Abstract: A control system for a regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. Contaminated air is directed into heat exchange media in one of said columns, and oxidation is completed as the flow passes through the combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the now clean air flows through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse. The resulting clean air is directed via an outlet valve through an outlet manifold and released to atmosphere or is recirculated back to the oxidizer inlet.

Abstract: Control system and method for regulating the air/fuel mix of a burner for a web dryer or a regenerative or recuperative oxidizer, for example. Differential air pressure is monitored between the air chamber of the burner and the enclosure into which the burner fires (such as a flotation dryer or the combustion chamber of a regenerative thermal oxidizer). Fuel flow is monitored by a differential pressure measurement between the fuel chamber of the burner and the enclosure into which the burner fires. These measurements are compared to predetermined values, and the fuel flow and/or air flow to the burner is regulated accordingly.

Abstract: A combination infrared/convection dryer or oven for drying travelling webs. A shutter assembly is provided between the infrared radiation source and the moving web in order to selectively expose the web to infrared radiation. Drying efficiency is optimized by adding heated impinged air at high velocity on the machine direction ends and between the infrared elements. The air being discharged on the web is heated as it is pulled across the elements to a centralized return air duct. The return air is pulled into the inlet of a close coupled supply fan which then discharges the air to the nozzles. A portion of the air is also exhausted to atmosphere to maintain the oven enclosure in a negative pressure state, thus drawing fresh make-up air into the oven housing through the web inlet and outlet slots. Flotation nozzles can be used where contactless support of the running web is desired. Enhanced drying of the web and/or a coating on the web at high speed is achieved without a concomitant increase in dryer length.

Abstract: A combination infrared/convection dryer or oven for drying travelling webs. A shutter assembly is provided between the infrared radiation source and the moving web in order to selectively expose the web to infrared radiation. Drying efficiency is optimized by adding heated impinged air at high velocity on the machine direction ends and between the infrared elements. The air being discharged on the web is heated as it is pulled across the elements to a centralized return air duct. The return air is pulled into the inlet of a close coupled supply fan which then discharges the air to the nozzles. A portion of the air is also exhausted to atmosphere to maintain the oven enclosure in a negative pressure state, thus drawing fresh make-up air into the oven housing through the web inlet and outlet slots. Flotation nozzles can be used where contactless support of the running web is desired. Enhanced drying of the web and/or a coating on the web at high speed is achieved without a concomitant increase in dryer length.

Abstract: Control system and method for monitoring and controlling the stoichiometry of a secondary air burner in a thermal oxidizer. The burner control system secures a certain stoichiometry independent of possible simultaneous changes of the gas mixture flow rate and/or of the combustible impurity concentration in the process gas. The firing rate of the burner is adjusted by a controller. Additionally, the flow of the burner fuel and of the process gas mixture are measured and transformed into separate signals. Both signals are sent to an evaluation apparatus that compares the signals and generates a third signal based upon that comparison. This third signal is in communication with a device that changes the gas mixture flow resistance, and thus the desired amount of gas mixture will be diverted for the combustion of the fuel.