Thermal Oxidizer & RTO Fans
AirPro // Applications
Centrifugal Fans for Thermal & Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers
Thermal Oxidizers (TO), including Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO’s), provide air pollution control through source reduction for safety, compliance, and comfort in industrial facilities and the surrounding environment. You can think of the oxider as a huge furnace, turning the hazardous bypass gasses into water vapor through combustion.
The function of the centrifugal process air fan in the oxidizer is to force or draw the bypass gases through a series of chambers that follow alternating heating and cooling patterns to break down volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) before releasing the emissions into the environment in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act.
In addition to the main process air fan, oxidizer applications also require a combustion air blower, which you can read about on our Combustion Air Blower Application page. Your Thermal Oxidizer application environment and airflow will determine your process fan specifications.
Primary Industries for Thermal Oxidizers
Pollution control is required across many industries that produce hazardous substances or contaminants as byproducts of their operations.
Industries commonly using thermal oxidizers include:
- Animal Feed Production
- Automotive
- Building Materials Manufacturing
- Chemical Processing
- Chrome Plating
- Food & Beverage Processing
- Metal Finishing & Fabrication
- Wastewater Treatment
- Oil & Gas
- Paint & Surface Coatings
- Pharmaceuticals
- Printing, Packaging & Labeling
- Rubber & Plastic Manufacturing
- Semiconductor & Electronics Production
Fan Selection & Specification for Thermal Oxidizers
Because of the emission requirements, thermal oxidizers are a core function of the industrial operation, making the process air fan mission-critical to the overall production process. That means it’s important to select the right fan technology.
The required air flows call for efficient industrial fans that can withstand high temperatures and corrosive gases. That makes our backward-curved BCHS BCMS, and BCLS models the top choice in many cases. These fans can achieve up to 81 percent efficiency! Additional fan technology options include the Backward Inclined (BIHS) and Radial Tipped (RTHS) designs.
We build high-efficiency, high-temp, and corrosion-resistant industrial fans & blowers specially designed for each Thermal Oxidizer application.
Fan Designs Commonly Used on Thermal Oxidizers”
- Backward Curved (BCHS)
- Backward Inclined (BIHS)
- Radial Tipped (RTHS)
FEATURED FAN
High-Temp Fan for Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer System
For a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) application in a high-heat, VOC-heavy environment, AirPro engineered a custom backward-curved centrifugal fan rated for continuous operation at up to 500°F. To ensure safe and efficient performance, the fan included thermal insulation with aluminum cladding, spark-resistant construction, and vibration sensors on the bearings to monitor and protect against excess vibration.
Additional features included companion flanges, extended lube lines for easy maintenance, and an inlet box for optimized airflow. Built for a pollution control system in a demanding industrial setting, this fan delivered high efficiency and durability while supporting Clean Air Act compliance across industries like chemicals, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and coatings.
- Product Type: BCMS (backward curved)
- Description: Class 40, Arr. 8, 500ºF max temp design
- Performance: 24,000 CFM @ 16″ wg static pressure
- Features: Custom-designed; 75 HP motor; direct-coupled drive; thermal insulation; aluminum cladding; vibration sensors; companion flanges, extended lubrication lines; inlet box
Thermal Oxidizer Fan Arrangements
Thermal Oxidizers and RTOs most often use an Arrangement 8 direct-drive on the process fan. This modular pedestal design offers stability in addition to saving time and money at installation.
Fan Accessory & Design Considerations for Thermal Oxidizers
When it comes to design and accessories, it’s all about protecting and optimizing operations, maintenance, and life of the fan and bearings.
Recommendations for Thermal Oxidizers
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for additional speed control and operating efficiency
- Bearing vibration and temperature sensors to monitor bearing and fan health and prevent unplanned outages
- 304 or 316 Stainless Steel materials of construction for highly toxic airstreams
- Leak-Tight Constructionto ensure that the VOCs move all the way through the oxidizer without escaping into the plant or the atmosphere
- Spark Resistance as some gas can be flammable
- Aluminum-Clad Insulated Housing on the process fan in a high-temperature situation to keep the outside surface of the fan housing below 140°F to the touch for personnel safety and comfort
- Final trim balance to a maximum not to exceed 0.124 in/sec filter-in at full operating speed. That means it’s a fan with lower vibration, which increases the life of the fan and fan bearings
- Proper installation and maintenance to ensure safe startup and operations
Connect with a Thermal Oxidizer Expert
Our experienced application engineers are ready to help you find the right fan. Whether you’re replacing an existing unit or designing a new system, we’ll make sure you get a solution that fits your specs, timeline, and budget.
Call, email, or submit your info to get started and our team will respond quickly.
