RTO Systems: Regenerative thermal oxidation
Compact, low-maintenance, free from pressure fluctuations: with regenerative thermal oxidation, you can treat large volumes of exhaust air in an extremely energy-efficient manner.
Your RTO system: designed and built from a single source
Does your production generate significant exhaust air streams with low organic loads? Regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) systems process this exhaust air through oxidation, achieving very high thermal efficiencies of up to 99 percent.
With Eisenmann Environmental Technology, you can integrate this process seamlessly into your operational workflows.
Our solutions are as tailored to your specific requirements
With decades of international experience in exhaust air treatment, we know that no two projects are alike. That is why we develop individual processes for your company and support you through every step, right through to after-sales service.
Together with us, unlock the full potential of regenerative thermal oxidation.
How our RTO systems work
Ceramic bodies serve as heat storage media, which we flexibly adapt to the properties of your exhaust air. Via a rotating air distribution system, they are alternately exposed to exhaust air and clean air. The clean air heats the ceramic bodies, which in alternating operation release the stored heat to the exhaust air. Thanks to an intermediate purge air sequence, no emission leakage occurs.
After oxidation, the heat can be recovered using the following systems:
- Warm water, hot water, or steam generation
- Air heating
- Transfer to other heat carriers such as thermal oil
- ORC process
Your benefits with our RTO systems
- Highly efficient: This technology treats large volumes of exhaust air with the lowest possible primary energy consumption. Thermal efficiencies of up to 99 percent are achievable.
- Space-saving: The single-reactor system requires only a comparatively small footprint. This allows it to be flexibly integrated into your operational environment.
- Fluctuation-free: The continuously operating rotor air distribution system prevents pressure and volume flow fluctuations — an advantage over other systems.
- Burn-out programme: Whether tar, condensates, or other adhering substances - the burn-out facility cleans deposits in the exhaust air inlet area.
- Low maintenance: The systems do not require exhaust air or clean gas dampers. As a result, your company benefits from long service intervals and low maintenance effort.
- Effective damper switching: Energy-saving and noiseless - the damper switching consumes no compressed air and generates no noise.
Need advice?
Simply get in touch with us by phone or email. We will be happy to inform you about your options for regenerative thermal oxidation and develop your optimal solution.
Frequently asked questions about Regenerative Thermal Oxidation (RTO Systems)
What is an RTO system?
A regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) system is an industrial exhaust air treatment technology that destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants through thermal oxidation. Thanks to integrated heat recovery, RTO systems achieve very high destruction efficiencies while operating with excellent energy efficiency.
How does an RTO system work?
An RTO system treats contaminated exhaust air by oxidising volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at high temperatures, typically between 750 and 1,000°C. The heat generated during this process is recovered by ceramic heat exchange media, significantly reducing energy consumption and increasing overall efficiency.
How is an RTO system used?
Regenerative Thermal Oxidation (RTO) systems are particularly suitable for treating exhaust air streams containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are primarily used in industries with solvent-based emissions, including painting and coating operations, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the printing, packaging and automotive sectors.
What are the advantages of an RTO compared to other exhaust air treatment technologies?
Key advantages include a very high destruction efficiency (>95–99% VOC removal), excellent energy efficiency through heat recovery, robust system design and cost effective operation under continuous operating conditions. Modern systems, such as those implemented by Eisenmann Environmental Technology, combine these benefits with application specific engineering to unlock additional efficiency potential.
What does an RTO System cost?
The cost of an RTO system depends largely on factors such as exhaust air volume, pollutant concentration and the overall system configuration. Investment costs typically include planning and engineering, equipment supply, installation and commissioning. In addition to the initial investment, operating costs as well as potential savings achieved through heat recovery should also be taken into account when evaluating the overall economics of the system.
How energy efficient is an RTO system?
RTO systems can achieve heat recovery efficiencies of 95% or more, significantly reducing the need for external energy input. In practice, the actual energy efficiency depends heavily on the system design. An optimised configuration, such as those developed by experienced providers like Eisenmann Environmental Technology, is therefore a key factor in maximising energy savings and overall system performance.
What regulatory requirements can an RTO system help meet?
RTO systems help companies comply with environmental regulations such as the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), Germany’s Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA Luft) and VOC emission regulations. The specific system design is tailored to the requirements of each individual project and the applicable regulatory framework.
When is an RTO system economically viable?
An RTO system is particularly cost effective when treating large exhaust air volumes, operating continuously and handling sufficiently high VOC concentrations. Custom engineered solutions, such as those developed by Eisenmann Environmental Technology, can further enhance economic performance by optimising energy efficiency, operating costs and overall system design.
What does autothermal operation mean in an RTO system?
Autothermal operation means that the RTO system operates without any additional fuel input because the energy released during the oxidation of pollutants is sufficient to maintain the required operating temperature. As a result, fuel consumption can be significantly reduced or even eliminated entirely under suitable operating conditions.
How much maintenance does an RTO system require?
RTO systems are designed for reliable operation and generally require relatively little maintenance. Typical service activities include inspecting valves and seals, cleaning the ceramic heat exchange media and checking the burner system. Regular maintenance helps ensure high destruction efficiency, energy efficiency and long term operational reliability.
How long does an RTO system last?
With proper engineering, operation and maintenance, an RTO system typically has a service life of 15 to 25 years or more. Key factors include the quality of the components, as well as the system design, maintenance strategy and ongoing support. An application specific approach, such as that provided by Eisenmann Environmental Technology, helps maximise reliability, performance and long term system availability.
What should you consider when selecting an RTO supplier?
Key selection criteria include industry experience, the ability to provide a customised system design, energy efficiency and a comprehensive service concept. Suppliers such as Eisenmann Environmental Technology combine engineering expertise with application specific system design and long term support to ensure reliable operation, high performance and sustainable economic benefits.