Thermal Oxidizers
Direct Fired Thermal Oxidizers
Efficient VOC Destruction with High-Temperature Combustion
Direct fired oxidizers provide economical VOC destruction for applications with high inlet concentrations or where fuel costs are minimal. Using a specially designed combustion chamber and burner system, direct fired oxidizers thermally destroy Volatile Organic Compounds at temperatures typically ranging from 750-1,000°C (1,382-1,832°F), achieving destruction efficiencies of 95-99%.
Unlike recuperative or regenerative systems, direct fired oxidizers operate without primary heat recovery, making them ideal for waste streams with sufficient VOC content to sustain combustion or where free fuel sources (such as waste gas) are available. These systems are most cost-effective when paired with secondary heat recovery equipment to capture thermal energy for facility heating, process applications or steam generation.
Direct fired oxidizers convert VOCs to carbon dioxide and water vapor through complete thermal oxidation, providing reliable emission control with simple, robust equipment design.
How Direct Fired Oxidizers Work
EIS direct fired oxidizers use a straightforward design optimized for high-concentration applications and maximum operational simplicity.
Combustion Chamber Entry
Contaminated process air enters the oxidizer’s combustion chamber directly, without preheating. When VOC concentrations are high, the organic compounds themselves provide supplemental fuel for the oxidation process.
Thermal Oxidation
A specially designed burner system heats the combustion chamber to temperatures between 750-1,000°C (1,382-1,832°F). At these elevated temperatures, VOCs undergo complete thermal oxidation, breaking down into carbon dioxide and water vapor. High VOC concentrations reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental fuel, as the heat of combustion from the VOCs sustains the oxidation temperature.
Optional Secondary Heat Recovery
The high-temperature exhaust gases exit the combustion chamber and can pass through secondary heat recovery equipment. Available heat recovery options include:
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers: Preheat makeup air or process air
–
Air-to-Water Heat Exchangers: Generate hot water for facility use
–
Thermal Oil Systems: Provide process heating
–
Waste Heat Boilers: Generate steam for industrial processes
Clean Air Discharge
After optional heat recovery, the cooled, cleaned exhaust gases are safely discharged to atmosphere through a stack, meeting all applicable emission regulations.
Key Benefits of Direct Fired Oxidizers
Ideal for High VOC Concentrations
Most cost-effective solution when inlet VOC levels can sustain combustion
95-99% Destruction Efficiency
Reliable thermal oxidation ensures regulatory compliance
Simple, Robust Design
Minimal equipment complexity means lower maintenance and high reliability
Free Fuel Applications
Perfect for facilities with waste gas or other no-cost fuel sources
Flexible Secondary Heat Recovery
Capture thermal energy for air heating, hot water, thermal oil or steam generation
Low Capital Cost
Economical equipment investment for appropriate applications
