Utilizing Thermal Mass Flow Meters To Optimize Thermal Oxidizer Performance And Reduce HAP/VOC Emissions

By Art Womack

Many processes in the oil/gas refining, specialty chemical production, solvents, paint, coatings and photoelectric industries generate hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which need to be removed from waste, flue and tail gases before emission into the environment to meet clean air regulations around the world. In addition to removing problematic greenhouse gases, emphasis is placed on eliminating toxins that can be harmful to industrial workers and the environment.

The various types of oxidizer system designs all rely on accurate and repeatable mass flow measurements. Knowing the amount of VOCs entering the system, combustion air and natural gas feeds to the burner for efficient waste processing and measuring the amount of emissions in order to meet governmental reporting requirements related to clean air regulations are common system requirements.