and coatings. The chemical industry uses solvents in the production of chemicals and plastics. Solvents are also widely used in cleaning processes, particularly in cleaning agents and degreasers. The automotive industry uses solvents in painting and repair work. These emissions can be released during production as well as during the application and drying of products.
Recognition
Solvents are often recognisable by their characteristic, strong odour, which can vary depending on the type of solvent. Many of these compounds are colourless, so visual detection is not always possible. Some solvents can cause skin and eye irritation and can be detected by specific gas detectors or air sampling and analysis.
Limit values
In Germany, solvent emissions are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the Ordinance on the Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (31st BImSchV). These regulations set limit values for the concentration of VOCs in the air and aim to minimise environmental and health risks. The limit values vary depending on the specific solvent, but occupational exposure limits (OELs) of 50-200 mg/m³ are typical.
Hazards
Health: Exposure to solvents can cause acute symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems such as liver and kidney damage, nervous system disorders and cancer.
Environment: Solvents contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, which has negative effects on air quality and the environment. Some solvents are also persistent and can remain in soil and water.
Economic damage: The release of solvents can lead to high costs for environmental clean-up and health treatments. In addition, companies can be financially burdened by strict environmental regulations and necessary investments in emission-reducing technologies.
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
Other technologies such as conventional activated carbon filters and simple ventilation systems 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.
- Fast amortisation: Thanks to low operating costs and high efficiency.
- Environmentally friendly: Minimised environmental impact thanks to innovative technologies
- Efficient solvent reduction: High cleaning levels with minimal energy consumption
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