The air is extracted from the process at elevated temperature from curing ovens where the laminate is produced. The air is collected in various points along the curing ovens and is eventually combined into a single stream where it is drawn to the filter system.

Upon entry to the filter unit, the velocity of the extracted air is slowed in a plenum chamber, and is treated by low grade mechanical filters to remove any coalesced components that may be entrained. At this point, the air temperature has cooled to between 80 and 90°C.

The air stream then enters the annular filter, where the activated carbon is retained between two perforated screens to form an annulus. The air enters the carbon bed through the outer screen, and permeates through the activated carbon bed where the organic contaminants are removed. The air then exits the media bed and is drawn upward through the centre of the filter chamber and then exhausted to atmosphere. Monitoring of the exhaust takes place on a regular basis to determine the operation of the system and when the activated carbon requires replacement.

The curing process generates mainly phenolic compounds, with some traces of formaldehyde. It was demonstrated through pilot scale trials using carbon adsorption as well as other techniques that the most suitable technology to implement for VOC abatement was activated carbon.

CPL Carbon Link manufactures a range of activated carbons for air purification, the key features of these products are; · A range of activity levels for specific contaminants · Highly retentive microporous structure · Maximum hardness to assist handling · A wide range of particle sizes · Excellent thermal reactivation characteristics