A2V were appointed to design an air extraction and filtration system for one of NGK Ceramic’s new manufacturing process. The new manufacturing process produces a number of organic solvents as vapours, including xylene, ethyl benzene, n-buthanol, ethanol and methanol. Of these solvents, benzene is restricted in terms of the National Air Quality Act (2004). The limit is currently 10 ug/m3 and will be amended to 5 ug/m3 in 2015.
A2V designed the extraction system to ensure that the toxic vapour sources were under constant negative pressure so that no gasses would escape into the factory environment. The organic vapours are then filtered out using an activated carbon filter located outside the main factory and the treated air discharged to atmosphere.
A filter box was also installed upstream of the carbon filter to protect it from dust and ash produced in the manufacturing process.
A2V designed, supplied and installed the entire system as shown in the photos below. The system was commissioned in January 2013 with various modifications and additions carried out through the year to incorporate other lines and processes.
A2V also carry out performance monitoring on a monthly basis to ensure that extraction rates are to specification and, that emissions levels are within regulatory levels.
Activated carbon filter and blower