Technique controls styrene emissions
15 Jan 2000
Manufacturers of glass-fibre reinforced polyester are currently facing tough new regulations on emissions of styrene. New technology developed by a Europe-wide consortium could help them meet the new rules, claims Pera, which coordinated the research.
The system works by processing air removed from the workshop by extraction fans. The air stream passes into an activated carbon bed, which removes the styrene from the air; the cleaned stream is then discharged into the atmosphere.
At night, the system switches into 'regeneration mode'. A flow of hot air desorbs the styrene from the carbon, and the styrene-laden air passes into a catalytic oxidation reactor, which reduces the hydrocarbon to carbon dioxide and water vapour. The regeneration process takes 6 hours, says Pera.
