Printing industry

The printing industry commonly uses flexographic, offset, gravure and screen-printing processes. These processes often use inks and solvents containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the air during printing and drying. VOC emissions can harm the environment and employee health and must therefore be removed efficiently.

Emission control technologies for the printing industry:

Regenerative Thermal Oxidation (RTO)

RTO is an effective technology for removing VOCs from exhaust air with low to medium concentrations. The exhaust air passes through a ceramic heat-storage bed into the oxidation chamber, where the VOCs are converted into harmless substances at high temperatures. The heat generated by the process is recovered and used to preheat the incoming air, substantially reducing operating costs.

Zeolite Rotary Concentrator

This system is ideal for the large air volumes and low VOC concentrations typical of printing operations. Exhaust air passes through a rotating zeolite adsorbent that captures the VOCs. A small hot-air stream then releases the captured VOCs in concentrated form, and they are treated in an RTO unit. This increases the efficiency of the overall system.

Activated Carbon Adsorber

Activated carbon adsorbers are suitable for small to medium air volumes with low VOC concentrations. Activated carbon has a high adsorption capacity and is periodically regenerated by a small hot-air stream. The technology is economical and straightforward to implement.

Examples of printing-industry applications:

Flexographic printing lines: A zeolite rotary concentrator combined with an RTO efficiently removes VOCs from exhaust air.
Offset printing: An activated carbon adsorber reduces VOC emissions from inks and cleaning agents.
Gravure and screen printing: RTO units oxidize VOCs generated during printing and drying.

Benefits of implementing these technologies:

Reduced VOC emissions: Compliance with statutory requirements and protection of the environment.
Lower operating costs: Air recirculation and heat recovery deliver significant energy savings.
Improved working environment: Lower pollutant concentrations enhance employee safety and comfort.
Stronger environmental responsibility: Modern technologies contribute to a positive corporate image.

These technologies enable printing operations to reduce VOC emissions efficiently, optimize costs and comply with stringent environmental standards.