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VOC filtration: Next-gen solutions against volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an invisible threat to both our health and the environment. These organic chemicals can evaporate from everyday products such as paints and cleaning agents at room temperature, but they may also originate from industrial processes. VOCs can cause eye irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer. Furthermore, VOC emissions contribute to smog formation, making their removal essential for improving air quality. Modern filtration technologies provide effective solutions for eliminating VOCs from the air, creating a safe and clean environment.

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and why are they dangerous?

By definition, VOCs are chemicals that easily transition into the gas phase at room temperature.

Due to their high volatility and harmful properties, they significantly impair indoor air quality.

The list of VOCs is extensive, including examples such as formaldehyde, acetone, and cyclic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and numerous terpenes.

Sources of VOC emissions in industry and households

Volatile organic compounds originate from various sources. In traditional industrial processes, such as petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing and metal processing, VOCs are emitted as by-products.

Everyday consumer products can also release these compounds.

Organic liquids such as petrol, cleaning agents, and cosmetics can contribute to indoor VOC pollution.

Health effects associated with VOC pollutants

High concentrations of VOCs in the air can lead to health problems. Typical symptoms triggered by VOCs include irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract.

Long-term exposure to certain VOCs, including formaldehyde and benzene, can even have carcinogenic effects.

In poorly ventilated spaces, VOC levels can quickly reach critical thresholds, underscoring the importance of effective VOC filtration for indoor safety.

Environmental effects of VOC emissions

In addition to health risks, VOCs heavily contribute to air pollution.

Volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxides and sunlight, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, which harm plants, animals, and entire ecosystems.

Effective VOC filtration is therefore vital for both health and environmental protection.

Challenges of VOC filtration and technological advances

Already today, VOCs are successfully removed using activated carbon filters. These filters are used, for example, in clean rooms, HVAC systems, and industrial applications. To be prepared for future challenges posed by volatile organic compounds, it is necessary to work on next-generation solutions in the field of molecular filtration.

Limitations of traditional VOC filtration

Industrial VOC filtration methods, such as adsorption wheels and regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO), face challenges, particularly at low VOC index (low concentration of VOCs in the air). While they can neutralise large amounts of pollutants, their efficiency diminishes under lower loads. Because these methods rely on thermal destruction of VOC molecules at high temperatures, they often fall short of today’s energy efficiency requirements for VOC filters.

Innovative solutions: Adsorption, catalytic oxidation, membrane separation, photocatalysis

Alternative methods of VOC filtration rely on adsorption materials such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) which can effectively remove even the most challenging VOCs. Photocatalytic oxidation allows for the breakdown of larger VOC molecules using UV light. Catalysts can facilitate the transformation of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds into harmless substances at room temperature. Finally, semi-permeable membranes can concentrate pollutants prior to treatment, enhancing the efficiency of these technologies.

Intelligent monitoring and controlling of VOC concentrations

In sensitive areas such as clean rooms and industrial applications, modern VOC sensors, for example photoionisation detectors (PIDs), enable continuous real-time measurement and tests of VOC levels. This enables early detection of critical concentrations and optimal filter performance management. Intelligent monitoring systems alert operators when VOC thresholds are exceeded and can automatically adjust systems. With connected sensors and cloud-based data analysis, operators can constantly calculate, monitor, and analyse VOC levels in indoor air. This facilitates effective measures on how to reduce VOC pollution and create spaces free from hazardous VOCs.

Compliance with VOC regulations and avoidance of penalties or fines

Increasingly stringent regulations* make rigorous management of VOC emissions essential. Modern filtration systems can reliably meet demanding standards, helping companies avoid fines and reputational damage. This, in turn, ensures legal certainty and secures acceptance from authorities and the public.

*E.g. TA Luft, WHO recommendations, BImSchG, guidelines EU 2012/18/EU, 96/82/EG, 92/43/EWG, 2013/17/EU.

Enhancing productivity through improved air quality

High air quality promotes employee well-being and productivity. In environments with lower VOC levels, sick leave and productivity losses decrease. In sensitive areas such as cleanrooms, VOC filtration systems also protect delicate goods and processes from contamination or even damage.

Cost savings through recovery of by-products

Advanced adsorption techniques enable the targeted separation and reuse of volatile organic compounds through regenerative filtration technologies, such as high-capacity ceramic activated carbon monoliths or condensation plates. This enables the recovery and reuse of valuable solvents or aromatics from exhaust streams, reducing consumption, conserving resources, and ultimately, saving money.

Paving the way to a VOC-free future

Recent years have seen significant advancements in VOC filtration. Today, innovative technologies provide new opportunities to effectively reduce VOC emissions, while intelligent sensor systems deliver valuable data for optimal system management. Companies adopting modern VOC separation methods benefit from reliable compliance with regulations, increased productivity, and satisfied employees. Simultaneously, they contribute to the protection of the environment and human health.

Are you interested in innovative filtration solutions for VOCs in your indoor spaces? Get in touch with us!

FAQ

VOC (singular) or VOCs (plural) stands for "volatile organic compounds.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and can impair air quality.

There are thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of the most well-known include benzene (found in petrol), formaldehyde (used in building materials), and toluene (found in paint thinners and adhesives).

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