Catalytic oxidizers can convert VOCs to carbon dioxide and water at much lower temperatures than thermal oxidizers by using a catalyst inside the combustion chamber. This significantly reduces the need for auxiliary fuel, resulting in lower operating costs. A flow schematic for a catalytic oxidizer is shown in Figure 1. The basic elements are a pre-heating section that is used to heat the process gas, followed by the catalyst bed and heat recovery equipment. Catalyst systems operate between 400 and 700 F. Various types of catalyst are available in the marketplace.
Most commercial catalysts contain noble metals.
The catalytically active material is dispersed over the internal surface area of the support, providing a display surface for the active metal sites. Mechanical support , which provides the physical structure and mechanical integrity of the catalyst body. The exhaust gases flow through the bed of catalyst, providing mixing and contact between gas and solid. Typical packed bed catalysts include bead catalysts. Monolith catalysts , which are ceramic or metal honeycombs that provide support for the catalytically active material.