What is a Vapor Combustor Unit, and how does it work?
Similar to a Thermal Oxidizer, a Vapor Combustor Unit (VCU), operates at high temperatures where the temperature is raised to the point that VOC chemical bonds are broken.
The purpose of the burner on the combustor is to input the heat energy required to raise the inlet temperature to the required chamber operating temperature.
The heat from combustion requires induced natural draft air or a dilution air fan for proper combustion and cooling. The cooling air is required during periods in which the vent gas has sufficient heating value to raise the VCU operating temperature above the high set point. The system dilution air fan or louvers are different for each application.
The VCU chamber is typically lined with high-temperature ceramic fiber insulation to protect the outer steel shell. Soft refractory lining is installed to allow for rapid heat-up without thermal shock issues that would accompany hard refractory designs. Soft refractory undergoes minimal expansion and contraction and is ideal for applications such as this that require high levels of on/off or cyclic operation or on systems that require transportability.
Different than a Thermal Oxidizer, a VCU processes a vent stream that is not flammable until it reaches the inside of the VCU combustion chamber. The waste gas either contains very little oxygen or is inerted out of any flammable ranges before entering the destruction chamber. A Thermal Oxidizer process waste gases where the make-up is below 50% of the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL).
A GCES Vapor Combustion Unit, at a natural gas processing facility.
Why Choose a GCES Vapor Combustor Unit?
- Allows for highly variable process conditions, in regards to the amount of hydrocarbons being processed, and the flow
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions, due to a possible staged introduction of gases
- Destruction rate efficiencies of up to 99.9%
- Low cost of operation
- Integrated burner management system
- Low NOx and CO emissions
- High process gas capabilities
- Designed to meet all FM global and international certifications.
- Low-Pressure Drop Design for Lower Electrical Costs
- Suitable for Hazardous Location installations
Features of GCES Vapor Combustor Units:
- Our in-house designed and manufactured control panels, which allow for data recording, and remote telemetry
- Automatic pilot ignition systems
- Sight ports
- Sample tests
- Customizable burner designs for optimal performance
- Higher system turndown capabilities
- Low point drains that allow for water removal as needed
- Insulation module achieves high efficiencies and resistance to thermal and chemical damage
- Gas train union and bubble test ports allow for simplified and efficient maintenance and easier routine testing
- Rapid cold startup capability of less than 15 Minutes
Available Options for a GCES VCU:
- Blowers, for forced draft configuration
- Metallurgies that are corrosion resistant
- Skid-mounted design
To know more, please check GCE Systems.
