In many industrial applications containing VOC's there is a high volume of air containing low levels of VOCs.  This increases capital costs by requiring the capacity to handle a large airflow, yet it reduces system efficiency because of the increase BTU requirement to oxidize the VOCs.   A rotary concentrator utilizing a zeolite wheel can help concentrate the VOCs, reducing the airflow volume requiring control while also increasing the available BTU's by the same ratio. 

Zeolites are microporous material consisting of aluminosilicates.  They occur naturally or can be synthetically manufactured.  The pores, based on their size and structure have affinity for a variety of compounds. Based upon their specific structure, in addition to VOC concentration, zeolites have the capacity to be used for dehumidification and water purification.  Their capability to absorb and desorb VOCs is dependent on their specific structure and the VOCs or range of VOCs requiring control. 

The zeolite is mounted in a rotating wheel system, with on segment absorbing the VOC's with clean exhaust exiting.  Another segment is having the VOC's desorbed using heat recovered from the thermal oxidizer used for final destruction of the VOC's.  Generally speaking, when the affinity for the contaminant is good, a wheel  can provide a 10:1 concentration ratio or better.  Hydrophobic zeolites are most typically used for VOC control.  Because of this, hydrophilic VOC's, such as methanol and to a lesser degree ketones, have a lower affinity for binding.   Because the zeolite's binding affinity must be accounted for in the destruction efficiency calculations, the destruction efficiency (DRE) is typically in the range of 95-98% depending on the VOC load and composition.  In addition, particulate can mask the zeolites binding sites, so pre-filtration is quite common. 

A rotary concentrator system can be an excellent way to improve efficiency, but a clear picture of the components of the process must be developed to ensure proper design.  If your facility generates a high-volume, low-concentration (HVLC) process, call NESTEC so we can discuss your most effective control technology.  NESTEC, Douglassville, PA 610-323-7670 www.nestecinc.com.

Press Release

NESTEC Inc., an established manufacturer and servicing firm of RTO's and other VOC control systems is pleased to announce its continued sales growth with the addition of three manufacturers' representatives to augment its current sales team.  NESTEC is proud to be teaming with the firms of Duncan Enterprises in California, G.V. Zintel and Associates in Chicago, northern, IL and portions of WI, IN, and IA, and Bay Industrial in western Canada and Quebec. NESTEC can be reached at 610-323-7670 or www.nestecinc.com.

Employee Profile

NESTEC's employees make the difference.  Since its' founding in 2005 NESTEC has been owned, managed, and staffed by highly experienced personnel.  Our co-founder,  Jim Nester is a graduate of Drexel University with a BSME degree and holds three patents in the field of regenerative thermal oxidation.  From 1987 to 2005 Jim held positions with increasing responsibility as a regional, national sales manager, and finally as VP of sales.  In his position as President Jim manages the commercial aspects of NESTEC, while maintaining strong involvement in both sales/marketing, as well as engineering efforts nationwide and internationally.