Hybrid Sorption Unit
♻️ DEC.HSU™ ♻️
optimizing Air Pollution Control for Complex Industrial Emissions
The management of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in large scale industrial processes requires a balance between technical efficiency and operational costs; the DEC.HSU™ Hybrid Sorption Unit represents a modular smart and sophisticated configuration engineered by DEC to address these challenges. This hybrid system integrates an advanced Rotary Bed Concentrator (DEC.XBC_RBC™) with an Activated Carbon (DEC.ACA™) Solvent Recovery Unit (SRU™), coupling the use of Honeycomb Coated Adsorbent (DEC.HCA™) and Activated Carbon (DEC.ACA™) to provide a comprehensive solution for diverse VOC emission profiles.
at a glance • DEC.HSU™
- Configuration
- Upstream DEC.XBC_RBC™ concentration with DEC.XTO™ (mainly RTO) or DEC.SRU™; downstream DEC.XBC_RBC™ is applicable to DEC.SRU™ RSG, RSV and RSC architectures
- Primary use
- VOC abatement across mixed high-flow, low-concentration streams and medium-high concentration process streams
- Routing threshold
- < 1,5 g/m³ → DEC.XBC_RBC™ concentration stage · > 1,5 g/m³ → direct to SRU™
- Recovery rate
- Up to 99% solvent recovery for direct reuse
- Best fit
- Flexible packaging, printing & converting plants mixing modern and legacy machinery
Architecture at a glance · Upstream RBC integration · Downstream RBC integration · Concentrate return path · Platform boundaries · Key takeaways · FAQs
DEC.HSU™ Architecture: Upstream and Downstream RBC Integration
The DEC.HSU™ concept is broader than a single RBC → SRU arrangement. The rotary concentrator can be positioned according to the function required in the overall emission-control chain. Upstream RBC integration is applicable to both the DEC.XTO™ platform, mainly RTO, and the DEC.SRU™ platform. Downstream RBC integration is applicable to the DEC.SRU™ platform using RSG, RSV or RSC configurations.
| RBC position | Compatible platform | Typical function | Engineering objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upstream | DEC.XTO™ — mainly RTO | Concentrate dilute/high-flow VOC streams before thermal oxidation | Reduce downstream gas volume and concentrate the pollutant load before destruction |
| Upstream | DEC.SRU™ — RSG, RSV, RSC | Concentrate dilute solvent-bearing air before activated-carbon recovery | Increase concentration and reduce the gas volume presented to the solvent-recovery stage |
| Downstream | DEC.SRU™ — RSG, RSV, RSC | Concentrate or polish a downstream gas stream and provide a controlled concentrated desorption stream | Extend the recovery architecture and, where appropriate, return concentrated solvent loading to a suitable SRU process path |
| Downstream | DEC.XTO™ | Not part of the DEC.HSU™ downstream RBC architecture | For XTO, the RBC integration path considered by DEC.HSU™ is upstream of thermal oxidation |
DEC.XTO™ / RTO: the RBC can concentrate dilute, high-flow VOC-bearing air before the RTO, creating a smaller concentrated stream for thermal destruction. DEC.SRU™: the same concentration principle can be used before RSG, RSV or RSC solvent recovery, improving the suitability of dilute streams for recovery.
DEC.SRU™ only: downstream RBC integration can be considered with RSG, RSV or RSC architectures where a downstream concentration, polishing or controlled desorption function is required. The concentrated desorption stream can be routed back into an appropriate SRU process path when supported by the mass balance, pressure balance, solvent chemistry and safety envelope.
Concentrate and Return-Path Logic
A downstream RBC arrangement can create a secondary concentration loop: the RBC captures the relevant residual or downstream solvent load, regenerates it into a smaller concentrated stream and returns that stream to a suitable recovery section. This allows the HSU architecture to be considered as an integrated process loop rather than simply as two pieces of equipment connected in series.
The exact return location is not universal. It must be established from the SRU regeneration method, adsorption cycle, solvent composition, flow direction, pressure levels, temperature profile and required emission performance.
Platform boundary
Upstream RBC: DEC.XTO™ (mainly RTO) and DEC.SRU™ RSG/RSV/RSC. Downstream RBC: DEC.SRU™ RSG/RSV/RSC only. This distinction is fundamental to the DEC.HSU™ process architecture.
Technical Configuration and Process Flow • DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit)
The core logic of the DEC.HSU™ is intelligent stream routing and sorption-stage positioning. Depending on the platform and emission profile, the RBC may operate upstream of DEC.XTO™ or DEC.SRU™, while downstream RBC integration is reserved for the DEC.SRU™ RSG, RSV and RSC architectures.
| Stream type | Typical concentration | Routing | What happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-concentration streams | < 1,5 g/m³ (fugitives, exhaust from older machinery) | Upstream DEC.XBC_RBC™ | External concentration onto a rotating adsorbent bed, desorbed into a much smaller, highly concentrated flow |
| Medium–high concentration streams | > 1,5 g/m³ (process streams) | Direct to SRU™ | Bypasses the concentrator; routed straight to activated-carbon adsorption to maximize recovery efficiency |
✦ Integrated Emission Point: to simplify environmental monitoring and reduce infrastructure costs, the Flue Gas Stack (FGS) of the DEC.XBC_RBC™ can be merged with the FGS of the SRU™; this allows the Customer to maintain a single emission point for the entire Air Pollution Control plant.
Hybrid Process Flow, Step by Step • DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit)
Management of Fugitives and Legacy Equipment • DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit)
A significant advantage of the DEC.HSU™ is its ability to treat "fugitives" and non-concentrated exhaust from older converting lines. These streams are typically characterized by high flow rates (SLA - Solvent Laden Air) but very low VOC concentrations, which makes direct treatment in an SRU™ energetically inefficient.
By utilizing the DEC.XBC_RBC™ (rotor) as an external concentration step, the Customer may evaluate to avoid the need to retrofit individual machines with Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) automatic Flow Recirculation Systems (DEC.FRS™). Retrofitting old production lines with LEL controls often requires extensive line shutdowns and complex mechanical modifications; the DEC.HSU™ provides a "bolt-on" solution that treats the combined exhaust, without interrupting the production schedule of the individual machines.
Key Advantages of the technology • DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit)
HSU architecture takeaway
DEC.HSU™ is a configurable sorption architecture. Upstream RBC integration can support either recovery or destruction pathways; downstream RBC integration extends only the SRU architecture and can create a controlled concentration-and-return loop.
The implementation of a hybrid sorption strategy offers several proven benefits for the Customer.
Proven Reliability and Industry References • DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit)
DEC is the major global player in sustainable Air Pollution Control (APC) systems. The DEC.HSU™ is a field-tested configuration with numerous successful references across the globe. Whether dealing with a Solvent Recovery Unit (SRU™), a Thermal Oxidizer (XTO™), a Rotary Bed Concentrator (DEC.XBC_RBC™), the technical expertise of DEC ensures that our Customer receives a reliable and high-performance system.
contact DEC • DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit)
If you are looking for a reliable and efficient industrial VOC abatement system, the Hybrid Sorption Unit (DEC.HSU™) is the right and best option: DEC offers the most advanced and reliable sustainable emission control systems on the market, with processes, configurations and options to meet the needs of different applications, present and future challenges.
Feel free to contact DEC: we can help you assess your needs and recommend the best Air Pollution Control technology for your operation.
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FAQs • Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ index: Architecture · Upstream RBC / XTO · Upstream RBC / SRU · Downstream RBC / SRU · Concentrate return path · Platform boundaries
Hybrid Sorption Unit (HSU) | Upstream & Downstream RBC Integration | DEC.HSU™
What is the DEC.HSU™ Hybrid Sorption Unit and how does it work?
The DEC.HSU™ (Hybrid Sorption Unit) is an advanced Air Pollution Control (APC) configuration where a Rotary Bed Concentrator (RBC) is installed upstream of a Solvent Recovery Unit (SRU). This system is designed to manage complex emission profiles; the RBC handles high flow, low VOC concentrated streams (such as fugitives or exhaust from legacy converting lines), concentrating them before they enter the SRU. High concentrate streams are routed directly to the SRU for effective treatment and solvent recovery.
What are the primary advantages of the DEC.HSU™ hybrid configuration?
Key advantages include optimized CAPEX and OPEX by sizing the SRU for concentrated loads rather than total air volume. The DEC.HSU™ allows for a single emission point by merging the Flue Gas Stacks (FGS) of the RBC and SRU. Furthermore, it acts as an external concentration device, allowing the BUYER to treat emissions from older machines without the need for expensive and time-consuming retrofits of LEL automatic recirculation systems.
How does the DEC.HSU™ handle fugitive emissions and legacy converting lines?
Fugitive emissions and exhaust from older production lines often consist of high flow rates with low VOC concentrations. The DEC.HSU™ utilizes the RBC to capture these dilute solvents and desorb them into a smaller, concentrated stream. This approach eliminates the need for extensive line shutdowns typically required for installing internal LEL controls, providing a seamless solution for the Customer.
What different technologies does DEC offer within the HSU and SRU frameworks?
DEC provides a variety of proprietary processes for the SRU component of the HSU, including:
- DEC.SRU_RSG™: TSA with nitrogen (N2) regeneration.
- DEC.SRU_RSV™: TSA with steam (H2O) regeneration.
- DEC.SRU_RTV™: T+VSA with vacuum nitrogen regeneration.
- DEC.XBC_RBC™: The Rotary Bed Concentrator used as the primary stage in the HSU configuration.
How does the DEC.HSU™ support environmental compliance and circular economy?
By integrating the RBC and SRU, the DEC.HSU™ ensures that even dilute fugitive emissions are captured and recovered rather than exhausted or destroyed. This achieves recovery rates up to 99%, allowing the BUYER to reuse solvents directly. This configuration minimizes the carbon footprint of the plant and supports the transition to a circular economic model by transforming lean waste air into a source of reusable raw materials.
Which industries benefit most from the DEC.HSU™ configuration?
The DEC.HSU™ is particularly beneficial for the flexible packaging, printing, and converting industries, especially facilities operating a mix of modern high speed lines and older machinery. It is the ideal solution for plants where fugitive emission control is mandatory and where minimizing production downtime during APC installation is a priority for the Customer.
Is pricing available for the DEC.HSU™ Hybrid Sorption Unit, and can it be purchased directly?
The DEC.HSU™ is a custom-engineered system, not an off-the-shelf product, so there is no fixed list price. Each configuration is sized and priced individually once DEC's engineering team has evaluated the Customer's stream flow rates, VOC concentrations, and process requirements. To receive a project-specific quotation, contact DEC's Technical Sales & Applications team directly.
Can DEC.HSU™ place the RBC upstream of a thermal oxidizer?
Yes. Upstream RBC integration is applicable to the DEC.XTO™ platform, mainly RTO, where concentration of dilute, high-flow VOC streams can precede thermal oxidation.
Can the RBC be installed upstream of a DEC.SRU™?
Yes. Upstream RBC integration can be applied to DEC.SRU™ RSG, RSV and RSC configurations to concentrate suitable dilute solvent-bearing air before activated-carbon solvent recovery.
Can an RBC be installed downstream of a DEC.XTO™ RTO?
Not as part of the DEC.HSU™ downstream architecture described here. For DEC.XTO™, the DEC.HSU™ RBC pathway is upstream of thermal oxidation. Downstream RBC integration is considered for DEC.SRU™ RSG, RSV and RSC configurations.
What is the purpose of a downstream RBC on an SRU?
A downstream RBC can provide a secondary concentration or polishing function and generate a smaller concentrated desorption stream. Where supported by the SRU process design, that stream can be returned to an appropriate recovery path, creating an integrated concentration-and-recovery loop.
Can the concentrated desorption stream from a downstream RBC be returned to the SRU?
Potentially. The return path must be engineered for the specific RSG, RSV or RSC configuration, considering mass balance, pressure, temperature, solvent chemistry, cycle sequencing, safety and required outlet performance.
Does DEC.HSU™ use the same RBC architecture for XTO and SRU?
The concentration function is common, but the integration path is platform-specific. Upstream RBC integration applies to DEC.XTO™ mainly RTO and to DEC.SRU™ RSG, RSV and RSC. Downstream RBC integration applies to DEC.SRU™ RSG, RSV and RSC.
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