Numerical study on heat transfer efficiency of regenerative thermal oxidizers with three canisters

Abstract

The heat transfer efficiency of a regenerative thermal oxidizer with three canisters used for volatile organic compounds treatment was studied using numerical simulation methods. A one‐dimensional model that took into account the variation of physical parameters with temperature was built. The results show that the preheating temperature and outlet temperature tend to be stable as the operation time is increased. The heat transfer efficiency of equipment was mainly evaluated by heat recovery efficiency and energy recovery ratio under steady state conditions, which was affected by the inlet gas flow and temperature, valve switch time, combustion temperature, materials and porosity of the regenerative medium, and packing height. With the increase in packing cross‐sectional area and packing height, the increase in heat transfer efficiency leads to an increase in equipment cost. Simultaneously, the shorter the valve switch time and the higher the density of the regenerative medium battery also help to improve the heat transfer efficiency without blocking equipment. Unless the removal efficiency of volatile organic compound treatment is reduced, it is recommended to reduce the inlet and combustion temperatures.