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AIR PRODUCTS LAUNCHES EXSTREAM SOLUTION
FOR VOC RECOVERY
December 2002 - Air Products is launching an innovative
cryogenic condensation system capable of recovering or removing
even the most difficult volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
from low process gas flows.
The new system, called CryoCondap® ExStream™,
represents a major breakthrough for many installations where
VOC recovery or abatement is required. Using a single process
vessel, cryogenic technology is now a cost-effective solution
for lower flow rates. It also prevents VOC carry over, which
occurs in conventional cryogenic systems, ensuring tough
new emissions levels are met.
Luc Rijnbeek, Air Products' commercial manager, Cryogenics
Europe, comments:
"Until now many installations using low gas flow rates
of up to 300 Nm³/h had found that using cryogenic condensation
technology to recover VOCs was just not practical or cost-effective.
"CryoCondap® ExStream™ is a simple, robust
solution which can be used as a stand-alone unit for the
recovery of VOCs with lower freezing temperatures or as
a secondary unit downstream of a conventional unit."
The new technology works by applying a liquid nitrogen
spray at the lowest common freezing point of the VOCs involved.
A filter then removes the VOC residues and extracts them,
all in one simple process.
The VOC Directive, which was adopted by the EU in March
1999, has led to the introduction of new emissions recovery
targets for VOCs of up to 20 mg/m³ for Class 2 VOCs
and up to 5mg/m³ for Class 1 VOCs. But for many installations,
the new emissions targets have been difficult to achieve.
Luc Rijnbeek comments:
"Some VOCs form fine VOC ice crystals or droplets
which are carried over into the outgoing gas stream, causing
a higher emission level. The new system, designed for use
with low gas flow rates, prevents this by removing all the
VOCs at once."
Another benefit of the new technology is its flexibility.
Some production processes use different flow rates or different
solvent loadings, which might be difficult to handle using
conventional abatement systems. Using CryoCondap®
ExStream™ it is possible to tailor the system,
simply by adjusting the amount of liquid nitrogen used during
the process.
For more information about CryoCondap®
ExStream™ contact Air Products on 0800 3890202.
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