Abstract: The present invention involves a regenerative thermal oxidation apparatus for purifying gases by thermal oxidation and for exchange of heat between inleting and outleting gases. The apparatus has a plurality of thermal chamber units, each such unit having a gate with at least one gate orifice movably located in a linear fashion against a base surface so as to alternatively align with various inlet and outlet openings. The improvement involves the use of a plurality of seals located between the gate and the openings with sufficient sealing capabilities between the gate and the openings to maintain each chamber at an elevated pressure, i.e. above atmospheric pressure, and so as to reduce leakage of gases from each of the chambers and reduce condensation during operation. The invention is also directed to the method utilizing this apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved regenerative thermal oxidizer and a method of purifying gases by raising gases to their auto ignition temperature and by exchanging heat by inleting and outleting gases. The reactor has at least three regenerative thermal chamber units and these units have on a single surface at least three openings, a purge opening, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which are connected to recycled outlet gases for purging, and to inlet and outlet gases respectively. Set against the purge, inlet and outlet openings is a slidable gate which has a single opening which moves through cycles so that its single opening coincides with the inlet opening of its chamber unit, or coincides with one or more spaces which are closed between the inlet and outlet opening, or with the purge opening, or coincide with the outlet opening. In other words, the gate cycles between inleting gases, no gas movement, purge position, no gas movement and outleting gases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a regenerative thermal oxidizer apparatus and a method for purifying gases by thermal oxidation and by exchange of heat by inleting and outleting gases. The oxidizer has at least three regenerative thermal chamber units and these units have on a single surface both an inlet opening and an outlet opening which are typically connected to inlet and outlet gases. Set against the inlet and outlet openings is a slidable gate which has a single opening which moves through cycles so that its single opening coincides with the inlet opening of its chamber unit, or a space which is closed between the inlet and outlet opening, or coincide with the outlet opening. In other words, the gate cycles between inleting gases, no gas movement, and outleting gases. There are means providing for moving the gate through the aforesaid cycle and, as mentioned, inlet ducts and outlet ducts connected to their respective openings.