Volatile organic compound abatement apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a VOC reduction apparatus (1) comprising: a first rotor element (2) and a second rotor element (3) configured to separate VOCs (9) from air by adsorption and desorption; a first adsorption zone (16) configured to direct a process air stream (8) through the first rotor element (2); a first desorption zone (13) configured to direct a first regeneration air stream (18) through the first rotor element (2); a converter (36) configured to convert VOCs (9) into a residual product (37). The second rotor element (3) is configured to receive the first regeneration air stream (18) at a second adsorption zone (38) after the first regeneration air stream has passed through the first rotor element (2). A second desorption zone (34) is configured to direct a second regeneration air stream (32) through the second rotor element (3). The converter (36) is configured to receive the second regeneration air stream (32) after the second regeneration air stream (32) has passed through the second rotor element (3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a volatile organic compound (VOC) reduction apparatus and a method performed by a control device of a VOC reduction apparatus according to the appended claims. The present invention further relates to a computer program product and a computer readable medium according to the appended claims. BACKGROUND

[0002] Systems for manufacturing processes or other industrial processes often emit particulates and fumes or exhaust gases as by-products, which can include gaseous air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds. For environmental and health reasons and to comply with environmental laws, it is desirable to remove VOCs before the fumes are emitted to the atmosphere.

[0003] VOC reduction apparatuses are used to reduce VOCs in industrial process gases, the VOC reduction apparatuses being provided with a rotor element that holds a medium for removing VOCs. Certain known VOC reduction systems utilize a rotor element that holds a medium for removing VOCs. One example of such a medium is zeolite. Zeolite is an inorganic crystal with properties that are suitable for adsorbing VOCs. When the rotor element is rotated at a controlled speed, a process air stream loaded with VOCs is directed through a defined adsorption zone of the apparatus and exits as substantially clean air as the zeolite adsorbs and removes most of the VOCs from the process air stream. The cleaned air can be safely emitted to the atmosphere. The rotor element continues to rotate and the zeolite portion of the rotor element that has adsorbed VOCs moves to a defined desorption or regeneration zone. To remove the VOCs adsorbed by the rotor element, heated regeneration air is directed through the rotor element in the regeneration zone of the VOC reduction apparatus. The removed VOCs are carried away from the rotor in a concentrated air stream for further processing. Thus, the rotor element is continuously rotated so that the adsorbed VOCs move from the adsorption zone to the regeneration zone where the VOCs are removed from the rotor element and then the regenerated section of the rotor returns to the adsorption zone where the process air stream flows through the rotor element in a continuous process. The concentrated air stream of VOCs can be sent to an oxidant and / or catalyst where the VOCs are converted to residual products such as water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2). Such a zeolite rotor element can be incorporated into a more complex system that includes one or more rotor elements and corresponding drive motors and various motor-driven fans.

[0004] Document US2018154303A1 discloses an apparatus for removing a specific substance from a process gaseous stream, the apparatus comprising a rotor element. SUMMARY

[0005] The VOC concentrated air stream entering the rotor element is usually sent to an oxidizing agent and / or a catalyst to convert the VOCs into residual products, such as non-polluting components. The oxidation heat in the oxidizing agent is generated by using any known combustion of a fuel, such as natural gas or diesel fuel, in an oxidation chamber. The heat generated by oxidation can be controlled by metering the fuel supply and / or the fuel consumption. In the oxidation chamber, oxidation can convert the VOCs into water vapor and CO2. However, the size of the fuel consumption for generating heat depends on the VOC concentration in the VOC concentrated air stream. High concentrations of VOCs in the VOC concentrated air stream will reduce the fuel consumption and also the generated CO2.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a VOC reduction device that reduces the fuel consumption when oxidizing VOCs into residual products.

[0007] There is also a need to develop a VOC reduction device that reduces the generated CO2 when oxidizing VOCs into residual products.

[0008] There is also a need to develop a VOC reduction device that extracts high concentrations of VOCs in a process air stream to be treated.

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to develop a VOC reduction device and a method performed by a control device of the VOC reduction device that reduces the fuel consumption when oxidizing VOCs into residual products.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to also develop a VOC reduction device and a method performed by a control device of the VOC reduction device that reduces the generated CO2 when oxidizing VOCs into residual products.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to also develop a VOC reduction device and a method performed by a control device of the VOC reduction device that extracts high concentrations of VOCs in an air stream to be treated.

[0012] These objects are achieved by the above-mentioned VOC reduction device and the method performed by a control device of the VOC reduction device according to the appended claims.

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus for removing volatile organic compounds from air, the apparatus comprising: a first rotor element and a second rotor element each provided with a plurality of channels configured to separate volatile organic compounds from air by adsorption into and desorption from the first rotor element and the second rotor element; a first adsorption zone of the apparatus configured to direct a process air stream through the first rotor element; a first desorption zone of the apparatus configured to direct a first regeneration air stream through the first rotor element; and a converter configured to convert volatile organic compounds into residual products; wherein the second rotor element is configured to receive the first regeneration air stream at a second adsorption zone of the apparatus after the first regeneration air stream has passed through the first rotor element; a second desorption zone of the apparatus is configured to direct a second regeneration air stream through the second rotor element; and the converter is configured to receive the second regeneration air stream as concentrated volatile organic compounds after the second regeneration air stream has passed through the second rotor element, and wherein the first rotor element has a circular configuration with a first diameter and the second rotor element has a circular configuration with a second diameter; and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.

[0014] The removed VOCs carried away from the first rotor element in the first regeneration air stream will be further concentrated after passing through the second rotor element and leaving the second rotor element as the second regeneration air stream. The first rotor element and the second rotor element are continuously rotated such that adsorbed VOCs are moved from the adsorption zone to the regeneration zone where the VOCs are removed from the rotor elements, and the regeneration section of the rotor then returns to the adsorption zone. The concentrated VOCs in the second regeneration air stream are sent to the converter where the VOCs are converted to residual products, such as water vapor and CO2, by oxidation in an oxidation converter, or where the VOCs are converted to residual products by other means, such as concentration in a cooling converter or precipitation in a precipitation converter.

[0015] This VOC reduction apparatus will extract high concentrations of VOCs in the air stream to be treated. The VOC reduction apparatus will reduce the consumption of fuel in oxidizing the VOCs to residual products. Furthermore, the CO2 generated in oxidizing the VOCs to residual products will also be reduced.

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for removing volatile organic compounds from air, the method being performed by a control device of a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus, the volatile organic compounds being separated from the air by adsorbing the volatile organic compounds to and desorbing the volatile organic compounds from first and second rotor elements of the apparatus. The first and second rotor elements are each provided with a plurality of channels, and wherein the first rotor element has a circular configuration with a first diameter and the second rotor element has a circular configuration with a second diameter; and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The method comprises the steps of: generating a process air stream, the process air stream passing through the first rotor element at a first adsorption zone of the apparatus; generating a first regeneration air stream, the first regeneration air stream passing through the first rotor element at a first desorption zone of the apparatus; receiving the first regeneration air stream in the second rotor element at a second adsorption zone of the apparatus after the first regeneration air stream has passed through the first rotor element; generating a second regeneration air stream, the second regeneration air stream passing through the second rotor element at a second desorption zone of the apparatus; receiving the second regeneration air stream as concentrated volatile organic compounds in a converter after the second regeneration air stream has passed through the second rotor element; and converting the volatile organic compounds to a residual product in the converter of the device.

[0017] The method will reduce the consumption of fuel in oxidizing the VOCs to a residual product, such as a non-polluting constituent. Furthermore, the method will reduce the CO2 generated in oxidizing the VOCs to a residual product. This method will also extract high concentrations of VOCs in the air stream to be treated.

[0018] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While the following description describes the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this description will appreciate other applications, modifications, and combinations of the specific details described herein, which fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] For a fuller understanding of the present invention and further objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure One

[0020] schematically illustrates the principle of a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus according to an example, Figure 1

[0021] Figure 2 ​schematically illustrates a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus according to an example,

[0022] Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a method for execution by a control device of a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus according to an example, and

[0023] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a control unit or computer according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The volatile organic compound (VOC) reduction apparatus and method according to the present disclosure will reduce the consumption of fuel in oxidizing VOCs to residual products, such as non-polluting constituents. Furthermore, the apparatus and method will reduce the carbon dioxide (C02) generated in oxidizing VOCs to residual products. The VOCs reduction apparatus and method according to the present disclosure will also extract high concentrations of VOCs in the air stream to be treated.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus for removing volatile organic compounds from air, the apparatus comprising: a first rotor element and a second rotor element each provided with a plurality of channels configured to separate volatile organic compounds from air by adsorbing and desorbing the volatile organic compounds to and from the first rotor element and the second rotor element; a first adsorption zone of the apparatus configured to direct a process air stream through the first rotor element; a first desorption zone of the apparatus configured to direct a first regeneration air stream through the first rotor element; and a converter configured to convert the volatile organic compounds to residual products; wherein the second rotor element is configured to receive the first regeneration air stream at a second adsorption zone of the apparatus after the first regeneration air stream has passed through the first rotor element; a second desorption zone of the apparatus configured to direct a second regeneration air stream through the second rotor element; and the converter is configured to receive the second regeneration air stream as concentrated volatile organic compounds after the second regeneration air stream has passed through the second rotor element, and wherein the first rotor element has a circular configuration with a first diameter and the second rotor element has a circular configuration with a second diameter; and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

[0026] A volatile organic compound reduction apparatus is capable of removing VOCs from air, which VOCs are for example from a manufacturing process or other industrial process. Air containing VOCs is introduced into and treated in the VOC reduction apparatus before being discharged to the atmosphere as air that is treated air, which treated air contains substantially no VOCs or only a very small amount of VOCs. The first and second rotor elements are each provided with a plurality of channels extending from one side to the other side of each rotor element. The first and second rotor elements hold a medium for removing VOCs. One example of such a medium is a zeolite that adsorbs VOCs. The zeolite medium is arranged on the surface of the channels in the rotor. Alternatively, the entire rotor element is made of zeolite. Each of the first and second rotor elements is rotated at a controlled speed by means of a drive element, such as an electric motor. Each rotor element can be provided with an electric motor, so that the first and second rotor elements can be driven independently of each other and at different rotational speeds. A control device of the apparatus can be connected to the electric motors for individually controlling the rotational speed of the first and second rotor elements. The apparatus can alternatively be configured without a control device.

[0027] The process air stream contains VOCs and is for example air from a building in which a manufacturing process or other industrial process is carried out. The VOC-laden process air stream is directed through the first adsorption zone of the apparatus, and the process air stream laden with VOCs exits as substantially clean air when the zeolite in the first rotor element has adsorbed and removed a substantial portion of the VOCs from the process air stream. The air that has passed through the rotor element can then be safely discharged to the atmosphere as clean air. The first rotor element continues to rotate, and the section of the first rotor element that has adsorbed VOCs is moved to the first desorption zone of the apparatus. To remove the VOCs adsorbed by the first rotor element, a heated first regeneration air stream is directed through the first rotor element of the apparatus in the first desorption zone of the apparatus. The heated first regeneration air stream removes the VOCs from the first rotor element, and the VOCs are carried away from the first rotor element in the first regeneration air stream and further to the second adsorption zone of the apparatus, which is at the second rotor element. The first regeneration air stream containing VOCs is directed through the second rotor element at the second adsorption zone of the apparatus. The zeolite in the second rotor element adsorbs and removes a substantial amount of VOCs from the first regeneration air stream.

[0028] To remove the VOCs adsorbed by the second rotor element, a heated second regeneration air stream is directed through the second rotor element of the device in a second desorption zone. The heated second regeneration air stream removes the VOCs from the second rotor element and the removed VOCs are carried in concentrated form out of the second rotor element and further to a converter in the second regeneration air stream. The converter can be an oxidizer and / or a catalyst, wherein the VOCs are converted to residual products, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2). The oxidation heat in the oxidizer is generated by using any known combustion of a combustion fuel, such as natural gas or diesel fuel, in an oxidation chamber. The size of the fuel consumption for generating the heat depends on the concentration of the VOCs in the second regeneration air stream. Since there is a high concentration of VOCs in the second regeneration air stream, the fuel consumption and also the generated CO2 will be reduced. Alternatively, the VOCs are converted to residual products by other means, such as condensation in a cooling converter or precipitation in a precipitation converter.

[0029] The VOCs removed from the first rotor element are carried in the first regeneration air stream out of the first rotor element and further to the second rotor element. The concentration of the VOCs in the first regeneration air stream will increase during the process of the second rotor element. However, when the first diameter d1 of the first rotor element is larger than the second diameter d2 of the second element, the concentration of the VOCs of the second regeneration air stream is higher when leaving the second rotor element compared to the case when the first rotor element and the second rotor element have equal diameters. The second rotor element can be configured to have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first rotor element, since the volume flow of the first regeneration air stream through the second rotor element is smaller than the volume flow of the first process air stream through the first rotor element. Therefore, in order to handle a large air stream in order to clean a large volume of air, the volume of the flow of the process air stream through the first rotor element should be large. Since the second rotor element handles the first regeneration air stream from the first rotor element, the capacity to handle the process air stream in the second rotor element can be lower than the capacity to handle the process air stream in the first rotor element. Therefore, the second rotor element can have a small diameter compared to the first rotor element.

[0030] According to an example, the ratio between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2 is in the range of 20:1 to 2:1.

[0031] The second rotor element can be configured to have a diameter that is significantly smaller than the diameter of the first rotor element. Thus, the diameter of the first rotor element can be twenty times larger than the diameter of the second rotor element. In case of such a large difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element, the volume flow of the first regenerative air stream through the second rotor element should be adapted to this smaller size of the second rotor element. This large difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element will result in a large concentration of VOCs in the second regenerative air stream when the second rotor element is present.

[0032] Due to the high concentration of VOCs in the second regenerative air stream, the heat of oxidation in the oxidizing agent generated by the combustion of fuel in the oxidation chamber will result in a reduced fuel consumption for generating heat. Because of the large difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element, due to the high concentration of VOCs in the second regenerative air stream, the consumption of fuel and the generated CO2 will be reduced when the heat of oxidation in the oxidizing agent is generated by the combustion in the oxidation chamber.

[0033] According to an example, the ratio between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2 is in the range of 15:1 to 5:1.

[0034] When the ratio between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2 is in the range of 15:1 to 5:1, the device can be adapted to process large volumes of process air. Due to the high concentration of VOCs in the second regenerative air stream, the difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element in this range will result in a reduced fuel consumption for generating heat. Because of the low fuel consumption when the heat of oxidation in the oxidizing agent is generated by the combustion in the oxidation chamber, the difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element corresponding to the range of 15:1 to 5:1 will also reduce the generated CO2.

[0035] According to an example, the ratio between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2 is 10:1.

[0036] When the ratio between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2 is 10:1, the device can be optimized to process large amounts of process air. Due to the high concentration of VOCs in the second regenerative air stream, the difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element corresponding to 10:1 will result in a reduced fuel consumption for generating heat. Because of the low fuel consumption when the heat of oxidation in the oxidizing agent is generated by the combustion in the oxidation chamber, this difference in rotor diameter of the first rotor element and the rotor diameter of the second rotor element will also reduce the generated CO2. Due to the high concentration of VOCs in the second regenerative air stream, the VOCs can be effectively converted into residual products by other means such as concentration in a cooling converter or precipitation in a precipitation converter.

[0037] According to an example, the process air fan is configured to generate a process air stream through the first rotor element at the first adsorption zone of the apparatus. Such a process air fan can be driven by a first fan motor. The rotational speed of the process air fan can be controlled individually. The process air fan can be arranged to push or suck process air through the first rotor element.

[0038] According to an example, the regeneration air fan is configured to generate a first regeneration air stream through the first rotor element at the first desorption zone of the apparatus; and wherein the regeneration air fan is configured to generate a second regeneration air stream through the second rotor element at the second desorption zone of the apparatus. Such a regeneration air fan can be driven by a second fan motor. The rotational speed of the regeneration air fan can be controlled individually. The regeneration air fan can be arranged to push or suck regeneration air through the first rotor element and / or the second rotor element.

[0039] The apparatus can be configured without a process air fan and / or without a regeneration air fan. Thus, the process air stream can be generated without a process air fan. The first regeneration air stream and the second regeneration air stream can be generated without a regeneration air fan. Alternatively, the process air stream as well as the first regeneration air stream and the second regeneration air stream can be generated by means of a pressure difference in and outside the apparatus.

[0040] According to an example, the cooler is configured to receive and cool the first regeneration air stream after the first regeneration air stream passes through the first rotor element and before the first regeneration air stream enters the second rotor element. The cooler will lower the temperature of the first regeneration air stream. The first regeneration air stream is heated before entering the first rotor element. The first regeneration air stream is guided to the second treatment zone of the apparatus for further guidance to the second rotor element. In order to achieve an effective adsorption of VOCs on the surface of the channels in the second rotor element, the temperature of the first regeneration air stream should be within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range of the first regeneration air stream when leaving the cooler can be 10 °C to 70 °C. Thus, the cooler will lower the temperature of the first regeneration air stream before the first regeneration air stream enters the second rotor element. The guidance of the air streams in the apparatus can be performed by conduits, channels and / or pipes or similar guiding elements.

[0041] According to an example, the volatile organic compounds condensed from the first regeneration air stream in the heat exchanger are configured to be guided to the converter. The first regeneration air stream can contain steam. The lowering of the temperature of the first regeneration air stream in the cooler can cause condensed VOCs in the cooler. The condensed VOCs are configured to be guided to the converter and converted to residual products together with the VOCs in the second regeneration air stream.

[0042] According to an example, the heat exchanger is configured to receive the first regenerative air stream after the first regenerative air stream has passed through the first rotor element and before the first regenerative air stream enters the second rotor element; and wherein the heat exchanger is configured to receive ambient air to be heated in the heat exchanger by the first regenerative air stream.

[0043] The heat exchanger is configured to heat the ambient air entering the heat exchanger and also to reduce the temperature of the first regenerative air stream. As the first regenerative air stream is used to heat the ambient air, the temperature of the first regenerative air stream will be reduced. The first regenerative air stream is heated before entering the first rotor element. The first regenerative air stream is directed to the second treatment zone of the device for further directing to the second rotor element. In order to achieve efficient adsorption of VOCs on the surface of the channels in the second rotor element, the temperature of the first regenerative air stream should be within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range of the first regenerative air stream when leaving the heat exchanger can be 10°C to 70°C. Thus, the heat exchanger will reduce the temperature of the first regenerative air stream before the first regenerative air stream enters the second rotor element. The directing of the air streams in the device can be performed by conduits, channels and / or pipes or similar directing elements. The device can be provided with a cooler and / or a heat exchanger.

[0044] According to an example, the regenerative air fan is configured to feed the heated ambient air from the heat exchanger and to generate the first regenerative air stream.

[0045] The ambient air heated in the heat exchanger by the first regenerative air stream is used as the first regenerative air stream in the first rotor element. Thus, the regenerative air fan feeds the heated ambient air from the heat exchanger to the first regenerative zone of the device.

[0046] According to an example, the regenerative air fan is configured to feed the heated ambient air from the heat exchanger and to generate the second regenerative air stream.

[0047] The ambient air heated in the heat exchanger by the first regenerative air stream can be used as the second regenerative air stream in the second rotor element. Thus, the regenerative air fan feeds the heated ambient air from the heat exchanger to the second regenerative zone of the device.

[0048] According to an example, the volatile organic compounds concentrated in the heat exchanger from the first regenerative air stream are configured to be directed to the converter.

[0049] The first regenerative air stream can contain steam. Reducing the temperature of the first regenerative air stream in the heat exchanger can result in concentrated VOCs in the heat exchanger. The concentrated VOCs are configured to be directed to the converter and to be converted to residual products together with the VOCs in the second regenerative air stream.

[0050] According to an example, the first regeneration air stream is configured to enter the process air stream at the first adsorption zone of the apparatus after passing through the second rotor element.

[0051] The zeolite in the second rotor element adsorbs a substantial amount of VOCs from the first regeneration air stream and removes a substantial amount of VOCs from the first regeneration air stream. However, due to the concentration of VOCs in the first regeneration air stream before the first regeneration air stream enters the second rotor element, the first regeneration air stream leaving the second rotor element can contain VOCs. Therefore, the first regeneration air stream leaving the second rotor element is returned to the process air stream at the first adsorption zone of the apparatus.

[0052] According to an example, a control device configured to control the apparatus. The control device can be part of the apparatus or an external control device. The control device can be configured to control a plurality of different apparatuses.

[0053] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for removing volatile organic compounds from air, the method being performed by a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus, by separating the volatile organic compounds from the air by adsorbing the volatile organic compounds to and desorbing the volatile organic compounds from a first rotor element and a second rotor element of the apparatus. The first rotor element and the second rotor element are each provided with a plurality of channels, and wherein the first rotor element has a circular configuration with a first diameter and the second rotor element has a circular configuration with a second diameter; and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The method comprises the steps of: generating a process air stream, the process air stream passing through the first rotor element at a first adsorption zone of the apparatus; generating a first regeneration air stream, the first regeneration air stream passing through the first rotor element at a first desorption zone of the apparatus; receiving the first regeneration air stream in the second rotor element at a second adsorption zone of the apparatus after the first regeneration air stream has passed through the first rotor element; generating a second regeneration air stream, the second regeneration air stream passing through the second rotor element at a second desorption zone of the apparatus; receiving the second regeneration air stream as concentrated volatile organic compounds in a converter after the second regeneration air stream has passed through the second rotor element; and converting the volatile organic compounds to a residual product in the converter of the apparatus.

[0054] Removal of VOCs from air, e.g. from manufacturing processes or other industrial processes, can be performed in the above volatile organic compound reduction apparatus by adsorbing the VOCs to and desorbing the VOCs from the first and second rotor elements of the apparatus to separate the VOCs from the air. Air containing VOCs is introduced or directed into the VOC reduction apparatus and treated in the VOC reduction apparatus before being emitted to the atmosphere as air that is treated air that contains substantially no VOCs or only a small amount of VOCs. The first and second rotor elements are each provided with a plurality of channels extending from one side to the other side of each rotor element. Generating a process air flow can be performed by means of a process air fan of the apparatus. The process air flow is directed through the first rotor element at a first adsorption zone of the apparatus. The process air fan can be an electric motor driven fan that draws the process air through the first rotor element. Generating a first regeneration air flow through the first rotor element at a first desorption zone of the apparatus can be performed by means of a regeneration air fan of the apparatus. The regeneration air fan can be an electric motor driven fan that forces the process air through the first rotor element by means of a positive pressure. Receiving the first regeneration air flow in the second rotor element at a second adsorption zone of the apparatus after the first regeneration air flow has passed through the first rotor element is performed by directing the first regeneration air flow to the second adsorption zone at the second rotor element. This directing of the first regeneration air flow can be performed by means of a duct, channel and / or pipe or the like of the apparatus. Generating a second regeneration air flow through the second rotor element at a second desorption zone of the apparatus by means of the regeneration air fan can be performed by directing the second regeneration air flow to the second desorption zone at the second rotor element. Receiving the second regeneration air flow as concentrated VOCs in a converter after the second regeneration air flow has passed through the second rotor element can be performed by adsorbing the VOCs from the surfaces of the channels in the second rotor element. Converting the VOCs to residual products in the converter of the apparatus can be performed in an oxidizer and / or a catalyst, wherein the VOCs are converted to residual products such as water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2). The oxidation heat in the oxidizer is generated by using any known combustion of a combustion fuel such as natural gas or diesel fuel in an oxidation chamber. The size of the fuel consumption for generating the heat depends on the concentration of VOCs in the second regeneration air flow. As a result of having a high concentration of VOCs in the second regeneration air flow, the consumption of fuel and the generated CO2 will be reduced when the combustion in the oxidation chamber generates the oxidation heat in the oxidizer. As a result of the high concentration of VOCs in the second regeneration air flow, the VOCs can be effectively converted to residual products by other means such as condensation in a cooling converter or precipitation in a precipitation converter.

[0055] According to an example, the method further comprises the steps of receiving and cooling the first regenerative air stream in a cooler after the first regenerative air stream has passed through the first rotor element and before the second rotor element receives the first regenerative air stream.

[0056] The cooler is configured to reduce the temperature of the first regenerative air stream. Since the first regenerative air stream is used to heat the ambient air, the temperature of the first regenerative air stream will decrease. The first regenerative air stream is heated before entering the first rotor element. The first regenerative air stream is directed to the second treatment zone of the apparatus for further directing to the second rotor element. In order to achieve efficient adsorption of VOCs on the surface of the channels in the second rotor element, the temperature of the first regenerative air stream should be within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range of the first regenerative air stream when leaving the cooler can be 10°C to 70°C. Thus, the cooler will reduce the temperature of the first regenerative air stream before the first regenerative air stream enters the second rotor element. The directing of the air streams in the apparatus can be performed by conduits, channels and / or pipes or similar directing elements.

[0057] According to an example, the method comprises the further steps of receiving the first regenerative air stream in a heat exchanger of the apparatus after the first regenerative air stream has passed through the first rotor element and before the second rotor element receives the first regenerative air stream; receiving ambient air in the heat exchanger to be heated by the first regenerative air stream in the heat exchanger; and feeding the heated ambient air from the heat exchanger by a regenerative air fan.

[0058] The heat exchanger is configured to heat the ambient air entering the heat exchanger and also to reduce the temperature of the first regenerative air stream. Since the first regenerative air stream is used to heat the ambient air, the temperature of the first regenerative air stream will decrease. The first regenerative air stream is heated before entering the first rotor element. The first regenerative air stream is directed to the second treatment zone of the apparatus for further directing to the second rotor element. In order to achieve efficient adsorption of VOCs on the surface of the channels in the second rotor element, the temperature of the first regenerative air stream should be within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range of the first regenerative air stream when leaving the heat exchanger can be 10°C to 70°C. Thus, the heat exchanger will reduce the temperature of the first regenerative air stream before the first regenerative air stream enters the second rotor element. The directing of the air streams in the apparatus can be performed by conduits, channels and / or pipes or similar directing elements.

[0059] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method disclosed above. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method disclosed above.

[0060] The present disclosure will now be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates the principle of the first rotor element 2 of an example volatile organic compound (VOC) reduction device 1. The VOC reduction device 1 according to this disclosure includes two rotor elements, a first rotor element 2 and a second rotor element 3. Figure 2 However, in order to describe the function of the rotor elements, Figure 1 The first rotor element 2 is disclosed only. Multiple channels 4 are arranged in the first rotor element 2. The channels 4 can extend from one side of the first rotor element 2 to the other side. The channels 4 are parallel to the first central axis 6 of the first rotor element 2. Process airflow 8 can pass through the channels 4. The first rotor element 2 is adapted to process the process airflow 8 by reducing VOCs 9 in the process airflow 8, which can pass through the channels 4 of the first rotor element 2. The first rotor element 2 holds a medium 11 for removing VOCs 9. An example of such medium 11 is zeolite. Zeolite adsorbs and removes most of the VOCs 9 from the process airflow 8. A generally V-shaped separating member 10 separates the disc-shaped portion 12 of the first rotor element 2 from the rest of the first rotor element 2 to define a first desorption zone 13 of the device 1 and thus a first regeneration section 14 of the first rotor element 2. The rest of the first rotor element 2 is located in a first adsorption zone 16 of the device 1. The first desorption zone 13 of the device 1 can occupy approximately one-quarter to one-third of the surface area of ​​the first rotor element 2. The process airflow 8 is allowed to flow through the channel 4 in the first rotor element 2. Simultaneously, a heated first regeneration airflow 18 is allowed to pass through the first desorption zone 13 of the device and thus the first regeneration section 14 of the first rotor element 2. The first regeneration airflow 18 increases the temperature of the first rotor element 2, causing it to release VOCs 9, which are then carried away by the first regeneration airflow 18 and further to the second rotor element (…). Figure 2). The first rotor element 2, which has released VOCs 9 to the first regeneration air stream 18, is rotated into the first adsorption zone 16 of the apparatus 1, in which the first rotor element 2 again adsorbs VOCs 9 from the process air stream 8. The process air fan 20 is configured to draw the process air stream 8 from air containing VOCs 9 from a manufacturing process or other industrial process and is configured to force the process air stream 8 to flow through the filter element 22 and the first adsorption zone 16 of the first rotor element 2 in order to remove VOCs 9 from the process air stream 8. Downstream of the first adsorption zone 16 of the apparatus 1, the cleaned process air stream 8 is discharged to the atmosphere. The reactivation air stream 18 is drawn from the atmosphere and heated in the first heater element 24. A regeneration air fan 26 can be arranged to draw reactivation air from the atmosphere and force it to flow through the first regeneration section 14 of the first rotor element 2 in order to release VOCs 9 trapped in the first regeneration section 14 from the first regeneration section 14 into the first regeneration air stream 18. The first regeneration air outlet 26 is located downstream of the first desorption zone 13 of the apparatus 1 for discharging the first regeneration air stream 18 to the second rotor element Figure 2 ) The first rotor motor 29 is configured to rotate the first rotor element 2 about the first central axis 6.

[0062] Figure 2A VOC reduction apparatus 1 for removing VOCs 9 from air is schematically illustrated. A first rotor element 2 and a second rotor element 3 are each provided with a plurality of channels 4 configured to separate VOCs 9 from air by adsorbing and desorbing VOCs 9 to and from the first rotor element 2 and the second rotor element 3. A process air fan 20 is driven by a first fan motor 33 and is configured to generate a process air stream 8 that passes through the first rotor element 2 at a first adsorption zone 16 of the apparatus 1. A regeneration air fan 26 is configured to produce a first regeneration air stream 18 that passes through the first rotor element 2 at a first desorption zone 13 of the apparatus 1. The regeneration air fan 26 is driven by a second fan motor 35. A cooler 27 is configured to reduce the temperature of the first regeneration air stream 18 before the first regeneration air stream 18 enters the second rotor element 3. A heat exchanger 30 is configured to receive the first regeneration air stream 18 after the first regeneration air stream 18 passes through the first rotor element 2 and after passing through the cooler 27. After passing through the heat exchanger 30, the first regeneration air stream 18 enters the second rotor element 3. The heat exchanger 30 is configured to receive ambient air 31 so that the ambient air 31 is heated in the heat exchanger 30 by the first regeneration air stream 18. The regeneration air fan 26 is configured to feed the heated ambient air 31 from the heat exchanger 30 and produce the first regeneration air stream 18. The first regeneration air stream 18 is heated in a first heater element 24 before entering the first desorption zone 13 of the apparatus 1. The regeneration air fan 26 is also configured to feed the heated ambient air 31 from the heat exchanger 30 and produce a second regeneration air stream 32 that passes through the second rotor element 3 at a second desorption zone 34 of the apparatus 1. The second regeneration air stream 32 is heated by a second heater element 39 before the second regeneration air stream 32 enters the second desorption zone 34 of the apparatus 1. A regulator element 46 is configured to distribute the heated ambient air 31 from the heat exchanger 30 to the first regeneration air stream 18 and the second regeneration air stream 32. A converter 36 is configured to convert VOCs 9 to residual products 37, such as water vapor and CO2. The converter 36 includes an oxidation chamber 41 in which heat for converting VOCs 9 to residual products 37 is generated by combustion of fuel 43 that is delivered to the oxidation chamber 41 from a fuel tank 45. The second rotor element 3 is configured to receive the first regeneration air stream 18 at a second adsorption zone 38 of the apparatus 1 after the first regeneration air stream 18 passes through the first rotor element 2. The first regeneration air stream 18 is configured to enter the process air stream 8 of the first rotor element 2 at the first adsorption zone 16 of the apparatus 1 after passing through the second rotor element 2. The converter 36 is configured to receive the second regeneration air stream 32 as concentrated VOCs 9 after the second regeneration air stream 32 has passed through the second rotor element 3.The first rotor element 2 has a circular configuration with a first diameter d1 and the second rotor element 3 has a circular configuration with a second diameter d2. The first diameter d1 is larger than the second diameter d2. The first rotor element 2 is configured to be rotated around the first central axis 6 by means of the first rotor motor 29. The second rotor element 3 is configured to be rotated around the second central axis 42 by means of the second rotor motor 44. The VOCs 9 concentrated from the first regeneration air flow 18 in the heat exchanger 30 are configured to be guided to the converter 36 by means of the pump 40. The VOCs 9 concentrated from the first regeneration air flow 18 in the cooler 27 are configured to be guided to the converter 36 by means of the pump 40. The guiding of the air flows in the device 1 can be performed by means of pipes, channels and / or ducts or similar guiding elements (not shown). The device 1 can be provided with a cooler 27 and / or a heat exchanger 30.

[0063] The control device 100 is configured for controlling the device 1. The control unit 100 is connected to the first rotor motor 29 and the second rotor motor 44, the first fan motor 33 and the second fan motor 35 and the pump 40. The control unit 100 can also be connected to the first heater element 24 and the second heater element 39. The control unit 100 can also be connected to the converter 36.

[0064] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method for removing VOCs 9 from air is shown, the method being performed by a control device 100 of a VOC reduction device 1, separating VOCs 9 from air by adsorbing VOCs 9 to a first rotor element 2 and a second rotor element 3 of the device 1 and desorbing from the first rotor element 2 and the second rotor element 3 of the device 1. The first rotor element 2 and the second rotor element 3 are each provided with a plurality of channels 4. The first rotor element 2 has a circular configuration with a first diameter d1 and the second rotor element 3 has a circular configuration with a second diameter d2; and the first diameter d1 is larger than the second diameter d2. The method thus involves Figure 2 The VOC reduction device 1 disclosed in the introduction.

[0065] The method comprises the following steps. A process air stream 8 is generated s101 by means of a process air fan 20 of the apparatus 1, which process air stream 8 passes through the first rotor element 2 at a first adsorption zone 16 of the apparatus 1. A regeneration air stream 18 is generated s102 by means of a regeneration air fan 26 of the apparatus 1, which regeneration air stream 18 passes through the first rotor element 2 at a first desorption zone 13 of the apparatus 1. After the first regeneration air stream 18 has passed through the first rotor element 2, the first regeneration air stream 18 is received s103 in the second rotor element 3 at a second adsorption zone 38 of the apparatus 1. A second regeneration air stream 32 is generated s104 by means of the regeneration air fan 26, which second regeneration air stream 32 passes through the second rotor element 3 at a second desorption zone 34 of the apparatus 1. After the second regeneration air stream 32 has passed through the second rotor element 3, the second regeneration air stream 32 is received s105 in a converter 36 of the apparatus 1 as concentrated volatile organic compounds 9. The volatile organic compounds 9 are converted s106 into residual products in the converter 36 of the apparatus 1.

[0066] The method comprises the further step of receiving and cooling s107 the first regeneration air stream 18 in a cooler 27 after the first regeneration air stream 18 has passed through the first rotor element 2 and before the second rotor element 3 receives the first regeneration air stream 18.

[0067] The method comprises the further step of receiving the first regeneration air stream 18 in a heat exchanger 30 of the apparatus 1 after the first regeneration air stream 18 has passed through the first rotor element 2 and before the second rotor element 3 receives the first regeneration air stream 18. Ambient air 31 is received s109 in the heat exchanger 30 to be heated by the first regeneration air stream 18 in the heat exchanger 30. The heated ambient air 31 from the heat exchanger 30 is fed s110 by means of the regeneration air fan 26.

[0068] Figure 4 A computer or device 500 according to an example is schematically illustrated. The control device 100 of the particle protection device 32 can comprise the device 500 in one version. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510 and a read / write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first storage element 530 in which a computer program, for example an operating system, is stored for controlling the functioning of the device 500. The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I / O devices, an A / D converter, a time and date input and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not depicted). The non-volatile memory 520 further has a second storage element 540.

[0069] A computer program P is provided, which comprises routines for performing the secure method. The program P can be stored in the memory 560 and / or in the read / write memory 550 in executable form or in compressed form.

[0070] In case the data processing unit 510 is described as performing a specific function, it is meant that the data processing unit 510 implements a specific part of a program stored in the memory 560 or a specific part of a program stored in the read / write memory 550.

[0071] The data processing device 510 can communicate with the data port 599 via the data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via the data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via the data bus 511. The read / write memory 550 is adapted to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via the data bus 514.

[0072] When data is received on the data port 599, the data is temporarily stored in the second storage element 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing unit 510 is ready to implement the code execution as described above.

[0073] Parts of the methods described herein can be implemented by means of the data processing unit 510 of the apparatus 500 running a program stored in the memory 560 or in the read / write memory 550. When the apparatus 500 runs the program, the methods described herein are performed.

[0074] The foregoing description of implementations has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the example to the described variants. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The example has been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of the example, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the example in various examples and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The above-described components and features can be combined in the framework of the example in different examples between the described examples.

Claims

1. A volatile organic compound abatement apparatus (1) for removing volatile organic compounds (9) from air, the apparatus (1) comprising: a first rotor element (2) and a second rotor element (3), each provided with a plurality of channels (4) configured to separate the volatile organic compounds (9) from air by adsorbing the volatile organic compounds (9) to and desorbing the volatile organic compounds (9) from the first rotor element (2) and the second rotor element (3); a first adsorption zone (16) of the apparatus (1) configured to direct a process air stream (8) through the first rotor element (2); a first desorption zone (13) of the apparatus (1) configured to direct a first regeneration air stream (18) through the first rotor element (2); and a converter (36) configured to convert the volatile organic compounds (9) into a residual product (37); wherein, the second rotor element (3) is configured to receive the first regeneration air stream (18) at a second adsorption zone (38) of the apparatus (1) after the first regeneration air stream (18) has passed through the first rotor element (2); a second desorption zone (34) of the apparatus (1) is configured to direct a second regeneration air stream (32) through the second rotor element (3); and the converter (36) is configured to receive the second regeneration air stream (32) as concentrated volatile organic compounds (9) after the second regeneration air stream (32) has passed through the second rotor element (3); wherein the first rotor element (2) has a circular configuration with a first diameter (dl) and the second rotor element (3) has a circular configuration with a second diameter (d2); wherein a volumetric flow rate of the first regeneration air stream (18) through the second rotor element (3) is configured to be less than a volumetric flow rate of the process air stream (8) through the first rotor element (2); wherein the first diameter (dl) is greater than the second diameter (d2); wherein a ratio between the first diameter (dl) and the second diameter (d2) is in a range of 20: 1 to 2: 1; wherein a regeneration air fan (26) is configured to generate the first regeneration air stream (18) through the first rotor element (2) at the first desorption zone (13) of the apparatus (1); and wherein, the regeneration air fan (26) is configured to generate the second regeneration air stream (32) through the second rotor element (3) at the second desorption zone (34) of the apparatus (1).

2. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein, The ratio between the first diameter (d1) and the second diameter (d2) is in the range of 15:1 to 5:

1.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein The ratio between the first diameter (d1) and the second diameter (d2) is 10:

1.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A process air fan (20) is configured to generate the process air stream (8) which passes the first rotor element (2) at the first adsorption zone (16) of the apparatus (1).

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A cooler (27) is configured to receive and cool the first regeneration air stream (18) after the first regeneration air stream (18) passes the first rotor element (2) and before the first regeneration air stream (18) enters the second rotor element (3).

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A heat exchanger (30) is configured to receive and cool the first regeneration air stream (18) after the first regeneration air stream (18) passes the first rotor element (2) and before the first regeneration air stream (18) enters the second rotor element (3); and wherein The heat exchanger (30) is configured to receive ambient air (31) to be heated by the first regeneration air stream (18) in the heat exchanger (30).

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein The regeneration air fan (26) is configured to feed the heated ambient air (31) from the heat exchanger (30) and to generate the first regeneration air stream (18).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein The regeneration air fan (26) is configured to feed the heated ambient air (31) from the heat exchanger (30) and to generate the second regeneration air stream (32).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein Volatile organic compounds (9) condensed from the first regeneration air stream (18) in the heat exchanger (30) are configured to be directed to the converter (36).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first regeneration air stream (18) after passing the second rotor element (3) is configured to enter the process air stream (8) of the first rotor element (2) at the first adsorption zone (16) of the apparatus (1).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A control device (100) is configured to control the apparatus (1).

12. A method of removing volatile organic compounds (9) from air, the method being performed by a volatile organic compound reduction apparatus (1), the volatile organic compounds (9) being separated from air by adsorption to and desorption from first rotor elements (2) and second rotor elements (3) of the apparatus (1), wherein, The first rotor element (2) and the second rotor element (3) are each provided with a plurality of channels (4), and wherein the first rotor element (2) has a circular configuration with a first diameter (d1) and the second rotor element (3) has a circular configuration with a second diameter (d2); the first diameter (d1) is larger than the second diameter (d2); and the ratio between the first diameter (d1) and the second diameter (d2) is in the range of 20:1 to 2:1; the method comprises the following steps: generating (s101) a process air stream that passes through the first rotor element (2) at a first adsorption zone (16) of the apparatus (1); generating (s102) a first regeneration air stream (18) by a regeneration air fan (26), the first regeneration air stream (18) passing through the first rotor element (2) at a first desorption zone (13) of the apparatus (1); after the first regeneration air stream (18) has passed through the first rotor element (2) and before the second rotor element (3) receives the first regeneration air stream (18), receiving (s107) and cooling the first regeneration air stream (18) in a cooler (27). after the first regeneration air stream (18) has passed through the first rotor element (2) and before the second rotor element (3) receives the first regeneration air stream (18), receiving (s108) the first regeneration air stream (18) in a heat exchanger (30) of the apparatus (1); receiving (s109) ambient air (31) in the heat exchanger (30) to be heated by the first regeneration air stream (18) in the heat exchanger (30); and 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, after the second regeneration air stream (32) has passed through the second rotor element (3), receiving (s105) the second regeneration air stream (32) as concentrated volatile organic compounds (9) in a converter (36) of the apparatus (1); and converting (s106) the volatile organic compounds (9) into residual products (37) in the converter (36) of the apparatus (1).

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein, The method comprises further steps: after the first regeneration air stream (18) has passed through the first rotor element (2) and before the second rotor element (3) receives the first regeneration air stream (18), receiving (s107) and cooling the first regeneration air stream (18) in a cooler (27). The method comprises further steps: after the first regeneration air stream (18) has passed through the first rotor element (2) and before the second rotor element (3) receives the first regeneration air stream (18), receiving (s108) the first regeneration air stream (18) in a heat exchanger (30) of the apparatus (1); receiving (s109) ambient air (31) in the heat exchanger (30) to be heated by the first regeneration air stream (18) in the heat exchanger (30); and after the second regeneration air stream (32) has passed through the second rotor element (3), receiving (s105) the second regeneration air stream (32) as concentrated volatile organic compounds (9) in a converter (36) of the apparatus (1); and converting (s106) the volatile organic compounds (9) into residual products (37) in the converter (36) of the apparatus (1). feeding (s110), by the regeneration air fan (26), the heated ambient air (31) from the heat exchanger (30).

15. A computer readable medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer (100; 500), cause the computer (100; 500) to carry out the method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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