Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer

FLOW & THERMAL

FLOW & THERMAL Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO), 18,000 Nm³/h (2021)
Complete industrial system for the treatment of process water containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), consisting of stripping columns and a three-chamber Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer.
Manufactured by Flow & Thermal Solutions / TECAM in 2021, the equipment was installed at a PET production plant and remained operational until the factory closed on 27 November 2025.
The system removes VOCs from the water by means of air stripping and subsequently destroys them in the RTO through high-temperature thermal oxidation. Heat recovery through ceramic media helps reduce natural gas consumption.
Main features
• Manufacturer: Flow & Thermal Solutions / TECAM
• Year: 2021
• Serial number: F002
• RTO nominal capacity: 18,000 Nm³/h
• Configuration: three-chamber regenerative RTO
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• Fuel: natural gas
• Honeywell / Eclipse TJ 200 burner
• Burner output: 58–586 kW
• Electrical supply: 400 V, 50 Hz
• Electrical power stated on the nameplate: 40 kW
• 30 kW Soler & Palau ATEX main fan
• Siemens PLC automation with HMI touchscreen
• LEL monitoring, purge, dilution, bypass and pneumatic valve systems
• Vertical stack: 10 m high, diameter: 800 mm
• CE marked

Performance and operation
The equipment operated at actual flow rates close to its nominal capacity, with recorded values ranging from approximately 16,400 to 17,900 Nm³/h.
The latest available emissions test, carried out by DEKRA in December 2023, recorded the following values:
• TOC: 13 mgC/Nm³
• NOx: 3–4 mg/Nm³
• CO: 125–153 mg/Nm³
During the tests, the equipment operated at an approximate temperature of 775–780 °C, with a treated water flow rate of 3.5 m³/h.
Stripping columns
The system includes:
• Original stripping column, designed for approximately 6 m³/h.
• Second Tecnium SLFKK9 stripping column, manufactured in PPH, with a nominal capacity of 8 m³/h and a maximum capacity of 10 m³/h.
The second column was installed, but it is currently dismantled and lying on the ground after being knocked down by strong winds during the winter. It has a hole in the base which, according to the available information, is considered potentially repairable.
The Tecnium column is equipped with internal packing, distributors, a mist eliminator, connections, drainage and provisions for integration with the existing control system.
Condition and maintenance
The system remained operational until the final closure of the plant in November 2025.
The latest preventive maintenance was carried out by TECAM in June 2025 and included mechanical and electrical inspection, burner, fans, stripping columns, instrumentation, valves and functional testing.
The equipment was operational, although maintenance work is required before recommissioning, mainly involving:
• Process valves
• Internal insulation of the towers
• Ductwork and seals
• Main fan impeller and expansion joints
• Repair of the base of the second stripping column

TECAM technical documentation is available regarding the recommended works, and several spare parts are also available.
Scope of supply
The system includes:
• Three-chamber RTO
• Combustion chamber
• Burner and gas train
• Main fan
• Two stripping columns
• Dilution and purge system
• Hot bypass
• LEL analysers
• Stack
• Ductwork
• Electrical cabinets and controls
• Platforms, ladders and support structures
• Available spare parts