A VOC concentrator system is built for process exhaust with high airflow, a low concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and low temperature. Instead of sending that entire airstream to an oxidizer, the concentrator captures the VOCs and releases them into a much smaller, more concentrated airstream for destruction.
TANN designs and builds complete concentrator systems: a proven zeolite rotor concentrator, the ductwork, filtration, and controls that connect it, and the TANN thermal oxidizer it feeds. Systems we build can handle up to a 20:1 concentration ratio and up to 95% relative humidity.
The result is a system that treats very large exhaust volumes with a smaller oxidizer and lower fuel use than oxidizing the full airflow directly.
When a VOC Concentrator System Makes Sense
The cost of running an oxidizer is driven largely by how much air it has to heat. When a process produces a large volume of exhaust with only a small amount of VOC in it, an oxidizer sized for the full airflow spends most of its energy heating clean air.
A concentrator system splits that job into two steps. The rotor pulls VOCs out of the large airstream, and a much smaller desorption stream carries them to the oxidizer at a far higher concentration. The oxidizer can be sized for that smaller stream, and the richer VOC loading helps it run more efficiently.
A concentrator system may be a fit if your exhaust is:
- High in airflow volume, with large exhaust flows to treat
- Low in VOC concentration, with dilute solvent loading
- Low in temperature, so heating the full airstream would be costly
How a VOC Concentrator System Works
1. Exhaust Enters the Adsorption Zone
VOC-laden process air passes through a large section of a continuously rotating zeolite rotor.
2. VOCs are Captured
The zeolite adsorbs 90-97% of the VOCs. The cleaned air passes through the rotor and is released to atmosphere.
3. The Rotor Moves into the Desorption Zone
A smaller, heated airstream passes counter-current through a separate section of the rotor and strips the captured VOCs off the media.
4. A Concentrated Stream Feeds the Oxidizer
Desorption creates a low-volume, high-concentration exhaust that is sent to a thermal oxidizer, where the VOCs are converted into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
5. Continuous Operation
Because the rotor is always turning, adsorption and desorption happen at the same time, keeping the system online with your process.
What TANN Builds Into Every Concentrator System
A concentrator only performs as well as the system around it. TANN engineers the concentrator and oxidizer as one system, so every piece is sized and controlled to work together. Particulate levels, temperatures, volumes, and VOC concentration are all evaluated before a system is designed, and our in-house engineering team works with you to determine what your process needs.
Concentrator and Oxidizer Sized Together
The concentration ratio, desorption stream, and oxidizer capacity are matched so the system stays balanced as operating conditions change.
Ductwork, Filtration, and Integration
TANN designs and fabricates the ductwork, dampers, and upstream filtration that connect your process, the concentrator, and the oxidizer.
Integrated Controls
Concentrator and oxidizer controls are designed to operate as one system rather than two separate pieces of equipment.
Designed Around Process Chemistry
Some compounds are harder to desorb or can polymerize on adsorption media. Evaluating the solvent mix up front helps protect rotor performance and service life.
One Point of Responsibility
From engineering and fabrication through installation and startup, one team is responsible for how the complete system performs.
Scaled to Your Project
Whether you are replacing part of an existing system, installing a new system of 100,000+ SCFM, or anything in between, TANN can build the solution.
Concentrator System Applications
Concentrator systems are a fit wherever a process produces high-volume, low-concentration, low-temperature exhaust. Common applications include:
- Aerospace painting and coating
- Automotive paint finishing
- Can manufacturing
- Coating and converting
- Printing
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Wood and furniture finishing
- Plastics and composites
Don't see your process? Our engineers can evaluate your exhaust conditions and tell you whether a concentrator system makes sense.
For more background on adsorption technology, see the EPA Clean Air Technology Center bulletin Choosing an Adsorption System for VOC: Carbon, Zeolite, or Polymers?
Proven in the Field
Modernizing a Legacy Concentrator System
See how TANN modernized an existing VOC concentrator system and its supporting equipment.
Read the project storyService for Oxidizer and Concentrator Systems
TANN provides inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, and 24/7 technical support for complete oxidizer and concentrator systems.
Explore TANN servicesNeed Help Determining if a Concentrator System is Right for Your Process?
Every VOC abatement application is different. Our engineering team can evaluate your exhaust volume, VOC concentration, and operating conditions to determine whether a concentrator system or an oxidizer alone is the best fit for your facility.