A major LNG export terminal achieved ultra-high emissions destruction (≥99.99%) and continuous, stable operation in a corrosive environment using Epcon’s custom Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer (DFTO). Engineered for continuous, high-load service, the system provides full compliance with international LNG safety and environmental standards while efficiently managing wide fluctuations in hydrocarbon-rich process vent streams.
Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer (DFTO) for LNG Export Terminal Emissions Control
Executive Summary
Project Overview
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals require highly reliable emissions-control systems to manage volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants generated throughout liquefaction and export operations. A major LNG developer engaged Epcon Industrial Systems to design and supply a Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer (DFTO) capable of handling wide fluctuations in process flow while maintaining stringent environmental compliance.
Epcon delivered a custom DFTO system engineered specifically for continuous LNG export service, ensuring safe, compliant, and energy-efficient destruction of hydrocarbon emissions across all operating conditions.
Epcon delivered a custom DFTO system engineered specifically for continuous LNG export service, ensuring safe, compliant, and energy-efficient destruction of hydrocarbon emissions across all operating conditions.
The Challenge
LNG export facilities operate in demanding environments where emissions control systems must perform reliably despite constant changes in production load. The client faced several critical challenges:
- Continuous destruction of hydrocarbon-rich exhaust streams across wide fluctuations in process flow rates.
- Ultra-high uptime requirements with limited tolerance for operator intervention.
- Compliance with stringent international LNG safety and environmental standards.
- Need for high turndown capability for stable combustion during varying liquefaction rates and ship-loading cycles.
- Durability and long-term reliability in corrosive coastal/marine environments.
- Seamless integration with the terminal’s Distributed Control System (DCS).
The Solution
Epcon engineered a custom Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer optimized specifically for LNG export operations. The system’s design addresses the demanding environment and complex operational requirements of the terminal.
Optimized Direct-Fired Combustion Chamber
Optimized Direct-Fired Combustion Chamber
- The combustion chamber is designed for the ultra-high destruction efficiency (≥99.99%) required for LNG vapors.
- Operating temperatures (1,500°F – 1,650°F) are precisely controlled to maximize oxidation performance while minimizing auxiliary fuel consumption.
- The system features a wide turndown ratio (Up to 10:1) to remain stable during highly fluctuating process loads.
- An automated burner management system, advanced flame monitoring, and safety interlocks are seamlessly integrated with the terminal’s PLC/DCS, ensuring quick response to process upsets and high operational safety.
- Constructed with heavy-duty materials and corrosion-resistant linings to ensure reliable long-term operation and durability in harsh coastal and marine environments.
- The compact footprint allows for installation within constrained LNG terminal layouts.
Technical Specifications
Feature / Component | Specification / Benefit |
Oxidizer Type | Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer (DFTO) |
Design Capacity | 20,000 – 60,000 SCFM (Project-Specific) |
Operating Temperature | 1,500°F – 1,650°F |
VOC Destruction | ≥99.99% Destruction Efficiency |
Turndown Ratio | Up to 10:1 |
Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
Control System | PLC Integrated with LNG Terminal DCS |
Construction | Heavy-Duty Carbon Steel with Corrosion-Resistant Linings |
Application | LNG Export Process Vent Streams (Continuous, High-Load Service) |
The Results
“The DFTO provided continuous, stable emissions control under all our loading conditions, ensuring securing our compliance standards”
Following commissioning, the DFTO system delivered immediate and sustained improvements:
Following commissioning, the DFTO system delivered immediate and sustained improvements:
- Stable, continuous destruction of hydrocarbon emissions under all operating conditions.
- Full compliance with international LNG emissions regulations.
- High operational reliability in a demanding coastal environment.
- Efficient fuel usage maintained through optimized combustion control.
Industry Applications
This custom Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizer solution is ideal for emissions control in large-scale, high-load energy infrastructure, including:
- LNG Export Terminals
- Petrochemical and Refining Operations
- Gas Treatment and Liquefaction Facilities
- Continuous High-Load Industrial Vent Streams
Next Steps
Secure Ultra-High Compliance for LNG Operations
Your LNG export or high-load process requires reliable, compliant, and continuous emissions control. Epcon’s custom DFTO is engineered for the most demanding applications, providing industry-leading destruction efficiency and high operational stability.
If your process requires ultra-high VOC destruction (≥99.99%), high turndown capability, or a system built for corrosive environments, your next step is simple. Contact our specialized LNG engineering team directly for a custom application study, or initiate a chat now to answer a quick technical question on process integration.
Your LNG export or high-load process requires reliable, compliant, and continuous emissions control. Epcon’s custom DFTO is engineered for the most demanding applications, providing industry-leading destruction efficiency and high operational stability.
If your process requires ultra-high VOC destruction (≥99.99%), high turndown capability, or a system built for corrosive environments, your next step is simple. Contact our specialized LNG engineering team directly for a custom application study, or initiate a chat now to answer a quick technical question on process integration.
Contact Epcon for Custom Solutions
Epcon offers full engineering, fabrication, and installation of afterburner-based thermal oxidizers, quench systems, wet scrubbers, and full emissions-control lines — customized for chemical, petrochemical, and industrial gas-stream applications.If your facility handles acid gases, H₂S, solvent exhaust, or other challenging emissions, contact our engineering team to discuss a tailored solution.
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