Adhesives, coatings & ink production

The manufacture and usage of solvent-based adhesives, coatings and inks frequently generates polluted air emissions containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents, e.g. from spray booths. It also generates wastewater, often from cleaning processes, containing compounds measured as chemical oxygen demand (COD), some of which could be adsorbable organic halides (AOX). 

VOCs are subject to air quality regulations, such as the Industrial Emissions Directive in the EU, to protect our environment and human health. As many solvent-based VOCs are odorous, your company may also need to treat emissions to maintain good relations with your neighbours and a pleasant working environment, and to meet the terms of your operating license. 

Activated carbon is an effective pre-treatment for wastewater that is heavily contaminated with high levels of chlorinated cleaning fluids, residues of solvents, or spills or leaks of chemicals. DESOTEC provides mobile, sustainable filters with a small footprint, making them ideal for busy sites. They’re supplied on a rental basis, so are suitable for temporary projects such as spills. Once treated, the wastewater can be sent to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), discharged to the environment, or even reused in your industrial processes, cutting your costs and boosting sustainability. 

Activated carbon filters air emissions containing solvents and VOCs emitted from your industrial processes, truck loading and unloading, or vented tank storage. DESOTEC filters are your sustainable solution for VOC and odour control. They are able to handle peaks of concentrations and discontinuous production, making them a highly adaptable treatment technology. 

Activated carbon filtration is a reliable technology to enable your company to comply with environmental regulations to control odours and protect air quality and waterways. These laws are likely to get stricter in the coming years, making it important to future-proof your business by putting modular, adaptable treatment technology in place now. DESOTEC’s experts have region-specific know-how to help your company comply with relevant regulations. Our solutions for air and water can be installed rapidly if you receive complaints or experience emergencies such as spills. Plus, compliant and safe carbon waste treatment is included in our full-service solution. 

Activated carbon filtration is a Best Available Technology (BAT) for many VOC and AOX abatement applications, and is often the most cost-effective and sustainable option – but it does depend on various factors.

For example:

• Where production is discontinuous, activated carbon is generally more cost-effective than alternatives such as thermal oxidisers (RTOs).
• If space is tight, DESOTEC filters have a smaller footprint than most alternatives.
• For short-term usage, our filters are mobile and rental – unlike more permanent installations such as RTOs.
• If treatment is needed immediately, our filters can be delivered fast and are plug-and-play – some alternatives have a lengthy lead-in time.
• If your needs might change in the future, our systems are modular – other technology might be less adaptable.

DESOTEC is keen to help customers find the best treatment for their needs, and our experts will tell you if they think an alternative technology might be more suitable than activated carbon.

Activated carbon is a very versatile technology, so there are many ways to optimise set-ups – e.g. placing filters in series, using different carbon grades, or combining filters with complementary technologies such as scrubbers or dust filters.

DESOTEC’s experts carry out testing, advise on set-up design, and offer ongoing support as part of our full-service solution. Our activated carbon filtration solutions have a low total cost of ownership (TCO): they have minimal capex costs, and our service includes maintenance, upgrading, and sustainable carbon waste handling. Thanks to our circular approach, waste carbon is reactivated wherever possible, cutting your costs and helping you reach your green goals.