VOC & Component Recovery with Sulzer Overhead Systems

Introduction: Turning Losses into Profits

In process industries, every molecule has value. Light components and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) escaping through overhead vent streams can represent both lost revenue and environmental risk. For chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical producers, and refiners, this inefficiency directly impacts both the bottom line and regulatory compliance.

Sulzer Overhead Systems are precision‑engineered solutions designed to capture, condense, and recover these valuable components while ensuring emissions remain within legal limits. By doing so, they transform overhead losses into economic and sustainability gains.

How Sulzer Overhead Systems Recover Value

Advanced Condensation & Recovery

Using strategically positioned condensers, cold traps, and pump‑around beds, Sulzer Overhead Systems capture light ends and VOCs before they are vented or flared. These recovered materials can be returned to the process stream or sold, directly boosting plant profitability.

Waste Reduction & Environmental Benefits

By preventing VOC emissions, these systems help plants minimize waste, lower their carbon footprint, and meet environmental regulations. This not only supports corporate sustainability objectives but also improves the operation’s public and regulatory standing.

Built for Integration

Sulzer designs Overhead Systems for compatibility with both liquid ring and dry screw vacuum pumps, ensuring seamless integration into existing process configurations without disruptive plant modifications.

Example Applications

• Chemical Manufacturing: Recovery of costly solvents and VOCs from overhead streams.

• Pharmaceutical Production: Cold traps under deep vacuum preventing volatile loss during sensitive operations.

• Oleochemicals & Glycerin Plants: Pump‑around beds serving as integrated condensers for deep vacuum applications.

• Hazardous Services: VOC and toxic vapor capture upstream of scrubbers or thermal oxidizers.

  
  

The Economic Case for VOC Recovery

For many plants, switching to a Sulzer Overhead System is an immediate ROI decision. By reclaiming even small amounts of high‑value components, operating costs decrease and product yield increases — all without additional feedstock or utility consumption. In parallel, compliance risks and potential regulatory fines are significantly reduced.

Why Choose Sulzer

• Proven Track Record: Decades of experience in vapor phase management across global industries.

• Custom Engineering: Systems are tailored to client specifications, process conditions, and regulations.

• Long-Term Reliability: Protection of pumps and downstream units extends equipment lifespan, reduces maintenance, and cuts unexpected downtime.

  
  

Conclusion: From Vent Stream to Value Stream

Sulzer Overhead Systems offer more than compliance they provide a path to operational efficiency and process optimization. By capturing VOCs and valuable components otherwise lost to emissions, these systems deliver measurable returns while enhancing environmental performance.

Contact Sulzer today to see how our engineering expertise can help you recover value from your overhead streams and boost your plant’s sustainability and profitability.