Influence of VOC emissions on global warming

Abstract

The removal of a mixture of volatile organic compounds (CHCl3, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and xylenes), was evaluated by adapting a commercial exhaust fan with a catalytic system applicable to small and medium enterprises. The catalysts used were Pt, Mn, Ce, Pt/Mn and Ce/Mn supported on ceramic monoliths. It was observed that all catalysts tested were able to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. The CO2 equivalent emission of VOCs into the atmosphere (with and without treatment) was determined taking into account the power consumption of the exhaust system + catalyst, being observed for all catalysts tested a reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions. When a heat exchanger is attached to the exhaust system + catalyst to reduce power consumption, the emission of CO2 equivalent decreases appreciably in the order of 24.8%–45.3% compared to untreated emissions.