AM Monday – The Path of Air: Optimizing Ductwork and Ozone Handling

AM Monday – The Path of Air: Optimizing Ductwork and Ozone Handling

November 24, 2025

An RTO’s performance depends on the air it receives and channels. Leaky ducts, unbalanced airflow, or neglected ozone exhaust lines can quietly compromise efficiency, increase energy consumption, and create potential safety hazards. This is particularly critical in printing and packaging operations, where corona treaters, solvent-based inks, and ozone generation coexist. Without proper air management, these conditions can accelerate corrosion, reduce system efficiency, and risk regulatory non-compliance.

🔍 Why Duct and Ozone System Maintenance Matters

Air distribution and ozone handling directly influence RTO efficiency:

Leaks and Poor Sealing – Unsealed joints allow conditioned air to escape, forcing fans and burners to work harder.

Unbalanced Airflow – Imbalanced flow across media beds reduces VOC destruction efficiency.

Corrosion in Ozone-Prone Areas – Ozone exposure accelerates duct and pipe degradation if proper materials are not used.

Neglecting these factors can escalate energy costs, reduce heat recovery efficiency, and compromise system safety.

⚙️ Best Practices for Air Path Optimization

Quarterly Duct Integrity Audits – Inspect for leaks, cracks, or degraded seals.

Airflow Balancing – Verify airflow across all zones and media beds for even distribution.

Ozone Exhaust Inspection – Ensure lines are corrosion-resistant, intact, and free of obstruction.

Optimized PTE & Duct Design – Align duct paths and enclosures to capture VOCs efficiently while minimizing energy demand.

💡 Early Warning Signs

Reduced airflow or uneven distribution → Check for leaks, bends, or obstructions

Increased fan load or energy consumption → Indicates pressure loss or air path inefficiency

Visible corrosion in ozone-exposed areas → Replace with corrosion-resistant materials before failure

Routine inspections and corrective actions prevent energy waste, safety risks, and non-compliance, ensuring the RTO performs reliably and efficiently.

🌍 Ship & Shore Environmental Recommendation

Ship & Shore Environmental recommends quarterly duct integrity audits, corrosion-resistant materials in ozone-prone areas, and optimized air path design. By maintaining every cubic foot of air in motion, your system achieves maximum VOC destruction, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.

Contact us at +1 (562) 997-0233 or email service@shipandshore.com for more information.

For urgent oxidizer emergencies, text or call +1 (562) 477-7557 or +1 (562) 400-4439.

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