The petrochemical industry must meet strict emission standards throughout the world. If a system fails, which may result in a company not adhering to these standards, it is crucial that action is taken quickly. Desotec’s rapid delivery of a total concept enabled a German company to realise an effective alternative temporary solution.

An unpleasant problem recently occurred at a lubricant producer’s site in Germany. The thermal system that safeguards airflow purification malfunctioned for unexplained reasons. This system removes potential odour nuisance that can develop through the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons, paraffins, as well as traces of organic sulphur components in the airflow.

The manufacturer immediately sought a feasible alternative and discussed this with an associate. This person recommended Desotec as a company that could respond very quickly to urgent situations. After receiving the enquiry on a Thursday evening, we sent out the quotation the following Friday morning. The customer approved this immediately.

Total package

Following a visit to the site, Desotec recommended a total package comprising two Aircon H-filters placed in tandem. These horizontal mobile air filters filter a total of 15,000 m³/h. Considering the high concentration of contaminants in the airflow, a third filter was also supplied immediately for instant activation, ensuring that the system could continue to run without any problem. As well as these air filters, Desotec also supplied the ventilation and piping required for connection to the filter systems.

The company had received government approval to continue producing, on the condition that the new, temporary air treatment system would be in use prior to a certain deadline. We succeeded in meeting this deadline, enabling the company’s production unit to continue its problem-free operation and ensuring that the customer did not suffer the substantial financial losses that would have resulted from a factory shutdown.

Thermal system

Following analysis by the thermal air treatment system supplier, it became apparent that this system would be out of operation for up to three months. Desotec’s rapid intervention meant that this partner had the time and space to get the system working again, without the end customer experiencing any problems. The lubricant producer will subsequently revert to its thermal combustion system to treat the airflow.

At DESOTEC’s facilities, all used carbon is analysed so the right measures can be taken for handling and removing the saturated carbon out of the mobile filters. All molecules that were adsorbed on the activated carbon at the customers’ site, are desorbed inside DESOTEC’s reactivation furnaces. These contaminants are then fully destroyed, in accordance with National and European legislation, by an incineration and neutralisation setup. The entire installation and it's emissions are under continuous on-line monitoring, which guarantees that only harmless water vapour is seen exiting the chimney.