Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers

Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers are the most straightforward thermal oxidation technology for VOCs and HAPs.

What are Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers (DFTO)?

Direct-fired thermal oxidizers (a.k.a. afterburners or incinerators) are highly reliable air pollution control systems that operate over a large process window and can safely handle incoming fluctuations in waste stream flow rates and compositions of pollutants. These systems run simply with little downtime and are flexible for batch or continuous-type applications. Few moving parts and constant stable operating pressures and temperatures can achieve >99% destruction rate efficiency for the proper application.

How do DFTOs Work?

Industrial waste exhaust is combined with air inside the oxidation chamber and then heated with a burner at the appropriate temperature and duration needed for pollutant destruction. Most gases are combustible and have lower explosion limits (LEL), where they burn in the presence of air, oxygen, and an ignition source. To determine the operating temperature, duration, and air quantity mix, present VOCs and HAPs are identified along with their LEL values. Direct-fired oxidizers are required to operate at no more than 50% above the lowest LEL (per NFPA) in the waste stream composition.

Once the pollutants have fully oxidized, the cleaned exhaust is pulled via induced draft through the stack and released.

Benefits of Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers

  • VOC, HAP, and PM DRE of 99+%
  • Can handle flow rates ranging from 100-50,000 scfm
  • Low maintenance due to few internal moving parts
  • Features such as clean-out doors facilitate cleaning when needed

All PSI Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers come with advanced system features.

Common DFTO Applications

DFTOs have low thermal efficiencies and are ideal for treating processes that contain high energy due to the heat of combustion of components in the process gases. Often, they are effective in applications where primary heat exchangers are not necessary due to high solvent loading.

Industries where direct-fired thermal oxidizers can be an appropriate air control solution:

Although commonly used in straightforward process applications, Pollution Systems can design our Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer to abate special applications such as siloxane.

3D Model Exploration

Love visuals? Our 3D model below showcases a Pollution Systems Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer followed by a Quench and Venturi Scrubber. Simply hover your cursor within the frame and use the mouse to rotate and zoom the model.

For a better experience, please view on a Desktop computer


Treat your Emissions with a Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer

If you feel that a direct-fired thermal oxidizer is suitable for your industrial application, reach out to our sales team to discuss the technical details of your project.

Tan Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer Destroys 99.9% VOC from Industrial Exhaust Stream