Abstract: A catalytic oxidation system and method for the treatment of volatile organic compounds in which VOC-containing gas is preheated in a heat exchanger for raising its temperature before oxidation in a catalytic oxidizer without use of a burner. A reduced portion of the VOC-containing gas is diverted into an internal combustion engine with the exhaust mixed with the preheated VOC-containing gas to further raise the temperature of the mixed gas to a required reaction temperature for oxidation of the VOC-containing gas in the catalyst bed of the catalytic oxidizer. Heat from the catalytic reaction is recovered to assist preheating the VOC-containing gas in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidation system and method for the treatment of volatile organic compounds in which VOC-containing gas is preheated in a heat exchanger for raising its temperature before oxidation in a catalytic oxidizer without use of a burner. A reduced portion of the VOC-containing gas is diverted into an internal combustion engine with the exhaust mixed with the preheated VOC-containing gas to further raise the temperature of the mixed gas to a required reaction temperature for oxidation of the VOC-containing gas in the catalyst bed of the catalytic oxidizer. Heat from the catalytic reaction is recovered to assist preheating the VOC-containing gas in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Unused methyl bromide from a fumigation cycle is captured by adsorption on a molecular sieve and recycled for reuse or recovery by desorption with hot gas without the need to purge the fumigation chamber with outside air. The loss of methyl bromide to the atmosphere is minimal.