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STEPHEN W. BLOCKI, Dürr Environmental Inc, Wixom, MI, USA

ABSTRACT

Many plants are struggling with the problems presented by VOC abatement systems such as oxidisers, concentrators, and solvent recovery systems; problems such as the initial investment which adds no value to the end product, the cost to operate and maintain the system, and the challenge of quickly responding to emergencies which risk shutting down entire production facilities. When new technologies offer hope to improve the situation, plants not well versed in abatement face the risk presented by new technology. Above it all, plants face the problem of maintaining and, under Title V, continually verifying compliance. In the face of all this, it does not make sense for an industrial plant to use its own personnel to operate and maintain VOC abatement systems. Maximum efficiency is realised when responsibility is outsourced to an abatement system expert.