​​​Transport and logistics

The transport and storage of liquid cargoes release air emissions at various stages, including loading and unloading. Compounds vary according to the cargo: e.g. pesticides, fertilisers, oil derivatives, and specialty chemicals all generate vapours requiring purification. Certain compounds may cause an odour nuisance, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCS) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Others, such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX) or naphtha, may pose an occupational health risk.

Activated carbon filters treat all these compounds and many more in the transport and logistics sector, preserving air quality. 

Activated carbon filters can be connected to ventilation systems at truck loading bays or dockside facilities to remove VOCs, H₂S and hydrocarbons so the air is safe for discharge. DESOTEC solutions are quick to install, requiring no downtime. They are also plug-and-play, so you don’t need to worry about operating them. They can handle varying flow rates and concentrations to suit different types of cargo, making them suited to the transport and logistics sector. 

Storage tanks generate vapours/ venting gases during the filling and emptying processes that can be channelled to extraction systems for activated carbon filtration. DESOTEC has developed a special filter model, the AIRCON 2000 C, for the very low flow rates that are typical for vented tanks. Our engineers can help design optimally efficient treatment systems that incorporate fans, dust filters, dehumidifiers and safety equipment as required. We have extensive expertise with treating vented air emissions from storage tanks, with numerous customers at industrial harbours and docksides. Our filters are mobile and rental, making them suitable for temporary installation during the cleaning and maintenance of tanks, as well as longer term usage. 

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

For example:

• Where air flow is intermittent, activated carbon is generally more cost-effective than alternatives such as thermal oxidisers (RTOs).
• If space is tight, e.g. at loading bays or docksides, 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.
• If flow rates, concentrations and compounds are changeable, activated carbon is generally more versatile than alternatives. 

DESOTEC is keen to help customers find the best treatment for their needs, and our experts will tell you if they think another 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 technology such as scrubbers.

DESOTEC solutions offer a low total cost of ownership (TCO), with minimal capex costs. Their mobility and small footprint makes them ideal for siting directly at dockside, sparing the cost of piping emissions to treatment centres some distance away.  Filter installation and exchange are rapid, minimising downtime. And total cost of ownership (TCO) of our solutions is low, thanks to the minimal capex costs and ongoing support, maintenance, upgrading and carbon waste handling that we provide. 

Sustainability is also key. DESOTEC reactivates carbon for reuse wherever possible, cutting your costs and boosting circularity. All compounds adsorbed onto the carbon are completely destroyed in our furnaces, protecting air quality and human health for good.