facts | figures | milestones
our timeless journey
As the worldwide market leader in activated carbon solvent recovery systems, inert gas (nitrogen, N2) regenerated, DEC has designed, engineered and delivered more units than any other competitor combined.
DEC's technology lineup reflects 100+ years of innovation, tracing back to the 1920s introduction of the first activated carbon solvent recovery systems. This page walks through the milestones — from those early workshop-built units to DEC's origins in Milan, Italy in 1946, and on to today's global leadership in VOC emission control.
At DEC:
- we pride ourselves on being hard working fearless innovators, results-driven people who are always pushing the limits of our ability and our knowledge.
- we are constantly seeking out projects that will challenge us.
- and we are passionate about the quality, creativity and impact of our work.
DEC is a one-stop shop for all your engineering, design, and construction needs of sustainable industrial VOC emission control systems: we have the expertise and experience to help you with any Air Pollution Control project, big or small.
A Journey of Innovation | DEC
Our roots trace back to the 1920's, when we introduced the first worldwide application of activated carbon solvent recovery; at that time, the initial systems were pre-manufactured in the workshops and delivered as skid mounted versions.
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During 1950's, as technology evolved, systems were engineered with customized layouts and larger sizes; this allowed DEC to handle significantly higher flow rates and meet increasingly complex industrial requirements for expanding manufacturing facilities.
As chemistry and industrial processes advanced, the variety of solvents used in manufacturing expanded; this shift required specialized engineering to ensure safe, efficient recovery. These diverse applications resulted in a landmark achievement in the early 1970's, which was the successful installation of the first activated carbon steam regenerated solvent recovery system for the flexible packaging industry, dedicated specifically to the recovery of ethyl acetate (ETAC).
In the 1980's, we transformed our engineering workflow by shifting from traditional manual drawings to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and three-dimensional (3D) model rendering. This pivotal transition was largely facilitated by the adoption of sophisticated software like CATIA® (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application), powered by advanced computing platforms; these mainframes provided the necessary processing power for our engineers to move beyond 2D blueprints, enabling them to design, analyze, and visualize complex piping and instrumentation layout digitally with unprecedented accuracy and speed, laying the groundwork for modern product development and accelerated manufacturing processes.
Driven by this digital precision, our engineering capabilities expanded into new thermal efficiency paradigms, allowing DEC to tackle complex chemical behaviors with extreme control.
In that same decade 1980's, we achieved another major milestone with the successful installation of the first activated carbon inert gas (steamless) regenerated solvent recovery system (DEC.SRU_RSF™); this technology allowed the safe handling of water-soluble, highly reactive and flammable solvents, preventing oxidation risks and ensuring superior safety for the Customers.
In 1988, we revolutionized the market of solvent recovery through the successful installation of the first activated carbon inert gas (steamless) regenerated solvent recovery system DEC.SRU_RSG™ using the nitrogen-driven technology allowed the superior product purity.
In the 1990's, we introduced the first series of THRx (thermal heat recovery processes); this proprietary innovation was designed specifically to cut down the operating costs of the recovery loops by optimizing internal energy streams.
In the 2000's, we introduced a revolutionary kinetic desorption algorithm DEC.PHD™; this advanced software control allowed the system to separately desorb distinct solvents from the adsorbents, simplifying downstream processes, such as dehydration and distillation, while maximizing total efficiency.
From these early breakthroughs to modern multi-stream systems, our engineers have consistently led the industry through proactive innovation. Today, DEC integrates this rich history with advanced Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) execution, delivering world-class Air Pollution Control (APC) solutions; these include state-of-the-art Solvent Recovery Units (SRU), Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO), Rotary Bed Concentrators (RBC), and Distillation Systems (DST) that protect both corporate assets and the global environment for every Customer.
Join us in our journey
As the world races toward a sustainable future, DEC isn’t following the path, we’re forging it. Join us on this journey, where innovation meets impact, and together, we’ll breathe new life into the planet.
Together, let's continue to innovate, adapt, and capture new opportunities for a sustainable world.
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FAQs • Frequently Asked Questions
100+ years of technology lineup
How far back does DEC's solvent recovery technology go?
DEC's technology lineup reflects more than 100 years of innovation, tracing back to the 1920s, when the first worldwide application of activated carbon solvent recovery was introduced, pre-manufactured in workshops and delivered as skid-mounted systems. DEC's own origins trace back to 1946, in Milan, Italy.
What was DEC's first milestone in the flexible packaging industry?
In the early 1970s, DEC installed the first activated carbon steam-regenerated Solvent Recovery System (SRU) for the flexible packaging industry, dedicated to recovering Ethyl Acetate (ETAC).
When did DEC introduce nitrogen (inert gas) regenerated solvent recovery?
In 1988, DEC installed the first activated carbon inert gas (steamless) regenerated solvent recovery system using nitrogen-driven technology, branded DEC.SRU_RSG™, enabling superior product purity and safer handling of water soluble, water miscible and reactive (e.g. Ketones), flammable solvents.
How many people work at DEC and what is their expertise?
DEC has a global workforce of about 300 people, skilled in the design, engineering and construction of industrial plants, spanning chemical, mechanical, electrical, environmental and civil engineering.
What does DEC stand for?
DEC stands for Dynamic Environmental Corporation: this name accurately reflects the Group's focus on dynamic and innovative environmental solutions. DEC is constantly innovating and developing new technologies to meet the evolving needs of our customers, while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of industrial sustainable environmental protection.
Dynamic: DEC is a dynamic company that is constantly innovating and developing new technologies to meet the evolving needs of its customers, evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of industrial environmental protection.
Environmental: DEC is passionate about protecting the planet, focusing on controlling and abating VOC industrial emissions.
Corporation: DEC is a well-established and respected company with a global reach. The company has a team of experienced engineers, researchers and scientists who are experts in VOC emission control and abatement technologies.
How can I start a project or get in touch with DEC?
You can reach DEC's Technical Sales and Applications Engineering team directly to discuss your VOC & HAP emission control requirements and start a project.
