The ecologically sensible alternative
30.05.2012
All too often, solvents in exhaust air are simply incinerated. This in no way corresponds to the principles of a sustainable technology policy, especially since proven processes for solvent recovery exist. This is demonstrated by the example of a recovery plant for isopropanol (IPA) that was installed in a pharmaceutical production facility.
The plant emits an exhaust air stream of 8,500 Nm³/h at approx. 40 °C with an IPA concentration of up to 15 g/Nm³. The solvent is recovered via a combination of filtration, multi-stage condensation and a rotating adsorber (Scheurusolv process) – with an IPA recovery rate of more than 99.9%.
In contrast to conventional incineration solutions, this purification process is CO₂-neutral and thus corresponds to an environmentally sound and sustainable handling of solvents.
