Why Emission Control Matters in the Chemical Industry
The chemical industry faces some of the strictest environmental regulations worldwide. Managing hazardous air pollutants, controlling volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and maximizing energy efficiency are critical for safe and sustainable operations. Our advanced emission control and heat recovery systems help chemical producers stay compliant, lower energy costs, and protect both people and the environment.
When manufacturing chemical products like adhesives, plastics, foams or raw materials, multiple batches may be mixed together creating dangerous emissions. Air quality may come to dangerous and toxic levels when your operators are exposed. Improving processes and safely capturing or containing airborne contaminants creates:
Ensuring a healthy and safe work environment
Prevention of cross contamination
Less housekeeping needed
Compliance to OSHA, NFPA, EPA and local legislation
Protecting your assets and the environment from harmful emissions
Saving time, energy and money with effective dust collection and vapor extraction
Reduction of GHG Emissions
Main challenge in the Chemical Industry
The chemical industry operates in a highly dynamic environment where safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance are of utmost importance. As manufacturing processes and environmental standards evolve, the industry faces several significant challenges:
Stringent and Evolving Regulations: Comply with increasingly strict emission limits, particularly for VOCs and substances classified as “Substances of Very High Concern” (such as benzene, acrylonitrile, and phenol).
Process Safety: Unpredictable emission spikes during start-up, maintenance, or process upsets demand systems with fast, reliable response to prevent safety and environmental incidents.
Advanced Treatment Technologies: production of diverse emission streams that may contain dust, vapors, and corrosive substances simultaneously. These require in-depth understanding of both process dynamics and regulatory standards for a fitting solution.
Energy Efficiency and System Optimization: Legacy systems are often oversized, resulting in energy losses and higher operational costs. Achieving sustainability goals requires optimizing system capacities, utilizing waste heat recovery, and implementing intelligent controls.
The most challenges we see in the chemical industry is when having the following processes:
Building Materials & Insulation
Detergents
Fertilizers
Insecticides and Crop Protection
Paint & Coatings
Pigments for the printing industry
Plastics
When manufacturing in the Chemical industry, a wide variety of polluting particles are processed or emitted. Chemical Dust and Fumes can be hazardous and need to be extracted properly. See table below for some of the substances:
| Acetone | Ethanol | Polyolefins |
| Acids | EthyleneOxide | Polystyrene |
| Acrylamide | Fluorine | Potassium |
| Ammonia | Formaldehyde | Propylene |
| Anionic Surfactants | Glycerin | Resin/Rosin |
| Arsenic Dust | Isobuty lIsobutyrate | SiliconDioxide |
| Benzene | Magnesium | SodiumBicarbonate |
| Bromine | Methane | SodiumHydroxide |
| Butanedione | Methanol | Styrene (monomer) |
| Calcium | Nitrogen | Sulfur |
| Carbon | Phenols | Sulfur and Sulfates |
| Chemical Odor | Phosphorus | TitaniumDioxide |
| Chlorine | Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) | Volatile Inorganic Compounds (VIC’s) |
| Cyanide | Polymers | Zinc Oxide |
| Methionine | PFAS | Dye & Toner (used for printing, creating pigment waste) |
Case Studies Chemical Industries
Sabic’s Dust Extraction: Reducing Product Rejection
At SABIC’s Noryl plant, elevated dust levels were causing high product-rejection rates and customer complaints; JOA Air Solutions conducted a comprehensive site survey, in-house CFD airflow modeling and bespoke engineering to design and install a tailored dust-extraction system seamlessly integrated with ongoing operations. The new system significantly reduced product rejections, boosted customer satisfaction and operational reliability, and improved workplace air quality for plant personnel.
How does JOA solve Challenges in the Chemical Industry
Efficient operations rely on a steady performance, reliability and efficiency. A high quality filtration of air, dust and vapors is crucial to keep your work environment clean and healthy, reduce explosion risks and maintain your equipment in the best possible condition. To achieve your goals, we propose the following plan.
Data Collection & Measurements: We believe no sound decision can be made without data. That is why, during our pre-engineering study, we perform comprehensive on-site measurements rather than defaulting to a “quick and dirty” standard solution. In the long run, building on the precise, site-specific data from this study is the foundation of operator health, explosion safety, reduced maintenance and energy savings.
Consultancy & Design: based on Modeling only data has no value. With our in-house developed Air Technical Modeling Software, we are able to truly understand your site’s operations and bottlenecks. Our Design Engineers have experience in finding the best solutions and improvements for the largest and most complex Chemical production sites worldwide.
Building & Implementation: Before any system is realized, we begin with a thorough investigation of your product and process in JOA’s System Realization step. Our extensive range of extraction and emission-control equipment draws on a vast database of patents and proven designs, while our R&D team works alongside you to develop innovative solutions and co-create custom equipment.
Why JOA is the Right Partner for the Chemical Industry
By partnering with JOA, Chemical manufacturers can achieve the highest quality standards, ensuring product integrity and operational excellence.
Tailor-made Solutions
Developing customized systems that address the unique challenges of each client.
Air Technical Modeling & CFD Analysis
Utilizing advanced computational methods to design efficient emission control systems.
Process Guarantees
Ensuring that implemented solutions meet performance expectations and regulatory requirements.
Extensive Experience
A proven track-record of working with leading companies on complex industrial processes.
In conclusion, effective emission control and dust collection are integral to the success of Chemical manufacturing. JOA’s expertise in providing tailored solutions ensures that companies can maintain clean and efficient operations, meeting the stringent demands of the industry.
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Chemical Industry FAQ
We conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current emissions and process streams, then design and implement customized air treatment solutions (e.g., wet scrubbers, dust collection systems, filters) that target your specific pollutants. We also offer real-time monitoring to provide ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations.
Yes, our systems are engineered for seamless integration into existing infrastructure. We design modular and flexible solutions that minimize downtime and disruption, while fully accounting for your plant’s layout and operational needs.
Systems are built with proven, corrosion-resistant materials and designed for accessibility. We prioritize robust engineering, preventive maintenance planning, and provide support packages to ensure long-term, trouble-free operation even in harsh chemical environments.
