Ship & Shore Environmental (S&SE) has been a trusted partner to the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) industry for many years, providing state-of-the-art equipment to control pentane emissions. Building on decades of experience, S&SE has developed innovative cleantech solutions that not only ensure EPA compliance but also help EPS manufacturers reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency throughout production.

Sources of Pentane Emissions in EPS Plants

Pentane, a key blowing agent in EPS production, is released at various stages of the manufacturing process. If uncontrolled, these emissions pose environmental risks and potential safety hazards.

Key sources include:

• Opening of raw material (bead) boxes
• Pre-expansion operations
• Fluid bed dryers (when used)
• Transfer of material to aging bags
• Mesh aging bags stored in enclosed rooms
• Solid aging bags or metal silos
• Areas with EPS dust accumulation
• Hot room processes
• Product storage
• Regrind and recycling equipment
• Innovative Cleantech Solutions for Pentane Emission Control

1. Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs)

• Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers are the most effective and energy-efficient technology for the destruction of pentane and other VOCs generated during EPS molding. S&SE RTOs are specifically engineered to:
  • Achieve >99% VOC destruction efficiency
  • Recycle thermal energy, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs
  • Ensure full compliance with EPA and local air district regulations

By capturing and reusing process heat, RTOs transform waste emissions into clean exhaust, creating a sustainable cycle of energy recovery while maintaining operational efficiency.

2. Permanent Total Enclosures (PTEs)

Permanent Total Enclosures provide an additional layer of emission control by fully containing pentane sources. PTEs:

• Prevent fugitive emissions from escaping into the atmosphere
• Concentrate low-level emissions for more efficient destruction in VOC control systems
• Maintain air balance for process stability and simplify compliance monitoring

When paired with an RTO or other control device, PTEs ensure all captured emissions are safely and efficiently processed.
3. Heat Recovery for EPS Molding Lines

S&SE’s heat recovery solutions further improve plant energy efficiency:

• Stack economizers reduce exhaust temperatures to ~300°F
• Feedwater make-up heat exchangers minimize cooling water usage
• Combustion air pre-heaters enhance fuel efficiency

Together, these measures can increase overall system efficiency by approximately 4%, resulting in lower utility costs and a reduced environmental footprint.