Formulas for VOC Abatement

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Temperature Rise Across Catalyst From Exothermic Oxidation of VOCs

	(VOC in lbs / hr) X (VOC latent heat in btu / lb)
Temperature Rise °F =
	(1.08) X (airflow in scf / min)

Maximum VOC Load for an Oxidizer

	(allowable temp rise, °F) X (1.08) X (airflow in scf / min)
VOC in lbs / hr =
	(VOC latent heat in btu / lb)

Concentration of VOCs in Air Stream (given lbs / hr flow of VOCs)

	(VOC in lbs / hr) X (387 scf / mole) X 1,000,000
ppmv =
	(airflow in scf / min) X (molecular wt. VOC in lbs / mole) X (60 min / hour)

Pounds Per Hour of VOCs in an Air Stream (given concentration in ppmv)

	(concentration in ppmv)		(molecular wt in lbs / mole)
Lbs / hr		X airflow in scf / min X		X 60 min / hr
	(1,000,000)		(387 scf / mole)

Calculate % of LEL (given concentration in ppmv)

	(concentration in ppmv)
% LEL =
	(VOC LEL %) X 100

Note: LEL must be entered into the formula as a whole percentage. For example, if LEL = 2.3%, enter the value of 2.3.

Energy Released by Oxidation (assumes 100% reaction)
Btu = (VOC in lbs) X (VOC latent heat in btu / hr)

Energy Required to Heat an Air Stream
Btu / hr = (airflow in scf / min) X (1.08) X (temp rise required in °F)

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