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Oxidizers

Thermal Oxidizers for Industrial Emissions Control

Thermal oxidizers are widely used to destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants in industrial exhaust streams. By using high temperatures to break down contaminants, these systems convert harmful emissions into carbon dioxide and water vapor before discharge.

TANN designs and manufactures thermal oxidizer systems engineered for performance, durability, and long-term reliability. Each system is tailored to the application, considering airflow, VOC loading, process conditions, and energy efficiency requirements.


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How Thermal Oxidizers Work →
Industrial regenerative thermal oxidizer system installed at manufacturing facility

What Is a Thermal Oxidizer?

A thermal oxidizer is an air pollution control system designed to eliminate VOC emissions and hazardous air pollutants generated during industrial processes. These systems operate by heating contaminated exhaust air to a temperature where organic compounds oxidize, converting them into less harmful gases.

Thermal oxidizers are commonly used in industries such as coatings, printing, chemical processing, and manufacturing where solvent-based emissions must be controlled. Their reliability and effectiveness make them one of the most widely used technologies for industrial emissions control.

How Thermal Oxidizers Destroy VOC Emissions

Process exhaust containing VOCs enters the thermal oxidizer through an inlet duct system. The air stream is heated to oxidation temperature, typically between 1,400°F and 1,600°F, where VOCs chemically react with oxygen.

This oxidation process converts harmful organic compounds into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor (H₂O), significantly reducing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Depending on system design, heat from the cleaned exhaust stream can be recovered and reused to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

VOC emissions control process diagram showing thermal oxidizer system

Types of Thermal Oxidizers

Different thermal oxidizer designs are used depending on application requirements, including airflow, VOC concentration, and energy efficiency goals.

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

RTO systems use ceramic media to capture and reuse heat from the exhaust stream, achieving thermal efficiencies up to 97% and significantly reducing fuel consumption.

Catalytic Oxidizers

Catalytic systems use a catalyst to lower the oxidation temperature, reducing energy usage while maintaining high VOC destruction efficiency in suitable applications.

Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers

Direct-fired systems provide a simple and effective solution for applications with higher VOC concentrations or where heat recovery is not required.

Why TANN Thermal Oxidizer Systems

TANN systems are designed and manufactured with a focus on long-term reliability, performance, and serviceability. Each system is engineered to meet the specific needs of the application and supported by experienced engineering and service teams.

  • Engineered and manufactured in-house
  • Heavy-duty industrial construction
  • Proven performance in demanding environments
  • Secondary heat recovery options available
  • Full lifecycle support including service and upgrades

Engineering and Manufacturing Capabilities

TANN provides complete system design, fabrication, installation, and service support. Our team works directly with customers to evaluate applications, optimize system performance, and ensure long-term operational success.

A key advantage of working with TANN is our in-house manufacturing capability. By designing and fabricating thermal oxidizer systems within our own facility, we maintain full control over quality, cost, and project timelines.

  • Quality Control: Critical system components are manufactured and assembled in-house, allowing for strict quality standards, consistent workmanship, and full system testing before shipment.
  • Cost Efficiency: Direct control over fabrication reduces reliance on third-party suppliers, helping manage project costs and minimize unexpected expenses during manufacturing.
  • Schedule Reliability: In-house production allows for tighter control over project timelines, reducing delays and ensuring systems are delivered when expected.
  • Integrated Engineering: Close collaboration between engineering and fabrication teams ensures designs are practical, efficient, and optimized for real-world operation.

This integrated approach enables TANN to deliver thermal oxidizer systems that are not only engineered for performance, but also built for long-term reliability in demanding industrial environments.

Applications for Thermal Oxidizer Systems

Thermal oxidizers are used across a wide range of industries where VOC emissions and hazardous air pollutants must be controlled efficiently. System selection depends on airflow, contaminant loading, process conditions, fuel usage, and operating requirements.

  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Paint and coatings operations
  • Chemical processing
  • Printing operations
  • Packaging products
  • Wood products manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Food processing

Why Manufacturers Choose TANN

TANN combines engineering, manufacturing, installation, and service support under one roof. Our systems are designed for industrial durability, dependable emissions performance, and long-term operational value.

Engineered for the Application

We evaluate each process based on emissions characteristics, airflow, and operating requirements to recommend the right oxidizer design.

Built for Industrial Reliability

Our systems are designed for demanding manufacturing environments where uptime, durability, and serviceability matter.

Supported Beyond Installation

TANN provides ongoing service, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and technical support throughout the life of the system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thermal Oxidizers

What is a thermal oxidizer?

A thermal oxidizer is an industrial air pollution control system that destroys VOCs and other hazardous emissions through high-temperature oxidation.

By heating contaminated air to combustion temperatures, pollutants are converted into carbon dioxide and water vapor before release.

How does a thermal oxidizer work?

A thermal oxidizer works by:

  1. Drawing in contaminated process air

  2. Heating it to oxidation temperature

  3. Maintaining sufficient residence time for complete destruction

  4. Exhausting treated air safely

Heat recovery components may be included depending on system design.

What are thermal oxidizers used for?

Thermal oxidizers are used to:

  • Control VOC emissions

  • Meet environmental regulations

  • Eliminate hazardous air pollutants

  • Reduce odors from industrial processes

They are common in manufacturing environments that use solvents or produce volatile emissions.

What types of thermal oxidizers are available?

Common types include:

  • Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

  • Recuperative Thermal Oxidizers

  • Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers

  • Catalytic Oxidizers

  • Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizers (RCO)

Each design varies in efficiency, cost, and application suitability.

What is the difference between a thermal oxidizer and a catalytic oxidizer?

A thermal oxidizer uses high temperatures alone to destroy pollutants.

A catalytic oxidizer uses a catalyst to lower the required oxidation temperature, reducing fuel usage.

Catalytic systems may be more energy-efficient but require clean process streams to avoid catalyst fouling.

What is the difference between a thermal oxidizer and an incinerator?

While both use combustion, an incinerator typically destroys solid or liquid waste materials.

A thermal oxidizer is specifically designed for gaseous emissions and engineered for precise temperature control and destruction efficiency.

Is a thermal oxidizer the same as a flare?

No. A flare combusts waste gases in an open flame, often without heat recovery.

A thermal oxidizer is a controlled combustion system designed for consistent destruction efficiency and regulatory compliance.

What temperature does a thermal oxidizer operate at?

Most thermal oxidizers operate between 1,200°F and 1,800°F, depending on system type and pollutant characteristics.

Higher temperatures typically increase destruction efficiency.

What factors influence the cost of a thermal oxidizer?

Cost depends on:

  • Airflow capacity

  • Pollutant type and concentration

  • Required destruction efficiency

  • Heat recovery design

  • Materials of construction

  • Controls and monitoring systems

  • Installation requirements

Engineered systems are typically customized to match process demands and regulatory requirements.

Talk to an Engineer About Your Thermal Oxidizer Application

Whether you are evaluating a new system, replacing an existing oxidizer, or planning upgrades for current equipment, TANN can help identify the right solution for your application.


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Our Thermal Oxidizer Systems

Explore available thermal oxidizer systems below, including regenerative, catalytic, and direct fired options.

Showing all 4 results

  • regenerative thermal oxider

    Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer

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  • pollution, air pollution, environmental pollution, air quality index, air pollution control equipment, causes of air pollution, air pollution control technology, design, engineer, manufacture, install, installation, service, air pollution control systems, solutions for air pollution, air quality testing, air purification, types of air pollution, air pollution solutions, atmospheric pollution, air testing, epa gov, air purification, Tann Corporation, Wisconsin, Deutschland, Europe, TANN Corp Europe, Germany

    Recuperative Thermal Oxidizer

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  • Catalytic Oxidizer Install - 2,000 SCFM

    Catalytic Oxidizers

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  • Direct Thermal Oxidizer 250 SCFM

    Direct Oxidizers

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About Us

TANN Corporation is an industrial air pollution control equipment manufacturer based in Kaukauna, Wisconsin with over 35+ years of experience in the environmental industry. We design, install, service, and manufacture some of the world’s best air pollution control products including thermal oxidizers, energy recovery systems, and zeolite concentrators.

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Connect with Us

TANN Corporation
Address: 350 Oak Grove Road, Kaukauna, WI
Phone: (920)766-3600
Email: sales@tanncorporation.com

TANN Europe GmbH
Address: Steiger-Stein-Straße 5, 44805 Bochum, Germany
Phone: +49 234 479956 0
Email: info@tann-europe.de

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