How to Troubleshoot RTO with Heat Recovery Problems?
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTOs) are used in industrial applications to control emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). When integrated with a heat recovery system, RTOs can help to reduce overall operating costs by capturing waste heat and reusing it to preheat incoming process air. However, like any system, RTOs can encounter issues that affect their performance. In this article, we will explore how to troubleshoot RTO with heat recovery problems and keep your system running efficiently.
Check the Heat Recovery System
- Inspect the heat exchangers and ensure that they are free of fouling or blockages. Fouling can occur due to the buildup of dirt, dust, or other contaminants on the heat exchanger surface, reducing its efficiency.
- Check the incoming and outgoing temperatures of the heat recovery system. A significant difference in these temperatures could indicate that the heat exchangers are not functioning efficiently.
- Inspect the ductwork for leaks or damage. Leaks can result in the loss of heat, reducing the effectiveness of the heat recovery system.
- Verify that the heat recovery system is properly sized for the RTO and the process it serves. An undersized system will not be able to capture enough heat, while an oversized system may increase capital costs without providing any additional benefit.
Check the RTO Valves
- Inspect the valves that control the flow of process air and exhaust gas through the RTO. Ensure that they are functioning correctly and not leaking or stuck in a partially open position.
- Verify that the valves are properly sized for the RTO and the process it serves. An undersized valve may limit airflow, while an oversized valve may reduce the effectiveness of the RTO.
- Check the valve actuation system to ensure that it is functioning correctly and not causing any delays or malfunctions.
- Inspect the valve seals and gaskets. Leaks can result in the loss of heat and reduce the efficiency of the RTO.
Check the Combustion System
- Inspect the burner system and ensure that it is clean and free of debris. Buildup inside the burner can reduce its efficiency and effectiveness.
- Verify that the fuel and air supplies to the burner are correctly adjusted. A poorly adjusted burner can result in incomplete combustion and increase the emissions of VOCs and HAPs.
- Check the flame sensor and ensure that it is functioning correctly. A faulty flame sensor can result in the shutdown of the combustion system.
- Monitor the temperatures within the RTO and ensure that they are within the operating range. High temperatures can damage the RTO, while low temperatures may result in incomplete combustion.
Check the Control System
- Inspect the control panel and ensure that all the sensors, switches, and gauges are functioning correctly.
- Verify that the control system is correctly programmed and calibrated. A poorly calibrated system can result in fluctuations in temperature or airflow, reducing the efficiency of the RTO.
- Monitor the performance of the RTO and track any changes or trends in its operation. Analyzing this data can help to identify potential issues before they become significant problems.
- Ensure that the control system has adequate backup and redundancy systems in place to prevent downtime or loss of data.
Check the Maintenance Schedule
- Verify that the RTO is being maintained according to its recommended schedule. Neglected maintenance can result in decreased efficiency and increased emissions.
- Ensure that all maintenance procedures are being performed correctly and by qualified personnel.
- Track the maintenance history of the RTO and analyze any trends or patterns that emerge. This data can help to identify recurring issues and develop strategies to prevent them.
- Ensure that all maintenance records are properly documented and retained for future reference.
Conclusie
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers with heat recovery systems are an effective way to control emissions and reduce operating costs. However, they require regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure that they are operating efficiently and effectively. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify potential issues and keep your RTO running smoothly.
We are a high-tech enterprise that specializes in treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) waste gas and carbon reduction and energy-saving technology for high-end equipment manufacturing. Our core technical team consists of over 60 R&D technicians, including three senior engineers at the researcher level and 16 senior engineers from the Aerospace Liquid Rocket Engine Research Institute (Aerospace Sixth Institute). Our company has four core technologies: thermal energy, combustion, sealing, and automatic control. We can simulate temperature fields and air flow field simulation modeling and calculation. We also have the ability to test the performance of ceramic thermal storage materials, the selection of molecular sieve adsorption materials, and the experimental testing of the high-temperature incineration and oxidation characteristics of VOCs organic matter. We have built an RTO technology research and development center and an exhaust gas carbon reduction engineering technology center in the ancient city of Xi’an, along with a 30,000m2 production base in Yangling. Our production and sales volume of RTO equipment is far ahead in the world.
Our R&D Platform
- High-efficiency Combustion Control Technology Test Bench – This test bench is used to test the combustion efficiency of various materials and fuel, and we can use the data obtained to optimize our RTO equipment to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
- Molecular Sieve Adsorption Efficiency Test Bench – This test bench is used to evaluate the molecular sieve’s adsorption capacity and efficiency, enabling us to select the most efficient adsorption material for the RTO equipment.
- High-efficiency Ceramic Heat Storage Technology Test Bench – This test bench is used to test the thermal storage capacity of various ceramic materials and to optimize the RTO equipment energy-saving performance.
- Ultra-high Temperature Waste Heat Recovery Test Bench – This test bench is used to test the high-temperature incineration and oxidation characteristics of VOCs organic matter and to optimize the RTO equipment’s energy-saving performance.
- Gaseous Fluid Sealing Technology Test Bench – This test bench is used to test the sealing performance of different sealing materials under various pressures, temperatures, and chemical environments, enabling us to select the best sealing material for RTO equipment.

Our Patents and Honors
On the core technology front, we have applied for 68 patents, including 21 invention patents, with patent technology covering key components. We have been granted four invention patents, 41 utility model patents, six appearance patents, and seven software copyrights.

Our Production Capacity
- Steel Plate and Section Automatic Shot Blasting Production Line – This production line can efficiently remove rust and impurities from the surface of steel plates and sections, ensuring the quality of RTO equipment production.
- Manual Shot Blasting Production Line – This production line can clean the surface of irregular workpieces and parts effectively.
- Dust Removal Environmental Protection Equipment – This equipment can effectively remove dust and other pollutants from the production plant environment.
- Automatic Spray Paint Room – This room can spray paint on workpieces, saving labor costs and improving the coating quality.
- Drying Room – This room can dry the painted workpieces and parts quickly and uniformly, improving production efficiency.

At our company, we have the passion and expertise to help our clients achieve their environmental goals. By working with us, clients can expect:
- Advanced R&D expertise and cutting-edge technology
- Comprehensive environmental solutions tailored to client needs
- High-quality and reliable equipment production and installation services
- Efficient project management and engineering support
- Competitive pricing and long-term value for investment
- Excellent after-sales service and technical support

Auteur: Miya