Epcon Catalytic Oxidizers convert process exhaust stream Volatile Organic Compounds into harmless amounts of carbon dioxide, water, and thermal energy - which are then safely discharged to the atmosphere. This process is known as oxidation. Catalytic Oxidation occurs through a chemical reaction between the VOC hydrocarbon molecules and a precious-metal catalyst bed that is internal to the oxidizer system. A catalyst is a substance that is used to accelerate the rate of a chemical reaction, allowing the reaction to occur in a normal temperature range of 275ºC to 350ºC. This operating temperature is substantially less than straight Thermal Oxidation, and when combined with a low VOC loading level from the process stream, the system becomes self-sustaining (requiring minimal natural gas to support operation). Epcon designs systems to accept various selections of catalyst, and with our own internal catalyst expert can assure correct application of our systems to various process exhaust streams.