45    INCINERATION: PROCESSING VOLATILE ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS THROUGH OXIDATION
Carl Penner, Central Regional Sales Manager
Anguil Environmental Systems, Inc.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217
INTRODUCTION
Volatile Organic Compounds are found in commonly used items such as gasoline, paint and
cleaning fluids. We now recognize that VOCs lead to the formation of ground level ozone, resulting in
reduced agricultural yields, corrosive effects on metals and human respiratory illnesses. Further, there
are toxic VOCs that can directly affect health, causing cancer and other problems in humans and
other species. Figure 1 outlines the need to control VOCs.
Our society has become increasingly reliant on products that are manufactured using processes that
emit VOCs. Figure 2 lists some of the industries and the solvents they use that cause the emission of
VOCs. As one will note, an industry as seemingly harmless as a bakery or a coffee roaster can be a
major source of VOC emissions.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 and subsequent additions allowed the federal government to set emission
standards for various types of VOCs. State governments have been given the burden of implementing
and enforcing programs that force industries to comply with federal emission standards. Figure 3
details some of the legislation that has been brought about by the Clean Air Act.
Various industries have responded to the Clean Air Act in different ways. Some have altered their
process by utilizing water-based compounds while others have installed control devices that absorb or
destroy the VOCs before they reach the atmosphere. Oxidation equipment is used to destroy VOCs by
converting them to water, carbon dioxide and energy. Figure 4 shows the theory of oxidation, types of
oxidizers and factors to consider for oxidation.
There are different types of oxidizers and the decision to use one type over another is mainly a
matter of economics that is decided on a case by case basis. The most common types of oxidizers are
thermal recuperative, catalytic recuperative and thermal regenerative. In addition to the oxidation
equipment, there are technologies available that help to lower the capital and operating costs of the
oxidizer.
VOC CONTROL
• Types of VOCs Requiring Control
- Hydrocarbons which lead to ozone
• NO* + VOC + Sunlight - 03
• Agricultural damage
• Corrosive effects
• Respiratory problems
- Hydrocarbons which directly affect health
• Air Toxics (Benzene, Carbon TET, Hydrogen Cyanide, Ketones)
• Cancer
• Application Specifics
Figure 1.    VOC control.
49th Purdue Industrial Waste Conference Proceedings, 1994 Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. Printed in
U.S.A.
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