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CAS109-99-9
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Structural formula
C₄H₈O
Remove tetrahydrofuran from the exhaust air
What is tetrahydrofuran?
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a cyclic ether that exists as a colourless, highly flammable liquid. With the chemical formula C₄H₈O, it belongs to the group of ethers and is often used in the plastics and pharmaceutical industries due to its excellent dissolving properties. THF is known for its high efficiency and versatility as a solvent and plays an essential role in the chemical industry.
Creation
Tetrahydrofuran is produced industrially by catalysing 1,4-butanediol. It is mainly used in the chemical industry, where it is used as a solvent in various polymerisation processes and in the production of plastics, paints and sealants.
Discovery
Tetrahydrofuran is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic, ethereal odour. It is highly volatile and soluble in water. Contact with THF may cause eye and skin irritation, and inhalation of the vapours may cause dizziness, headaches and nausea.
Limit values
In Germany, the limit values for tetrahydrofuran are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The OEL for tetrahydrofuran is 50 ppm (parts per million) or 150 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.
Hazards
Health: THF can cause eye and skin irritation at high exposure levels. Inhalation of the vapours leads to headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure can damage the central nervous system and lead to kidney and liver damage. Environment: THF is biodegradable but can pollute water and soil in high concentrations. It is toxic to aquatic organisms and can disturb the ecological balance. Economic damage: Due to its flammability, there is a risk of fire if handled and stored improperly, which can lead to considerable material damage and loss of production.
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.
CWA
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 tetrahydrofuran reduction: High efficiency thanks to high purification levels with minimal energy consumption
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