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n-propanol

  • CAS
    71-23-8
  • Structural formula

    C₃H₈O


Remove n-propanol from the exhaust air

What is n-propanol?

n-propanol, also known as 1-propanol, is a colourless, highly flammable alcohol. It belongs to the group of alkanols and is structurally related to ethanol and isopropanol. n-propanol is used as a solvent in the chemical industry and plays an important role in the manufacture of paints, varnishes and pharmaceutical products. Due to its good solubility properties and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in various industrial processes.

Creation

n-Propanol is mainly produced through petrochemical processes. The primary production process is the hydrogenation of propionaldehyde, which in turn is produced by hydroformylation of ethylene. This process takes place on a large scale in refineries and chemical plants. n-propanol is used as a solvent in the paint and coatings industry, in the pharmaceutical industry to synthesise drugs and in the cosmetics industry.

Recognition

n-Propanol is a colourless liquid with a characteristic, slightly alcoholic odour. It has a moderate evaporation rate and forms flammable vapours. It can cause irritation on contact with the skin, while inhalation of the vapours can lead to dizziness, headaches and nausea.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for n-propanol are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL). The OEL for n-propanol is 200 ppm (parts per million) or 500 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health: n-propanol can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, headaches and nausea at high exposure levels. Long-term exposure can affect the nervous system and lead to chronic health problems. Ingestion may lead to severe poisoning, which may cause nausea and vomiting. Skin contact may cause irritation and dehydration. Environment: n-Propanol is biodegradable, but in high concentrations can contaminate water and soil and damage local flora and fauna. Significant contamination can disturb the ecological balance. Economic damage: The handling of n-propanol requires caution due to its high risk of explosion and fire. Improper storage and handling can lead to significant property damage, loss of production and high clean-up costs in the event of environmental pollution.

The oxytec Purification Technology

For many organic pollutants, we offer energy-saving and clean technologies for neutralisation, which we combine in multi-stage plants. In order to achieve a reduction below the limit values, not only the dimensioning of the respective purification stage but also the sequence of the technologies is decisive, as they have different physical effects on the molecules. Below we present some of our purification modules.

CEA

UV ozone exhaust air purification system to meet TA Luft requirements

KAT

Storage reactor for air post-treatment after UV ozone cleaning

CWA

Exhaust air scrubbing system, removes water-soluble and odor-bearing particles, especially ammonium

CSA

Automated smoke scrubber system

AAH

Air-to-air heat recovery for the use of hot exhaust air

Alternative technologies

In addition to our solutions, there are other technologies such as conventional activated carbon filters and simple ventilation systems. However, these often have disadvantages such as high energy consumption, limited cleaning performance, large space requirements, long lead times and high investment costs.

Advantages of the oxytec solution

  • Compact design: Small footprint compared to traditional systems
  • Low operating costs, therefore fast amortisation
  • Environmentally friendly: Minimal environmental impact thanks to innovative technologies
  • Efficient n-propanol reduction: High efficiency thanks to high purification levels with minimal energy consumption

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