Emissions from recycling processes: an important challenge

Waste disposal and recycling are among the most pressing global issues of the 21st century. While recycling is a cornerstone of the circular economy, it presents significant challenges for operators in the sector.

Recovery and processing of materials naturally release pollutants into the atmosphere, such as fine dust, gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic fumes. These emissions can harm air quality, human health, and compliance with environmental regulations without proper treatment.

However, what are these pollutants and what problems can they cause?

• Fine dust (PM10, PM5, and PM2): Released during material crushing and processing, these particles can cause respiratory issues.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted during the recycling of plastics and paints, they contribute to ground-level ozone and respiratory irritation.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Generated from combustion, contributing to smog and acid rain.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Produced from incomplete combustion of organic materials, posing health risks in high concentrations.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Released during the recycling of sulfur-containing materials, it causes respiratory problems and acid rain.
• Heavy Metals: Such as lead, mercury, and cadmium released during the recycling of batteries and electronics, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Effective air treatment measures tailored to the materials involved are essential to address these challenges.

To meet these challenges, TAMA AERNOVA has developed in addition to the MODUL AIR horizontal cartridge filter, products such as the PULCO AIR bag filter, the PULCO AIR HT high-temperature bag filters, the ceramic candle filter, and the KOMPAC AIR vertical cartridge filters. 

CASE STUDY: Dust Treatment in Waste Recycling

Modul Air stands out as a system that guarantees maximum efficiency, operational flexibility, and cost savings

Key points of the project
Application:	Dust extraction for waste treatment
Airflow capacity:	55.000 m3/h
Filter type:	Horizontal cartridge dust collector MODUL AIR ATEX
Location:	France

The Horizontal Cartridge Dust Collector  MODUL AIR system was designed by TAMA AERNOVA as a cutting-edge technological system that combines innovation and a strategic vision:

• Modular Design: Easily adapt filtration capacity to specific needs, enabling selective module use for resource optimization or seamless addition of new modules without replacing the entire system.
• Continuous Operation:Thanks to the ability to isolate individual modules for maintenance, installations do not have to stop production. Reducing downtime is a huge benefit in terms of business continuity and productivity, but also cost optimization.
• Regulatory Compliance:. The performance of the MODUL AIR filter ensures full compliance with the emission limits for dust and gases established by environmental regulations. Additionally, the system can be configured to meet European standards such as Directive ATEX 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114) and Directive ATEX 99/92/EC (ATEX 153), making it suitable for installation in explosion-risk environments. For the American market, the filter complies with the strict NFPA standards, offering broad versatility and international conformity.
• The horizontal arrangement of the cartridges reduces replacement and facilitates maintenance.

Discover the portfolio of Horizontal Cartridge Dust Collector MODUL AIR from TAMA AERNOVA. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.