Since the Clean Air Act (CAA) was enacted in 1970, and amended in 1977, and again in 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continued to tighten the limits on emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Fortunately, the development of new air-pollution-control technologies has kept pace with changing EPA regulations. The basic technologies of 30 years ago still are in use. However, today's oxidation systems are smaller, lighter, easier to maintain, and far more efficient and cost-effective than their predecessors. The challenge of regulatory compliance today lies in identifying the best solution for the paint and coatings industry, and the correct integration into the process.
In 1969, flares and common afterburners were the predominate oxidation systems. These consisted of a vertically or horizontally mounted tube with a high-intensity burner at one end. Process gases passed through the flame zone, and then were heated and passed out of the system. The volume of the tube determined the length of time, or retention time, that process gases were kept at a given temperature. Many processes require a combustion air blower that adds to the quantity of gases being treated and increase the fuel cost.