Nitrotoluene emissions treatment at a chemical storage facility

1. Rapid deployment of a ready-to-use mobile solution
2. High-performance filtration using proven activated carbon technology
3. Ongoing compliance monitoring, supported by DESOTEC’s expertise
4. Sustainable and circular model: full filter exchange service reduces operational burden and ensures safe off-site handling of spent carbon

An international company operating in the chemical storage sector was handling large volumes of nitrotoluene — a hazardous volatile organic compound (VOC) used in various industrial processes. During the filling and emptying of storage tanks, vapours were released through the venting system, raising environmental and health concerns.

In the past, the French branch of this company used gas scrubbers to reduce the concentration of nitrotoluene in exhaust gases. However, one key customer questioned the effectiveness of this approach and, for safety reasons, requested a more efficient emission control solution.

Following internal discussions, the French team consulted their Belgian colleagues, who had previously implemented activated carbon filtration with excellent results. After visiting the Antwerp site and seeing DESOTEC’s system in action, the French stakeholders were fully convinced of the technology’s advantages and decided to adopt a similar approach.

The DESOTEC solution provided immediate control over VOC emissions, ensuring a clean and compliant air stream exiting the storage facility.

To ensure continued compliance, the customer routinely monitors the filter’s outlet for nitrotoluene emissions, confirming that levels remain within regulatory limits.

Beyond emissions control, the mobile filtration setup has given the client operational flexibility and confidence in meeting environmental standards without permanent infrastructure investment.

When the filter is saturated, it is taken back to DESOTEC’s facilities and replaced by a new one. The spent carbon is analysed to decide for the right treatment. All molecules that were adsorbed on the activated carbon are desorbed inside DESOTEC’s reactivation furnaces. These contaminants are then fully destroyed, in accordance with National and European legislation, by incineration and neutralisation. The entire installation and it's emissions are under continuous on-line monitoring, which guarantees compliance with environmental regulations.