Styrene and pentane should not be inhaled. Dizziness, fatigue and headaches are just some of the symptoms resulting from direct exposure to these hydrocarbons. Needless to say, these substances, which are used in industrial processes, should not be allowed to enter the environment either. That’s why state-of-the-art technology is employed to remove them from air. The Austrian EPS granulate manufacturer Sunpor shows how it’s done – with committed support from KLINGER.

High resistance at 850 °C
The production of EPS (expanded polystyrene) granules, which are used mainly in the construction and packaging industries, generates exhaust air that is contaminated with hydrocarbons, especially styrene and pentane vapor. An RTO system is used to neutralize these vapors before they can enter the environment. RTO stands for Regenerative Thermal Oxidation. This innovative emissions-reducing technology works by heating the exhaust gases to between 800 and 850 °C (1,472 – 1,562 °F). At this temperature, a chemical reaction takes place that effectively destroys hydrocarbon compounds, rendering them harmless. The generated heat is recovered using specially developed ceramic materials, so that the considerable energy required for these temperatures does not go to waste.
Lower maintenance, higher uptime
“A high-tech system like this places high demands on its material. This must be resistant to hydrocarbons, withstand high pressure and temperature and be extremely durable. KLINGER products have always lived up to these expectations,” says Sunpor engineer Morris Draxler. In terms of availability, service and expertise, the company relies on its partner in Gumpoldskirchen – most recently for the installation of a modern RTO system to replace an existing one.

“We supplied important parts for this project: the Klingersil C-4300, TopChem 2000 and Graphit PSM gaskets. We also supplied valves in various designs – manually operated and part-automated with pneumatic or electric actuators. These were assembled by our team, whereby we had to comply with specifications such as SIL and ATEX.”
Marko Vidakušić, Sales Executive at KLINGER Gebetsroither
Contacts mentioned in the article:
Marko Vidakušić, Sales Executive at KLINGER Gebetsroither
Top service for critical systems
Aspects such as tightness and temperature resistance as well as durability were decisive for this gasket.

“This RTO exhaust air purification system is directly linked to our production, which runs around the clock. A continually operating RTO exhaust air purification system is essential for efficient production. Based on our experience with KLINGER sealing components and their long service life, we know that we rarely need to shut the entire system down for maintenance and repair work.”
Morris Draxler, engineer at Sunpor. Copyright: Sunpor
Apart from the low maintenance needed, Sunpor also valued KLINGER’s customer support: “The cooperation and the excellent support in technical matters are outstanding, both during the project phase and in operation. Prompt, solution-oriented communication and the handling of any issues that arise makes working with KLINGER Gebetsroither a joy,” says Draxler.
Fact box
Did you know…
… that KLINGER Gebetsroither supplied manual and automatically operated Ammtech flue gas dampers in sizes DN150 to DN1400 in addition to Klingersil C-4300 and ball valves for the new RTO system at Sunpor?
… that RTO systems are versatile and can be used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other sectors as well as in biogas treatment?
… that components such as flue gas dampers, ball valves and gaskets must be of a high quality to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of RTO systems to ensure uninterrupted, trouble-free operation?
… that we come into contact with Sunpor products every day – without realizing it? Whether in the walls of our buildings, in the packaging that protects our new appliances or in bicycle helmets – EPS, or polystyrene, is everywhere.
… that Sunpor is among the seven largest companies in Austria’s plastics industry?