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Multifilm: Ahead of the Game
The following is an excerpt from an article published in the July 1996 issue of "Environmental Protection".
In January, Multifilm Packaging Corp. of Elgin, Ill, completed the installation of an 8,000-standard-cubic-feet-per-minute catalytic oxidizer. The oxidizer was installed to control volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from its flexographic printing presses. Installation of the oxidizer allowed Multifilm to meet Illinois Environmental Protection Agency air-quality regulations in the Chicago, Ill. area and also provided the company additional capacity for future production expansion.
Reviewing the Problem
Before making the
decision to purchase the catalytic oxidizer, [Multifilm] was planning to
convert entirely to water-based inks to reduce VOC emissions. However,
[Multifilm] recognized that with its expected growth, it would have to
increase the production speed of its printing presses.
"After reviewing water-based inks, we didn't think they were as good now as solvent-based ink systems, and we didn't want to expend the time and money on the learning curve to get them up to the quality we needed." said [Multifilm's] plant manager.
"Going with water-based inks would have cost us several customers who require the response Multifilm presently provides."
[Multifilm's] decision to install a Wolverine catalytic oxidizer was based on several factors. Foremost, catalytic oxidation is a highly proven and accepted VOC-control technology used in the flexographic printing industry.
Also important to Multifilm was consideration for its expected future growth.
The catalytic system operates on the oxidation principle. When the VOC emissions from the printing press exhaust stream are mixed with oxygen at elevated temperatures within the oxidizer, the VOCs chemically break down to form carbon dioxide and water. With the use of a precious metal catalyst, the reaction occurs at much lower temperatures than otherwise possible.
Most important to [Multifilm], the oxidizer offers a guaranteed 95-plus percent VOC destruction efficiency. Based on research on preliminary testing, the oxidizer is achieving 98.6 percent destruction efficiency. Within the next few months, [Multifilm] will complete a certified compliance test as required by the Illinois EPA.
Typically, installation of an oxidizer has no financial payback. [Multifilm] looks at it differently. Comparing [Multifilm's] current operating capability with the reduced speed, lower production and loss of customers associated with conversion to water-based inks, the catalytic oxidizer has an estimated payback of 18 to 24 months.
"Installing the Wolverine catalytic oxidizer assured us that we would reduce our printing press emissions to acceptable levels and maintain compliance with both state and federal clean air regulations."
