| Thermal Oxidizer | High Level VOC's | VOC Control | High LEL's |
At concentration in air below the LEL there is not enough fuel to continue an explosion.
Concentrations lower than LEL are "too lean" to burn. eg: Methane gas has a LEL of 4.4% (at 138
degrees C) by volume, meaning 4.4% of the total volume of the air consists of methane. At 20
degrees C the LEL is 5,1 % by volume. If the atmosphere has less that 5.1% methane, an explosion
cannot occur even if a source of ignition is present.
When methane(CH4)concentration reaches 5% an explosion can occur if there is an ignition
source. Each combustible gas has its own LEL concentration. These percentages should not be
confused with LEL instrumentation readings. Instruments designed and calibrated to read LEL also
read as percent values. A 5% displayed LEL reading for methane for example would be equivalent
to 5% divided by 5.1% methane by volume at 20 degrees C.
Thermal oxidation systems can release a significant quantity of energy during the oxidation process.
If the system is not designed properly, this energy release could result in harm to operating
personnel or damage to the thermal oxidizer.
In regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) safety issues relate primarily to the potential of fire or
explosion from auxiliary fuels or from waste streams with high VOC loadings. Common causes of
accidents include condensation and collection of VOCs in the ductwork, process upsets resulting in
unexpected high concentrations VOCs, inadequate or missing safety-related detectors or safety
interlocks, improper placement of detectors, and equipment or instrumentation failures.
Concentrations lower than LEL are "too lean" to burn. eg: Methane gas has a LEL of 4.4% (at 138
degrees C) by volume, meaning 4.4% of the total volume of the air consists of methane. At 20
degrees C the LEL is 5,1 % by volume. If the atmosphere has less that 5.1% methane, an explosion
cannot occur even if a source of ignition is present.
When methane(CH4)concentration reaches 5% an explosion can occur if there is an ignition
source. Each combustible gas has its own LEL concentration. These percentages should not be
confused with LEL instrumentation readings. Instruments designed and calibrated to read LEL also
read as percent values. A 5% displayed LEL reading for methane for example would be equivalent
to 5% divided by 5.1% methane by volume at 20 degrees C.
Thermal oxidation systems can release a significant quantity of energy during the oxidation process.
If the system is not designed properly, this energy release could result in harm to operating
personnel or damage to the thermal oxidizer.
In regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) safety issues relate primarily to the potential of fire or
explosion from auxiliary fuels or from waste streams with high VOC loadings. Common causes of
accidents include condensation and collection of VOCs in the ductwork, process upsets resulting in
unexpected high concentrations VOCs, inadequate or missing safety-related detectors or safety
interlocks, improper placement of detectors, and equipment or instrumentation failures.
American Environmental Fabrication & Supply LLC Fax: +1 (918) 772-3536
18991 S 410 Road Hulbert, OK 74441-1861 info@american-environmental.us
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18991 S 410 Road Hulbert, OK 74441-1861 info@american-environmental.us
© 2010 All Rights Reserved. Visit our sitemap page for more information or contact the Webmaster.
AEFS Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer Systems
(RTO) controls, regulates and continually
monitors gas and vapor concentrations to be
maintained outside the lower explosive limits.
This is a major consideration when purchasing
your system as it relates to occupational safety
and health.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The explosive limit
of a gas or a vapor is the limiting concentration
(in air) that is needed for the gas to ignite and
explode. The lowest concentration (percentage)
of a gas or a vapor in air capable of producing a
flash of fire in presence of an ignition
source(arch, flame, heat).
(RTO) controls, regulates and continually
monitors gas and vapor concentrations to be
maintained outside the lower explosive limits.
This is a major consideration when purchasing
your system as it relates to occupational safety
and health.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The explosive limit
of a gas or a vapor is the limiting concentration
(in air) that is needed for the gas to ignite and
explode. The lowest concentration (percentage)
of a gas or a vapor in air capable of producing a
flash of fire in presence of an ignition
source(arch, flame, heat).
Air Pollution Control Equipment
American Environmental Fabrication & Supply, LLC
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Call +1 (918) 708 - 1253
Products
Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer (RCO)
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)
Direct Fired Thermal Oxidizer (DFTO)
VOC Concentrator Systems (TSRA)
Nitrogen Rejection System (PSA)
Filtercrobe I Bio-Filtration (GACBF)
Carbon Bed Adsorption Canister (GAC)
Micro Turbine Waste Heat Energy
AgriMicrobe Sales Formula V
Product Inquiry
Product Questionnaire
Services
Service Inquiry
Spent Carbon Reactivation Program
Air Pollution Control Equipment Services
Purchase Plans
Buying and Service Agreement Plans
Rental Plans (Short/Long Term)
Energy Performance Agreement
Services
Service Inquiry
Spent Carbon Reactivation Program
Air Pollution Control Equipment Service
System Information
Equipment Control
Electrical Cost Reduction
Air Pollution Equipment Explosion Protection
Equipment Reliability
Equipment Protection
Reducing Emissions
Programmable Logic Controls
Ceramic Fiber Protection
Ceramic Saddles Usage
Structured Ceramic Heat Media
Extending Equipment Life
Information On Process & Treatment
Buying a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer
Common Thermal Oxidizer Buying Mistake
Hydrogen Sulfide Reduction
Optimum RTO Operation
Understanding Soil Vapor Extraction
Reducing Costs of VOC Abatement
Wastewater VOC Abatement
Different Types of Thermal Oxidizers
What is a Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer
The Correct Air Pollution Control Product
Coffee, Rendering, Bakery and Fishmeal
Natural Gas Processing and Oil Refineries
Cement Plant Air Pollution Control
Landfill Gas Requirements & Technology
Controlling Carbon Monoxide Plant Emissions
Photos Thermal Oxidizers
Photos of Air Pollution Control Equipment
Photos of Rebuilt Equipment
Photos of Installation - Relocation Services
Helpful Links
Environmental Organization Links
Environmental AEFS Blog
Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer (RCO)
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)
Direct Fired Thermal Oxidizer (DFTO)
VOC Concentrator Systems (TSRA)
Nitrogen Rejection System (PSA)
Filtercrobe I Bio-Filtration (GACBF)
Carbon Bed Adsorption Canister (GAC)
Micro Turbine Waste Heat Energy
AgriMicrobe Sales Formula V
Product Inquiry
Product Questionnaire
Services
Service Inquiry
Spent Carbon Reactivation Program
Air Pollution Control Equipment Services
Purchase Plans
Buying and Service Agreement Plans
Rental Plans (Short/Long Term)
Energy Performance Agreement
Services
Service Inquiry
Spent Carbon Reactivation Program
Air Pollution Control Equipment Service
System Information
Equipment Control
Electrical Cost Reduction
Air Pollution Equipment Explosion Protection
Equipment Reliability
Equipment Protection
Reducing Emissions
Programmable Logic Controls
Ceramic Fiber Protection
Ceramic Saddles Usage
Structured Ceramic Heat Media
Extending Equipment Life
Information On Process & Treatment
Buying a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer
Common Thermal Oxidizer Buying Mistake
Hydrogen Sulfide Reduction
Optimum RTO Operation
Understanding Soil Vapor Extraction
Reducing Costs of VOC Abatement
Wastewater VOC Abatement
Different Types of Thermal Oxidizers
What is a Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer
The Correct Air Pollution Control Product
Coffee, Rendering, Bakery and Fishmeal
Natural Gas Processing and Oil Refineries
Cement Plant Air Pollution Control
Landfill Gas Requirements & Technology
Controlling Carbon Monoxide Plant Emissions
Photos Thermal Oxidizers
Photos of Air Pollution Control Equipment
Photos of Rebuilt Equipment
Photos of Installation - Relocation Services
Helpful Links
Environmental Organization Links
Environmental AEFS Blog