Cryo-Condensation May be the Most Cost-Effective Method to Reduce VOCs

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cryogenic cooling, or cryo condensation, just may be the most cost-effective method for minimizing volatile organic chemical (VOC) emissions from solvent and hydrocarbon storage tanks and manufacturing processes when certain conditions exist, according to a white paper authored by Robert D'Orazio, Senior Engineer for Linde LLC. Cryo-condensation is a relatively simple process of using the cold from vaporizing nitrogen to condense organic compounds exiting through a vent or in a process gas stream.

In the white paper, titled "Low-Cost Method for VOC Emission Control Utilizing Cryogenic Condensation," D'Orazio points out many chemical plants, oilseed processing plants, tank farms and terminals already have liquid nitrogen on site which is vaporized to gaseous nitrogen for blanketing, purging, pressure transfer and other uses. "The Linde VOC control system simply uses the cold from liquid nitrogen to control VOC emissions from storage tanks, then returns the nitrogen as a gas to the processes," D'Orazio says.

"The VOC control system is modular, so it is cost efficient and easy to implement," D'Orazio says. "The savings can be even greater when the system is used to recapture high-value products such as hexane from supply and vent lines," D'Orazio said. It can also be ideal for chemical plants or storage terminals that must handle increasing levels of volatile emissions due to expansion -- providing an economical alternative to thermal oxidation or adsorption.

The white paper provides details on the conditions and requirements that make cryo-condensation practice competitive compared with adsorption or thermal oxidation -- and when it is not. Conditions affecting the decision include concentration effects, blanketing and tank use patterns, fixed versus floating roof, and stored material considerations, such as single component versus mixtures, product value and potential re-use and compliance effects.

This paper is available for download here: http://bit.ly/28Jvyql

Linde LLC is a member of The Linde Group. In the 2015 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of USD19.7 bn (EUR 17.944 bn), making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 65,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com

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SOURCE Linde North America, Inc.

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