초록 ▼

The present invention provides thermal oxidizers containing improved preheating designs and processes for improving the preheating of thermal oxidizers. The processes are practiced by preheating the matrix-bed of matrix materials in a flow path that is opposite in direction to the flow path for the

The present invention provides thermal oxidizers containing improved preheating designs and processes for improving the preheating of thermal oxidizers. The processes are practiced by preheating the matrix-bed of matrix materials in a flow path that is opposite in direction to the flow path for the processing fluids through the matrix bed. In such a process, there is a substantial reduction in the time and energy required for the preheating of the matrix bed in comparison to the prior processes using same flow direction preheating.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for the destruction of oxidizable volatile organic compounds within a process fluid utilizing a preheating procedure, comprising:(a) providing a flameless straight through thermal oxidizer having(1) a matrix bed of inert solid, heat resistant material located wi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for the destruction of oxidizable volatile organic compounds within a process fluid utilizing a preheating procedure, comprising:(a) providing a flameless straight through thermal oxidizer having(1) a matrix bed of inert solid, heat resistant material located within the thermal oxidizer and having a leading surface and a back surface that is opposite the leading surface;(2) a process fluid inlet and a process fluid outlet, the process fluid inlet located vertically below the matrix bed and the process fluid outlet located vertically above the matrix bed;(3) a heating fluid inlet and a heating fluid outlet, the heating fluid inlet located vertically above the matrix bed and the heating fluid outlet located vertically below the matrix bed;(4) a void space located vertically above the matrix bed;(b) preheating from about 25% to about 75% of the matrix bed, as measured from the back surface of the matrix bed, to at least a temperature of 1400.degree. F. while maintaining the remaining portion of the matrix bed below the oxidation temperature of the volatile organic compounds in the process fluid by supplying a preheating as from a preheater to the void space of the flameless thermal oxidizer of the preheating gas having a temperature of at least 1400.degree. F., directing the preheating gas through the matrix bed, and removing the preheating gas through the heating fluid outlet;(c) after preheating the matrix bed and in the absence of flow of the preheating gas, introducing the process fluid as a gas into the thermal oxidizer by directing the process fluid through the process fluid inlet and through the heated matrix bed in a single direction opposite to the flow of the preheating gas, a providing a gaseous oxidant to the matrix bed, and oxidizing the oxidizable volatile organic compounds in the process fluid in an exothermic reaction within the matrix bed to form a gaseous product; and(d) removing the gaseous product from the thermal oxidizer through the process fluid outlet.