VOC Emission Reduction

Industrial processes that handle solvents, resins, or bitumen often generate organic mists and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These vapors condense into fine aerosols that carry odorous or hazardous substances, contributing to visible plumes and air quality concerns.

With over 40 years of experience, Ecosystems delivers integrated VOC reduction systems that combine gas cooling, mist elimination, and activated carbon polishing — achieving emission levels below 5 mg/Nm³ and exceeding EU and U.S. environmental standards.

Our advanced “package plants” provide complete VOC treatment, from vapor condensation to aerosol capture and polishing, ensuring nearly zero visible emissions and full compliance with the EU Green Deal and Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Why VOC & Organic aerosol control matters

Uncontrolled organic mists and vapors cause:

Odor nuisance and community complaints

Occupational health risks from inhalation of solvents or plasticizers

Corrosion and fouling in exhaust systems

Environmental non-compliance, especially under the revised IED (2024–2025)

Ecosystems solutions remove both vapor-phase VOCs and aerosol-bound organics, cutting emissions by over 90% compared to 2005 benchmarks.

Our integrated technology approach

Ecosystems’ VOC Emission Reduction Systems use a proven three-stage process that maximizes removal efficiency and minimizes operational costs:

1. Gas cooling and condensation

Hot solvent-laden exhaust gases are cooled to condense volatile organics into fine liquid aerosols.

Controlled cooling ensures maximum condensation without process upset

Converts VOC vapors into a phase that can be physically captured

Reduces solvent load for downstream stages

2. Aerosol demisting — Brink® Fiber Bed Mist Eliminators

Once condensed, the organic aerosols are removed using Elessent® Brink® Fiber Bed Mist Eliminators, the industry’s most effective technology for sub-micron particle capture.

Up to 99.95% removal of aerosols below 1 µm

Low pressure drop (10–25 mbar) and continuous drainage via MECS® layer

Captures plasticizer, bitumen, and polymer mists that carry VOCs and odors

Eliminates visible plumes while protecting downstream carbon filters

3. Activated carbon polishing

For final purification, treated gas passes through activated carbon beds that adsorb any residual VOCs, sulfur compounds, or odor molecules.

High surface area (up to 1000 m²/g) for deep adsorption

Regenerable or replaceable media for sustainable operation

Optional impregnated carbon for enhanced sulfur and amine capture

This combination of condensation + demisting + carbon polishing delivers complete emission control — from vapor to aerosol to final trace removal.

Regulations and safety

Ecosystems designs all VOC treatment systems according to:

Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) — 2010/75/EU

NEC Directive — 2016/2284/EU

IED Revision (2024–2025) — stricter VOC and odor thresholds

BAT-AEL benchmarks under BREF for Surface Treatment and Organic Chemicals

Typical Emission Limits (Daily Average):

Parameter	Typical Limit (mg/Nm³)	Application
Total VOCs	< 5	Coatings, polymer, and film lines
Aerosols	< 5	Classified as dust in some regions
Odor concentration	< 300 ouE/m³	Bitumen and plastics manufacturing