Batteries are an important part of our lives, especially now that electric cars like the Tesla are becoming more and more popular. These larger industrial batteries are only going to get more important in the future but like many things, the manufacturing process can hurt the environment.
The compounds that the manufacturing of large industrial batteries produce are called Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. These contain, amongst other things, sulfur, nitrogen, and alcohol. Quite rightly, releasing these hazardous gases into the atmosphere is frowned upon by law, so battery manufacturers must look for purification methods to remove the toxic compounds from their waste products.
An effective and safe way to deal with these volatile organic compounds and other hazardous emissions is by using something called a regenerative thermal oxidizer, also known as an RTO. Here, we look a little closer at what the ROT process entails and discuss some of its advantages.
What is an RTO for battery manufacturing?
In layman’s terms, a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is a type of combustion system. It is used to break down hazardous compounds into water and carbon dioxide, both of which are harmless.
The breakdown process starts off by heating the combustion part of the RTO to a particular temperature. The toxic gases are then drawn into a machine by a fan. The machine is then moved into a regeneration column. This is made from a material such as ceramics, which absorbs the heat. It is pre-heated here before passing through a heating chamber.
In the heating chamber, the gas is heated to temperatures exceeding 1500⁰f, which breaks it down into water and carbon dioxide. It then goes down into another regenerative column, where the ceramic again absorbs the heat from the oxidized gases and releases the clean cooled gas. Lastly, the heat that was absorbed in the cooling column is then used to preheat any incoming toxic gases.
What are the advantages of RTOs for battery manufacturing?
The biggest benefit of an RTO for battery manufacturers is the high thermal effectiveness. This gives the RTO a clear edge over other pollution control technologies. An RTO reuses as much as 97% of its heat in the preheating column. This means that by installing a Ship and Shore RTO, battery manufacturers can save significant amounts of money on their utility and operational costs.
Not only this, but an RTO efficiently oxidizes harmful VOCs into water and carbon dioxide. This is great news for the environment and keeps your business in line with EPA standards.
As with everything, not every RTO is as good as the next, but Ship & Shore ensures that their RTOs are of the highest possible standard. This makes them the number one choice for your battery manufacturing business.
If you are trying to do the right thing and avoid releasing toxic gases into the environment from your battery manufacturing business, look at an RTO. They are highly efficient systems that will also help you to reduce your operational costs.
For more information on energy-efficient RTOs, get in touch with us today at Ship & Shore.
