Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for control of fugitive VOC emissions

US5533890A · kind A · utility

71Cited by
34References
46Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 23, 1995
Grant dateJul 9, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 23, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E20/34
  • WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the monitoring and abatement of fugitive VOC emissions is disclosed. Suction, generated by a fume pump or a venturi type ejector, pulls air and VOC's from one or more sources of VOC emissions such as the mechanical seals of pumps or compressors. These VOC fumes are collected, separated from any liquids in a knock-out pot, and directed to a flameless combustor/thermal oxidizer comprising a tube packed with heat resistant material and surrounded by an electric heater and thermal insulation. This matrix bed of heat resistant materials is heated to a temperature sufficient to oxidize/destroy the VOC emissions. Thereafter, an optional convective quench section may be used to lower the temperature of the exhaust gases prior to their release to the atmosphere. By monitoring the temperature and/or the amount of power needed, changes in VOC emissions can be detected.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.